From: nattyreb@ix.netcom.com
Date: Tue, 11 May 1999 08:53:55
Subject: !*URGENT ACTION NEEDED for Angola 3

URGENT ACTION REQUESTED!
==========================

From: "Mark Thiel" 

 Subject: Latest on Angola
 Date: Monday, May 10, 1999 4:57 PM
 
5/10/99   Update on Angola Three:
Just talked to Malik, who was caught in transit when this situation broke
at Angola, and is just now getting us up to date.
The men have been in fact charged with "incitement to riot," as well as
being a "threat to security," despite the fact that what they did was a
completely peaceful protest, remaining in their cells, and refusing to
eat, go out to shower, exercise, etc.
 
 What we need to do now is rain faxes, phone calls, letters, and postcards
 on the governor. Don't even bother with Burl Cain, who is apparently not
 dealing straight with us.
 
 Here is the info for contacting the governor:
 
 Governor M.J. "Mike" Foster
 P.O. Box 94004
 Baton Rouge, LA 70804
 
 Phone (225) 342-7015
 Fax: (225) 342-7099
 
 Also, continue to write to Herman and Albert at their regular addresses:
 Herman Wallace, #76759, CCR U/C # 13
 Louisiana State Penitentiary,        Angola, LA 70712
 
 Albert Woodfox, #72148. CCR U/F #9
 Louisiana State Penitentiary,      Angola, LA 70712
 
 The authorities need to know that the support is out there, and that it
 will not go away. So keep on sending letters to Herman and Albert. This
is  their best protection.
 
 The Governor needs to hear from us every single day. Keep the faxes,
phone calls, & letters coming on to his desk. This is the only thing that is
 going to affect the warden.
 
====================================>

DATE: Sat, 08 May 1999 21:14:44
From: "Mark A. Thiel" 

Greetings,

  The following is a sample of a letter sent in response to the
increasingly dire situation of the Angola 3 at the Louisiana State Prison. 
There is some concern among knowledgable people that there may be an 
attempt on the lives of these three by enemies within the staff. Thus there
exists, to my mind, an emergency which is in need of a concerted effort to 
shine the light into the darkness there and place impediments in the way of
any such attempts. I have also faxed Warden Cain, and will be moving further 
with other communications. Feel free to suggest other implementations, or, if
you are in possession of further information on the situation get in
touch.

     Mark Thiel Ruchell Magee Defense Committee
___________________________________________________________________


May 8, 1999
Burl Cain, Warden
Louisiana State Penitentiary    Tel.(225) 655-4411
Angola, LA 70712-9813           Fax (225) 655-2319

Dear Mr. Cain:

There is something singularly unreassuring about the letter I just
received from you in response to my concern at the time of Albert Woodfox's
transfer back to Angola State Prison, coming as it has in the face of new and
very serious threats to the security of not only Mr. Woodfox but also of
Herman Wallace and Robert Wilkerson.

I have been in close touch (by letter) with both Mr. Woodfox and Mr.
Wallace over many months, as they report growing harassment, deprivation
(without cause) of privileges, and now a series of extremely punitive
measures placed on the entire CCR unit with no reason. They have been
promised a meeting with you which has not materialized. They were
allegedly assured by you that their privileges would not be taken, yet the
deprivation went forward. Finally they decided to make a statement
because they felt they had no other recourse, of a hunger strike. This move on
their part is a non-violent protest for the purpose of having their
legitimate concerns responded to. Yet (presumably as a result) I
received word yesterday that they were stormed (May 7) and placed in an 
extremely punitive and dangerous situation. They have done nothing that 
would justify Camp J supervision. We know, as you must, just how dangerous 
this is for them, and we who are familiar with prison administrations in this
country are also aware of the murderous ploy that has been sometimes used to
"disappear" squeaky wheels, regardless of their peaceful methods. We are
watching with much concern, and "we" are no longer a few,  but a
growing, surprisingly large group of people throughout the country who are
aware
of the situation at Angola, finally, after all the years that it was kept
under wraps.

These men have already been punished more severely than is acceptable
under international human rights laws, having been kept in solitary over 26
years. They have been peacefully attempting to litigate their own cases
because they do not have money for adequate legal defense. I, among
many believe they are innocent of the charge for which they have spent all
these years in solitary, and that when this story finally reaches the vast
citizenry of not only Louisiana but this country, and abroad, it will
not reflect well on the justice system of your state. If you are not
concerned for these men, I hope that at least you care for the reputation
of your
beautiful state.

Sincerely,

Mildred H. Barnet

cc: Governor "Mike" Foster