Message from Lynne Stewart & Ralph Poynter: ‘The movement has persevered’

Lynne Stewart & Ralph Poynter in Texas.
Photo: Flavia Fontes

The following message was emailed on Jan. 4.

To the International Movement to Free Lynne Stewart:

We are elated to announce:

Federal Judge John G. Koeltl ordered Compassionate Release on Tuesday, December 31st, for renowned attorney Lynne Stewart. Judge Koeltl’s order was in response to the request from the Director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons presented to the court by Preet Bharara, United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York.

In signing the Order for Lynne Stewart’s release, Judge Koeltl stated, “The defendant’s terminal medical condition and very limited life expectancy constitute extraordinary and compelling reasons that warrant the requested reduction in sentence to time served.”

The Order further states, “Lynne Stewart shall be released as soon as her medical condition permits, the release plan is implemented and travel arrangements can be made.”

As we write, Lynne Stewart’s husband Ralph Poynter is at FMC Carswell to accompany Lynne on her long-awaited and jubilant return to New York.

A heartfelt thanks to all who stood by Lynne with letters, emails, petitions and telephone calls to the Federal Medical Center, Carswell, U.S. Federal Bureau of Prisons, Attorney General’s Office, U.S. Department of Justice, members of Congress, the White House and U.S. Embassies and who organized and participated in vigils, demonstrations, rallies and speak-outs throughout the world.

The enduring global movement for social justice has persevered — ever inspired by Lynne Stewart’s steadfast refusal to bend the knee, submit to coercion or official duplicity.

Your enduring support in Defense of Lynne Stewart embodies the injunction of Rosa Luxemburg: “In the beginning, was the deed!”

We are grateful to you all.