Lynne Stewart’s husband Ralph Poynter (c) at the White House this week
On Wednesday night at Cooper Union in New York, hundreds gathered to honor former intelligence analyst Edward Snowden’s courageous acts, and emcee Debra Sweet brought up the situation of Lynne Stewart, the radical human rights lawyer now serving a ten-year sentence in Texas on charges that she aided terrorists.
Lynne Stewart is dying. Our sister Lynne Stewart is dying. You all know who she is. Her husband is in front of the White House– Ralph Poynter, carrying out a protest.
Stewart, 73, is suffering from advanced cancer; and the prison she is in cannot treat her appropriately. The warden has reportedly authorized her release nearly two months ago, but federal higher-ups are not acting on the recommendation.
Many have appealed for her compassionate release, including Dick Gregory and others outside the Bureau of Prisons three days ago, and the Lawyers Rights Watch of Canada, which writes:
The Warden’s recommendation of 26 April 2013 and documentation have been fully vetted by the Federal Bureau of Prison. Urgently needed medical treatment arranged at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre in New York will begin immediately on Ms Stewart’s release.
Inexcusable delays, denials and inappropriate delivery of medical treatment while in prison have worsening Ms Stewart’s health to the point where further delay may result in death
Friends have undertaken another protest at the White House beginning Monday. From their flyer:
Lynne Stewart’s health is in rapid decline. We must take collective action creating a highly public presence in Washington, D.C.
A Compassionate Release was recommended months ago by Warden Jody R. Upton, under whose watch Lynne has been incarcerated at Carswell Federal Prison. Compassionate Release papers remain sitting on the desk of Director, Charles E. Samuels, Jr. of the Federal Bureau of Prisons waiting to be signed.
The Federal Bureau of Prisons is under the political leadership of Attorney General Eric Holder and President Barack Obama.
Lynne’s life hangs in the balance.
What will we do?
On Monday, June 24, 2013 at the White House, we will gather to continue “a long vigil for a long struggle” calling for Lynne Stewart’s release. It is urgent that we stand along side Ralph Poynter, Lynne Stewart’s husband, demanding that Lynne Stewart be granted Compassionate Release before it is too late. Reclaim Solidarity… Imagine Justice.
THE RIGHT TO RETURN HOME: RELEASE LYNNE STEWART
Gathering Daily from June 24, 2013 Onward 9:00 am The White House Washington, D.C. Travel assistance is available. Please RSVP and spread the word on Facebook.
For more information write to: info@wewillnotbesilent.net
So basically Obama’s figured out how to enact a death sentence without upsetting his fan base.
Do not make mistake about it: Lynne Stewart is a clear warning to all intellectuals and professionals that throwing your weight behind the enemies of the people ( aka “Terrorists” ) have real consequences, and regardless of whoever you are can land you in prison with no access to humane pain control.
She is not an Arab, she is an “Arab-lover”. Which is why she is being “disappeared” in plain sight not by South American junta but by USA.
Petition to Free Lynne Stewart: Save Her Life – Release Her Now!
LINK – http://www.change.org/petitions/petition-to-free-lynne-stewart-save-her-life-release-her-now-2
While you’re at it, Michael Hastings isn’t doing too well either. I’m sure there is a perfectly reasonable explanation of why his car burst into flames and crashed into a tree at 4:30 A.M. (Of course, that explanation may not be the truth). I just wonder what liberals’ reaction would have been if Daniel Ellsberg was in a similar accident when he was taking on Nixon. It just seems no matter what happens, there is never a peep of dissatisfaction of disillusion with Obama from liberals. I guess it must be the way he sings Al Green.
“It just seems no matter what happens, there is never a peep of dissatisfaction of disillusion with Obama from liberals.”
Oh, I think you just haven’t been reading closely enough. I remember many criticisms of him posted around here… even some that I didn’t write.