Charges dropped against SF8

Following is a July 6 statement from freethesf8.blogspot.com, along with more background information on the campaign to win justice for these former Panthers.

SF8 members and supporters. Photo: freethesf8.blogspot.com

Finally, after years of unified resistance by the brothers and the building of massive support, California State prosecutors were forced to admit that they have insufficient evidence against the San Francisco 8.

Charges against four of the defendants were dropped, and Jalil Muntaqim pled no contest to conspiracy to commit voluntary manslaughter. The State prosecutor asked the court to sentence him to 12 months, calling it “a drop in the bucket.” Judge Moscone replied, “Unless you’re the one doing the time.” Jalil received credit for time served (close to 2 1/2 years in County Jail) and 3 years’ probation. He will return to New York to fight for parole.

The charges were dismissed today against Ray Boudreaux, Richard Brown, Hank Jones and Harold Taylor.

The courtroom at 850 Bryant Street was packed with SF 8 supporters after a rally of hundreds, and a huge Free SF 8 banner was displayed on the hillside of Bernal Heights to be seen from all over the city.

“This is finally the disposition of a case that should never have been brought in the first place,” announced attorney Soffiyah Elijah.

Francisco Torres still faces a court hearing on Aug. 10. Francisco steadfastly maintains his innocence, according to his attorney Charles Bourdon, who intends to file a motion to dismiss the charges against his client. Herman Bell entered a plea a week ago.