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<img src="cid:.0" width=338 height=253 alt="[]"><font size=3> <br>
</font><h2><b>Monday, July 6, 2009<br><br>
</b></h2><h3><b>
<a href="http://freethesf8.blogspot.com/2009/07/charges-dropped-jalil-pleads-no-contest.html">
Charges dropped - Jalil pleads no contest – Cisco's case continues</a>
</b></h3><font size=3>Finally, after years of unified resistance by the
brothers and a the building of massive support, California State
prosecutors were forced to admit that they have insufficient evidence
against the San Francisco 8.<br><br>
Charges against four of the defendants were dropped and Jalil Muntaqim
pled no contest to conspiracy to commit voluntary manslaughter. The State
prosecutor asked the court to sentence him to 12 months calling it
"a drop in the bucket." Judge Moscone replied "unless
you're the one doing the time." Jalil received credit for time
served (close to 2 1/2 years in County Jail) and 3 years probation. He
will return to New York to fight for parole. <br><br>
The charges were dismissed today against Ray Boudreaux, Richard Brown,
Hank Jones, and Harold Taylor.<br><br>
The courtroom at 850 Bryant Street was packed with SF 8 supporters after
a rally of hundreds and a huge Free SF 8 banner was displayed on the
hillside of Bernal Heights to be seen from all over the city. (see the
photo above)<br><br>
"This is finally the disposition of a case that should never have
been brought in the first place," announced attorney Soffiyah
Elijah.<br><br>
Francisco Torres still faces a court hearing on August 10th.
Francisco steadfastly maintains his innocence according to his attorney
Charles Bourdon who intends to file a motion to dismiss the charges
against his client. <br><br>
Herman Bell entered a plea a week ago.<br><br>
</font><h3><b>
<a href="http://freethesf8.blogspot.com/2009/06/herman-bell-pleads-guilty-to-reduced.html">
Herman Bell Pleads Guilty to Reduced Charge of Manslaughter – No Prison
Sentence</a> </b></h3><font size=3>Herman Bell was supported by a
courtroom of supporters June 29th as he entered a plea in the SF 8 case.
After legal formalities he left the courtroom raising a clenched fist to
the crowd. <br><br>
Herman Bell pled guilty to the reduced charge of voluntary manslaughter
for his role in the killing of San Francisco police officer John Young in
1971. <br><br>
Part of the plea agreement is that Herman will not be a witness against
his comrades and friends and cannot be called to any hearing as a witness
by the prosecution.<br><br>
His sentence is that he will be placed on informal probation for five
years and will be allowed to immediately return to New York. He will
receive absolutely no additional prison time for his actions.<br><br>
Herman and his co-defendants have always maintained that because of the
torture used by the New Orleans Police Department to gain alleged
confessions and the lack of new evidence, these charges should never have
been brought. <br><br>
Herman's letter to supporters and friends follows.<br>
***************************************<br>
7/2/09<br><br>
Dear friends<br><br>
Your strong showing of support at my plea/sentencing hearing this past
Monday was truly heartening. For me, removing the possibility of
going to trial when a proposal (though unpalatable) is offered that would
leave open a future chance at parole in another jurisdiction was
something I could not pass up. So I accepted the AG’s proposal. There is
no disunity here, just a tactical legal decision having been made. I
could never be at peace with myself if I sat in a prison cell for the
rest of my days knowing that I rejected a proposal that left open
possible freedom one day. You expect me to think and act responsibly and
to make responsible decisions. I expect no less of myself or of
you.<br><br>
I am so proud of you and all the work you’ve done in our behalf and in
waking our movement from its lethargyproud of your speaking, proud of
your fund-raising, proud of your organizing (the Labor Council, the City
Supervisors, the Caravan to Sacramentosuch a sweet piece of “main
stream” organizing, and the tribute to Panther women). So very proud that
you were in court to smile your greetings whenever we appeared; proud
that you made bail for those of us who could bail-out, and that you
routinely visited those of us who could not. I shall miss your frequent
visits, so how could I not go forward in this without a heavy heart. I do
so thanking you for being true to yourselves and thanking you for the
love and righteous support you gave and are giving the SF8. <br><br>
I love you all.<br><br>
Herman.<br><br>
<br>
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