Download PDF of this full issue: v4n4.pdf (7.6 MB)

Leavenworth Repression Heightens

By VVAW

The situation around the Federal Prison in Leavenworth, Ks., is becoming increasingly tense and grotesque. On July 31st, a rebellion (sparked by the oppression within the prison) occurred in which prisoners held control of the prison for 2 hours. During this time, several guards were injured, parts of the shoe factory were set on fire, and 4 guards were taken hostage. In a separate part of the prison which was untouched by the rebellion, 1 guard was killed. Indictments relating to this July uprising were handed down in February; charged with murder, kidnapping and assault are Odell Burnett, Jesse Evans, Alf Hill and Alfred Jasper. Also charged with kidnapping and assault are William Hurst, Jesse Lopez and Armando Miramon. All of these brothers are members of VVAW/WSO.

The Leavenworth Brothers Offense/Defense Committee (a project of Kansas City VVAW/WSO) called for a demonstration on Feb. 18th in support of these brothers. On that day, over 200 supporters participated in a rally, followed by a silent, single-file march to the prison. At the prison, the demonstrators presented Warden Daggett with a petition demanding: 1. Release the Leavenworth Brothers from Solitary 2. Drop the frame-up charges, and 3. Comply with the July 31st list of prisoner grievances. After arriving at the prison where the supporters were met with cheers from behind the prison walls, the demonstrators stood silent for 10 minutes paying silent tribute to all the Brothers before they marched away singing.

In recent months, the true nature of the prison and "justice" systems has shown itself to be blatantly repressive and racist. The brothers have been ordered to appear in court for hearings several times, and they have been consistently beaten as a result of their resistance to the practice of rectal searches. At court hearings, the brothers have appeared bloody, chained and gagged, while their pleas for relief and medical attention have been ignored by the court. One of the brothers, Odell Bennett, has been on a hunger-strike since Jan. 2nd, as a protest to his treatment by Leavenworth officials. His demands to be moved to the medical facility at Springfield, Mo. (plus hundreds of letters to the warden from supporters) have also been ignored. Though Bennett now weighs little more than 100 pounds, the prison has refused to budge, though this is a direct violation of Bureau of Prison rules.

The racism of this entire frame-up can be seen in the fact that William Hurst (the only white brother who has been indicted) has been separated form the rest of the brothers. Hurst was transferred to Marion, Ill. shortly after the uprising occurred, and has been sent back to Kansas during this period of frequent court hearings. He has been separated from the rest of his close brothers, and remains in the County Jail in Kansas City.

Racism may also be seen in the trials of Alf Hill and Alfred Jasper which have already taken place (trials stemming from incidents which occurred after the 31st). On March 4th, Hill's trial on charges of assault on a federal officer and inciting a mutiny began in Topeka, Ks. During jury selection, 26 prospective jurors (all white) were called and Hill was denied the right to question any of them. During the trial, Hill addressed the jury by stating: "There are no black people here...My nose was broken. I've got no shoes. They tell me they are going to kill me. They broke my ribs. This is a racist frame-up and you've been framing me all my life...Well, I'm not going to sing your Negro spirituals no more!" Hill was found guilty on both counts and could receive a sentence of up to 20 years. Two days later, the trial of Alfred Jasper began on charges of possession of a deadly weapon (allegedly a sock filled with glass). Judge Templar (the judge who heard both trials) made an unprecedented decision in the selection of Jasper's jury, and ruled that the prospective jury that was call for Hill would be the same for Jasper. This meant that out of the 26 prospective jurors originally called, 12 heard Hill's trial and 12 heard Jasper's (which left literally no room for defense challenges). Needless to say, he was also found guilty and could receive a 10 year sentence. Odell Bennett, who was also charged with assault and inciting a mutiny, was to go to trial on March 11th, but his trial has been postponed and no future trial date has been set.

The atmosphere at Leavenworth has grown increasingly more repressive. According to the LBODC and the brothers inside, conditions in the prison are at the boiling point. None of the grievances which led to the 31st rebellion have been dealt with. Solitary confinement is terribly overcrowded because 40 brothers who participated with a hunger-strike in conjunction with the Feb. 18th demonstration have been thrown in the "hole." The guards have been acting in a very provocative manner recently, and the brother suspect that they are attempting to incite the prisoners into a confrontation situation. The attorneys are not permitted regular visits with the brothers, and mail from the attorneys and defense committee has been cut off. If conditions within the prison do not change, it is possible that there could be a re-play of the July uprising.

The frame-up of these brothers must be stopped! They are not guilty; the prison administration which incited the July rebellion is guilty. If the brothers are to get a fair trial and be allowed to prove their innocence, they will need help from the people of this country. The attorneys will not be able to handle the trials of the major indictments, so good criminal lawyers are desperately needed. Also, money to defend the brothers is vitally important. Send contributions and information requests to: LBODC, P.O. Box 5818, Kansas City, Missouri 64111.