In the wake of the recent ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit on Albert Woodfox, Jasmine Heiss, Amnesty International USA’s Senior Campaigner for Individuals at Risk, released the following statement:
“Albert Woodfox can be tried a third time, but that doesn’t mean he should be. There’s no reason other than vengeance for Attorney General Buddy Caldwell to pursue the case.
“Let’s recall that U.S. District Judge James Brady ordered Woodfox’s unconditional and immediate release in June. He cited five compelling reasons, including his age and poor health, unavailability of witnesses and the ‘prejudice done’ to Woodfox during over four decades spent in solitary confinement. He also cited a lack of confidence in the ability of the state to provide a fair third trial.
“Brady’s order should have been the end of Woodfox’s legal nightmare, but Attorney General Caldwell has relentlessly sought to extend it. In fact, he has never missed an opportunity to stand between Woodfox and justice.
“Woodfox has endured the unthinkable for over four decades in state custody, and it’s long past time for him to walk free. We’re calling on Attorney General Caldwell to release Woodfox immediately.”