Sundiata Acoli, 85, has been in prison for almost five decades for the 1973 murder of a policeman.
A New Jersey court has granted parole to the oldest former member of the Black Panthers after nearly five decades in prison.
Founded in 1966, the Black Panthers were a revolutionary black nationalist and socialist group espousing armed self-defence especially against police.The shooting that led to Acoli's imprisonment followed a routine traffic stop on the New Jersey Turnpike.At the time, Acoli was traveling with Assata and Malik Shakur, two members of the Black Liberation Army, the armed wing of the Black Panthers. He was arrested after a police chase alongside Assata Shakur.
After being repeatedly denied parole since first becoming eligible 29 years ago, New Jersey's Supreme Court has now voted 3-2 to overturn a parole board ruling. In 2010, a state-assigned psychologist determined that Acoli "appeared remorseful" and had expressed "deep regret" for his role in Foerster's death."I deeply regret the actions that transpired," he said. "Those were turbulent and fearful times."
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Former Black Panther Sundiata Acoli released from prison after 49 yearsThe oldest imprisoned Panther was eligible for parole 29 years ago but was repeatedly denied in spite of ‘exemplary’ prison record
Read more »
Former Black Panther Sundiata Acoli released from prison after 49 yearsThe oldest imprisoned Panther was eligible for parole 29 years ago but was repeatedly denied in spite of ‘exemplary’ prison record
Read more »
The big idea: why we need to rewrite the history of female bodiesCenturies of prejudice have led to bad science, physical suffering and missed potential
Read more »
'We won then, we will win now': Volodymyr Zelenskiy sends Victory Day message – videoVolodymy Zelenskiy says that Ukraine will prevail in the war against Russia.
Read more »