USA: Eric McDavid released from prison!

Nieuws, gepost door: nn op 09/01/2015 01:08:39

Wanneer: 09/01/2015 - 21:16

It is with bursting hearts that we write to tell you some amazing news. Today, January 8, Eric was ordered released from prison. It has been almost 9 years exactly since he was arrested in Auburn, CA, on January 13, 2006.


Eric’s release came about because of the habeas petition that he and his legal team filed in May 2012. Because the government withheld important documents from the defense at trial, Eric’s original judgment and sentencing were vacated and he pleaded guilty to a lesser charge that carried a five year maximum sentence. This means Eric has already spent four years longer in prison than could have been required under the statute for the charge he pleaded guilty to. He received credit for time served and was ordered released.

Eric’s projected release date – until today – was February of 2023.

We are beyond thrilled that Eric will soon be back home with us, where he belongs. But nothing can change the fact that Eric and his loved ones have had 9 years stolen from them by the state. At times, this fight seemed almost impossible. Eric endured hunger strikes, solitary, the separation of hundreds of miles from everyone and everything he loved, and the isolation and cold walls and wire of prison. These things were meant to break him – but the state has utterly failed in this endeavor. Eric remains steadfast and strong. Eric fought the charges against him 9 years ago because he knew it was the right thing to do. He has maintained his integrity all of these years by staying true to himself and to the things he believes in. But he has not done this in a vacuum. Thank you to everyone who has shown their love and support these last nine years. It has made all the difference. To everyone who has ever written a letter, sent drawings of dragons or pictures of fairies, or included pictures of something as simple as a blade of grass… you have given Eric’s life color, fire and connection these past 9 years. You have proven that our solidarity is our strongest weapon.

We are anxious to celebrate! But we also must remember that Eric’s case is just one among many – and it is by no means the most egregious. Since 9/11 the state has engaged in political prosecutions of hundreds of people in this country – the majority of them from Muslim communities – for their religious and political affiliations. And our comrades continue to be targeted and arrested for daring to dream. We are overjoyed that Eric is coming home. But we also know that we must never rest until all are free.

Eric has been released from Sacramento County jail, but his struggle is far from over. He received two years of supervised release and will be under their watch during that time. Coming out of prison is a complicated and difficult journey, but it is one that we are excited and ready to begin.

Thanks again to all of you – and a big shout out to Eric’s lawyers – Mark Vermeulen and Ben Rosenfeld – who have worked tirelessly and passionately on his case for years, pro bono.

We will be in touch in the coming weeks. Until then – celebrate! Struggle! And as Eric would say… Find UR Joy! So much love to you all.

Until all are free!

Source: http://sacprisonersupport.wordpress.com/2015/01/08/eric-mcdavid-will-be-...



Wie: 
nn

http://supporteric.org

Eric McDavid is a political prisoner, currently serving a 20 year sentence in federal prison for “thought crime.” He was arrested in January 2006 (as part of the government's ongoing "Green Scare" campaign against environmental and animal rights activists) after being targeted by an undercover informant who formulated a crime and entrapped Eric in it. Eric was targeted by the state for his political beliefs, and his case is important for everyone who dares to stand up.



Wie: 
nn

An Update and a Note From recently released Political Prisoner, Eric McDavid!

Dear friends and comrades!

We just wanted to send you a quick update from/about Eric. Below you will find info about how to write Eric, how to donate to post-release funds, and a note from Eric!

The outpouring of support we have received from all across the world has been incredible. Thank you all so much. We are in tears several times a day from reading your kind notes, emails and texts full of love and solidarity.

So many of you have asked what you can do now to support Eric post-release. Thank you for knowing and understanding the importance of continued support!

If you would like to write Eric or send him care packages, you can send them to:

Eric McDavid
c/o SPS
PO Box 163126
Sacramento, CA 95816

We are still accepting donations through the PayPal account on Eric's website. You can find a link at: http://supporteric.org/howtohelp.htm#Fundraising

Thank you all for your continued love and solidarity!

Yours,
Sacramento Prisoner Support

Letter from Eric McDavid about his release (USA)

And now...

I cannot begin this without an overflowingly gushing heartfelt thanks for the amazing support, aid, and solidarity provided by so many people from so many places - seeing me through these past 9 years to bring me home...tears of release and joy will continue to wet my cheeks.

I don't wipe them away... the folks at Sacramento Prisoner Support have never wavered in going above and beyond while enduring all the pressures that come from moving contrary to what the FBI had considered a closed case - i love you all so dearly. to my habeas attorneys, mark and ben, your work on this process certainly hasn't changed my view of the legal system - but it has proven to me that humyns can actually survive the bar with their strong and beautiful hearts intact, still connected, and persevering as a guiding force in their lives = 'thank you' will never be enough, i love you both... surviving these last 9 years has brought me to a new understanding of patience and how it can be passionate, thereby sustaining the need for a longer view; one that will continue to help me as i move into aiding those still held behind razor wire fences, concrete, and steel... so many others have cases as ridiculous as my own - some much worse, and have been in for decades; a number i met personally and others i dream of meeting upon their release. thank you all so much for all of your love and support as i begin to move into this next phase of my life.

i'll be in touch again soon. for now i hope to focus on spending time with my loved ones and reconnecting with the community that i love and have missed for so long. Too much love.

find UR joy

Eric McDavid

Source: http://sacprisonersupport.wordpress.com/


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