News Article
September 9, 2020

Demand Freedom for Ed Poindexter!

Commutation Request Submitted on August 17, 2020

Ed Poindexter finally filed his application for commutation of sentence on August 17.

At the August Pardons Board meeting, Dr. Topolski, a new supporter, asked the governor to expedite Ed's application because of the risk of covid19.

The governor said he wasn't inclined to let anybody "jump in line" (there are 49 other applications for sentence commutations) but he also said that didn't mean that Ed would not be on the agenda in October.

Please write a letter to the Pardons Board (and forward this), and sign the online petition: http://chng.it/vctskKv49k

Ed would be very grateful. We would also appreciate if you could send us a copy of your letter to: freedomfored@gmail.com

Thank you so much for your decades of support for Ed, and for Mondo we Langa!

Ed’s Story

In April of 1971, Edward Poindexter and Mondo we Langa, formerly David Rice, were sentenced to life in prison for the death of an Omaha police officer—a crime they did not commit. The two were targeted by law enforcement and wrongfully convicted due to their affiliation with the Black Panther Party, a civil rights and anti-fascist political group.

Nearly 50 years later, Ed is still in prison and maintains his innocence. He has earned several college degrees, taught anti-violence classes to youth, authored screenplays, and more. His last chance for freedom is to receive a commutation of sentence from the Nebraska Board of Pardons. At age 75, he is at high risk for COVID related health complications. He must receive an immediate and expedited commutation hearing from the Board.

Take Action Now

Write, email and call the Nebraska Board of Pardons. Request that they expedite Ed’s application, schedule his hearing for the October 2020 meeting and commute his sentence.

WRITE:

Nebraska Board of Pardons

P.O. Box 95007

Lincoln, NE 68509

*please email a copy of your letter to freedomfored@gmail.com

EMAIL:

ne.pardonsboard@nebraska.gov

CALL:

Governor Pete Ricketts: 402-471-2244

SoS Robert B. Evnen: 402-471-2554

AG Doug Peterson: 402-471-2683

Sample Letter

Dear Pardons Board:

I am writing in regards to Edward Poindexter, #27767, who has served nearly 50 years in prison with exemplary behavior and many accomplishments. He is 75 years old and at high risk for COVID-19 related medical complications, which have been amplified by the increased COVID transmission rate among prisoners. I am therefore requesting that the Board expedite Ed’s application, schedule his hearing for the October 2020 Board meeting, and commute his sentence to length of time served.

You can read more about Ed here:

https://prisonersolidarity.com/prisoner/edward-poindexter