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June 12, 2015

Albert Woodfox Awaits Decision on Release After 43 Years in Solitary 
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In Louisiana, a decision to release the longest-serving U.S. prisoner in
solitary confinement could come as early as this afternoon. Albert
Woodfox's immediate release was ordered Monday by a federal judge, but
delayed when the state appealed to the Fifth Circuit. Woodfox was first
placed in solitary in 1972 after he was charged with murdering a prison
guard, Brent Miller. Woodfox is a former Black Panther and member of the
"Angola Three," who insist they were falsely accused because of their
political organizing. The guard's widow, "Teenie" Rogers, issued a
statement Thursday calling for Woodfox's release because she believes he
is innocent. She wrote, "I hope the Appeals Court cares about the
evidence and cares about justice. The judge has already said this is
over. Let it be over. For all of us."

 

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