Res. No. 344 Title Resolution calling upon the Governor to grant clemency to all political prisoners in the State of New York who have been persecuted and unjustly convicted for their political beliefs and activities. Body By Council Members Barron, Baez, Foster and Sanders Whereas, The New York City Council defends and promotes human and civil rights; and Whereas, The New York City Council condemns the criminalization of political activity and expression as a method of political control; and Whereas, The New York City Council condemns abuses by law enforcement agencies when such agencies act in a manner that stifles political expression; and Whereas, J. Edgar Hoover stated that the Black Panther Party "was the greatest threat to the Internal Security of America;" and Whereas, The FBI commenced to engage in the dissemination of anti-Black Panther propaganda; and Whereas, At least 28 Black Panthers were killed by government law enforcement agents and had questionable criminal charges lodged against them; and Whereas, No law enforcement agency or agents were brought to justice; and Whereas, The New York City Council is aware of the abuses perpetrated by the FBI under one of its programs known as COINTELPRO, which targeted organizations dedicated to principles of democracy, self-determination, social justice and liberation; and Whereas, The New York City Council is aware that to date all efforts pursued in our courts to free political prisoners and many other victims of COINTELPRO abuses have failed; and Whereas, The New York City Council deplores that the federal government has never launched a full investigation into the convictions obtained under COINTELPRO to determine whether these individuals have been wrongly imprisoned; and Whereas, Just as President Clinton granted amnesty to political prisoners, the New York City Council calls upon Governor Pataki to do the same; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the Governor to grant clemency to all political prisoners in the State of New York who have been persecuted and unjustly convicted for their political beliefs and activities. 06/13/2002 LV