File #: Res 0173-2006    Version: * Name: Governor to grant clemency to all political prisoners in NYS who have been persecuted and unjustly convicted for their political beliefs and activities.
Type: Resolution Status: Filed
Committee: Committee on Fire and Criminal Justice Services
On agenda: 3/22/2006
Enactment date: Law number:
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.
Sponsors: Charles Barron, Helen D. Foster, Larry B. Seabrook
Council Member Sponsors: 3

Res. No. 173

 

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.

 

By Council Members Barron, Foster and Seabrook

 

                     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.

 

RBU
Res133/2004