The Final Call

Free Assata! National events draw focus on U.S. Political Prisoners

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Programs and protests are planned around the country in 20 cities that day, spearheaded by the Coalition to End Political-Repression (CER) in what organizers are calling a National Day of Awareness.

Assata Shakur (born JoAnne Chesimard), renowned activist and freedom fighter was a member of the Black Panther party and the Black Liberation Front. She was shot by New Jersey State Police in 1973 after the car she was in with two others was pulled over.

Shots were fired resulting in the death of a state trooper Werner Foerster and Malik Zayad Shakur.  Ms. Shakur and Sundiata Acoli were convicted of killing the state trooper. She was convicted by an all-White jury and spent six and a half years in prison before escaping. Ms. Shakur has been living in exile in Cuba since 1984.

In 2012, the F.B.I. placed Ms. Shakur on its Most Wanted Terrorist list and increased the reward for her capture to $2 million. Supporters have long maintained her innocence they argue is supported by trial testimony and evidence. 

The United States of America does not recognize political prisoners. They treat our political prisoners like they are common criminals, and it’s not the case. These people participated in the struggle for the liberation of Black people,” said Abdul Jabbar Caliph, activist and a coordinator of the event.  Mr. Caliph said mass incarceration and political prisoners in the U.S. is a huge problem and that people need to learn more about it.  He said he hopes a “new movement” will spring forth from the November events. Gatherings in Chicago, Portland, Oakland and New York are just a few of the cities participating, he added. 

The National Jericho Movement plans a full day of events starting at 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at UDC School of Law, 4340 Connecticut Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008.

For more information visit www.thejerichomovement.com.