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November 21, 2014

Angola 3 Prisoner Likely to Remain Behind Bars Despite Latest Court Ruling Ordering Release 
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And a federal appeals court has upheld a lower court ruling ordering
Louisiana to release Albert Woodfox, a former Black Panther who has
spent more than 40 years in solitary confinement. Woodfox and the late
Herman Wallace, another prisoner of the "Angola 3," were convicted of
murdering a guard at Angola Prison. The Angola 3 and their supporters
say they were framed for their political activism. A federal judge ruled
last year that Woodfox should be set free on the basis of racial
discrimination in his retrial. It was the third time Woodfox’s
conviction has been overturned, but prosecutors have negated the
victories with a series of appeals. Thursday's ruling by the 5th Circuit
Court of Appeals upheld the order for Woodfox's release in a unanimous
three-to-nothing decision. But prosecutors could still delay its
enforcement with more appeals to keep Woodfox behind bars. In a
statement, the International Coalition to Free the Angola 3 said:
"Though the courts have finally ruled in the interest of justice, it may
still be months or years before this innocent man is released from his
solitary cell."

 

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