Political prisoner Russell Maroon Shoatz still held in solitary confinement

Former Black Panther political prisoner Russell Maroon Shoatz

transferred to SCI Mahanoy, still held in solitary confinement

For immediate release: March 31, 2013

On Friday, March 29, family members and the legal team of Russell Maroon Shoatz were informed by staff at State Correctional Institution (SCI) Greene, Pennsylvania, that he had been transferred to SCI Mahanoy. The Superintendent’s Assistant at SCI Mahanoy confirmed that Maroon had arrived there on Thursday, March 28. He was immediately placed in solitary confinement, the torturous condition he has endured for over 22 consecutive years (and over thirty years in total since his 1983 incarceration).

Despite the fact that Maroon has not had a serious rule violation in over 20 years, he had been held in solitary confinement continuously during his eighteen years at SCI Greene.

Pennsylvania Department of Corrections (DOC) Secretary John Wetzel refused to comment on this “permanent” transfer, or provide any additional information when his office was contacted on Friday.

During the past year, a movement has been developing in support of Maroon. Prominent legal and human rights organizations have come out in support of Maroon, thousands of people have signed petitions, made phone calls, and written letters demanding his immediate release, his case has begun to receive substantial national and international press, and a collection of his writings has just been published – with a national book tour just under way. A major Campaign to Free Russell Maroon Shoatz has been launched, and a legal team has been assembled with plans for potential litigation this spring to challenge the unconstitutional and immoral torture which Maroon continues to be subjected to.

None of this has escaped the notice of the PA DOC.

It is too soon to tell what effect this move will have on Maroon. Members of his family and legal team will be visiting him in the coming days and news from these visits will be quickly shared. It is clear that this move is in reaction to the work of the Campaign; we must continue our efforts until Maroon is fully released from solitary confinement, “restricted housing,” or other torturous conditions. A 30-day pressure campaign which was to begin on April 8, 2013 following the release of a “demand letter” from his legal team is still in place pending word over the next three days from Maroon himself, his family and his lawyers. The pressure campaign calls on all people committed to human rights, justice, and peace to write to Secretary Wetzel insisting that Maroon – who will turn 70 years old in August – be released into general population. 

Increased vigilance is needed more than ever, as Maroon and SCI Mahanoy need to be well aware that his determined and broadly-situated supporters are keeping daily track of his circumstances. Send a message of friendship and solidarity to this effect directly to Maroon, and stay tuned for further updates and action alerts in the coming week.

Write to Maroon as follows:

Russell Maroon Shoats

#AF3855
SCI-Mahanoy, 301 Morea Rd., Frackville, PA 17932

Now, more than ever, Maroon needs our support. His decades of contributions, sacrifice and struggle require no less from all of us.

Forward Ever!

Theresa Shoatz & Matt Meyer

co-conveners, National Campaign to Free Russell Maroon Shoatz

For more information, contact us at: FreeMaroonShoatz@gmail.com

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