‘Our sister Lynne Stewart is dying’

‘Our sister Lynne Stewart is dying’

by Philip Weiss

uruknet.info

June 21, 2013

On Wednesday night at Cooper Union in New York, hundreds gathered to honor former intelligence analyst Edward Snowden's courageous acts, and emcee Debra Sweet brought up the situation of Lynne Stewart, the radical human rights lawyer now serving a ten-year sentence in Texas on charges that she aided terrorists.

Lynne Stewart is dying. Our sister Lynne Stewart is dying. You all know who she is. Her husband is in front of the White House-- Ralph Poynter, carrying out a protest.

Stewart, 73, is suffering from advanced cancer; and the prison she is in cannot treat her appropriately. The warden has reportedly authorized her release nearly two months ago, but federal higher-ups are not acting on the recommendation.

Many have appealed for her compassionate release, including Dick Gregory and others outside the Bureau of Prisons three days ago, and the Lawyers Rights Watch of Canada, which writes:

The Warden’s recommendation of 26 April 2013 and documentation have been fully vetted by the Federal Bureau of Prison. Urgently needed medical treatment arranged at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre in New York will begin immediately on Ms Stewart’s release.
Inexcusable delays, denials and inappropriate delivery of medical treatment while in prison have worsening Ms Stewart’s health to the point where further delay may result in death

Friends have undertaken another protest at the White House beginning Monday. From their flyer: 

Lynne Stewart's health is in rapid decline. We must take collective action creating a highly public presence in Washington, D.C.
A Compassionate Release was recommended months ago by Warden Jody R. Upton, under whose watch Lynne has been incarcerated at Carswell Federal Prison. Compassionate Release papers remain sitting on the desk of Director, Charles E. Samuels, Jr. of the Federal Bureau of Prisons waiting to be signed.
The Federal Bureau of Prisons is under the political leadership of Attorney General Eric Holder and President Barack Obama.
Lynne's life hangs in the balance.
What will we do?
On Monday, June 24, 2013 at the White House, we will gather to continue "a long vigil for a long struggle" calling for Lynne Stewart's release. It is urgent that we stand along side Ralph Poynter, Lynne Stewart's husband, demanding that Lynne Stewart be granted Compassionate Release before it is too late. Reclaim Solidarity... Imagine Justice.
THE RIGHT TO RETURN HOME: RELEASE LYNNE STEWART
Gathering Daily from June 24, 2013 Onward 9:00 am The White House Washington, D.C. Travel assistance is available. Please RSVP and spread the word on Facebook.
For more information write to: info@wewillnotbesilent.net

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