Jericho Movement

Chuck Africa is Out of the Hole!

Just heard from the MOVE Organization by phone today, June 18, 2010, that Chuck Africa is out of the hole as of yesterday. Many thanks to all supporters who called and emailed the Warden. More details will be forthcoming as soon as we receive them.

Thanks for your support.

Robert Seth Hayes June 2010 Parole Hearing

Seth is asking that we write letters to the parole board supporting his request. Please address the letter to the Parole Commissioners (Re: Parole application of Robert Seth Hayes #74A2280) but send to:

Cheryl L. Kates, Esq., P.O. Box 711, Honeoye, NY 14471

Robert Seth Hayes is a U.S. political prisoner and former member of the Black Panther Party who has been imprisoned in New York state for more than three and a half decades. When Seth was convicted in 1974, his sentence was 25 years to life. The implicit understanding at the time of his sentencing was that Seth would serve 25 years as a minimum, after which time he would be eligible for release based on his record and conduct in prison.

In June 2010 Seth will be going before the parole board for the seventh time. At each of Seth's previous parole hearings, he was denied release due to the serious nature of the crime he was convicted of and given another two years in jail. The refusal of parole for the serious nature of the crime seems contrary to the spirit of the law, for it is something that a prisoner can never change, and the giving of parole is based upon the prisoner's behavior while behind bars.

Seth is not the only one being subjected to these unfair rules. This has become common practice for the New York state parole board, who, by denying parole based on the seriousness of the conviction, are de facto re-sentencing many prisoners to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Seth's prison record is exemplary, and if a decision about Seth's parole were to be based on his conduct and personal growth, he would have rejoined his family and his community years ago.

Please write a letter to the parole board to let them know that you think Seth deserves to be released. Write your own letter, or use the sample letter.

If you have a personal relationship with Seth, please consider writing about this relationship in your letter. If you work with a community organization or union, have a professional job, or are a rock star, please consider mentioning this in your letter (or writing on letterhead, etc.).

If you decide to personalize your letter, you may choose to include information drawn from the short biography, where some of Seth's accomplishments are highlighted.

More information about Seth can be found on a web page that has been put together by his supporters at www.sethhayes.org