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June 15, 2015

Appeals Court Blocks Release of Albert Woodfox After 43 Years in Solitary 
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A federal appeals court has ordered former Black Panther Albert Woodfox,
the longest-serving prisoner in solitary confinement, to remain behind
bars while Louisiana officials appeal a judge's order for his immediate
release. Woodfox has spent 43 years in solitary for the murder of a
prison guard, a crime for which he and late, fellow Angola 3 member
Herman Wallace say they were framed for their political activism.
Woodfox's two previous convictions for the crime have both been
overturned, but Louisiana officials are now seeking a third trial. On
Friday, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals extended a stay on the
judge's order for his release, meaning it could be weeks or months until
Woodfox is potentially freed. His attorney, Carine Williams, expressed
her disappointment.

Carine Williams: "We are deeply disappointed that after 40 years of
incarceration under the harshest conditions possible, Mr. Woodfox will
not be released today. The district court decision, we believe, is the
correct one. It is sound, well-reasoned, relies on clearly established
law. The facts of this case are extraordinary. At this stage, the only
outcome that could serve the interests of law and justice would be Mr.
Woodfox's immediate release."

 

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