I N T E R N E T ' S  M A O I S T  BI-M O N T H L Y

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = 

     XX XX  XXX  XX XX   X   X  XXX  XXX  XXX  XXX
     X X X   X   X X X   XX  X  X X   X   X    X
     X V X   X   X V X   X X X  X X   X   XX   XXX
     X   X   X   X   X   X  XX  X X   X   X      X
     X   X  XXX  X   X   X   V  XXX   X   XXX  XXX

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         THE MAOIST INTERNATIONALIST MOVEMENT

     MIM Notes 117                  JULY 1 1996



PRISONER, FOCUS OF RAIL RALLY, IS RETURNED

Bob Lena, a Massachusetts prisoner with poor health 
and subjected to appalling lack of medical care in 
Dallas Texas, has been returned to Massachusetts. 
His story was highlighted on the cover of MIM Notes 
114. His return is a victory for the activists who 
gathered in the rain to mark the six month 
anniversary of the transfer of 299 Massachusetts 
prisoners to Texas and all who have taken action 
around this issue.

Bob Lena wrote a letter to Jill Brotman, head of 
the Criminal Justice program at the American 
Friends Service Committee (AFSC). AFSC cosponsored 
the May 4 rally and has led many other actions to 
protest the transfer: "If possible, please thank 
all of the men and women who attend meetings; 
protest in front of Gov. Weld's house; make phone 
calls; and, write letters for their support. I am 
proof that such efforts can be successful."(1)

Of the 299 originally transferred, 278 remain in 
Texas.(2) No one seems to know all the numbers, but 
one prisoner died of AIDS, a few finished their 
sentences and were deported directly, a few 
finished their sentences and were returned to 
Massachusetts, and a few have returned apparently 
for health reasons.

Lena closed his letter with the imperative: "Let's 
bring all the men back soon."(1) RAIL will continue 
to struggle for this success as we confront the 
criminal injustice system.

Notes:
1. Letter from Bob Lena to Jill Brotman, dated May 
25, 1996.
2. Jill Brotman, speaking at the June 5 meeting of 
the Coalition of Prisoner Family and Friends. For 
more information about the meetings, call Jill at 
(617)661-6130.

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