To spring a terrorist

To spring a terrorist
By Post Editorial Board April 5, 2015 | 10:24pm
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Even as New Jersey legislators continue to press for the return of
terrorist cop-killer Joanne Chesimard from her safe haven in Cuba, the
state may be forced to free one of her accomplices.
This despite a sentence — life plus 24-to-30 years, to be served
consecutively — that made clear the judge never wanted him to walk free
again.
New Jersey's Supreme Court has agreed to hear the state attorney
general's appeal of a stunning appellate court decision ordering the
state to spring Sundiata Acoli, formerly known as Clark Edward Squire.
Evidence at trial showed that Chesimard shot and killed State Trooper
Werner Foerster in 1973 with Acoli's gun. He claims he blacked out and
can't recall what happened.

Acoli's bids for parole have consistently failed, thanks to his
temporary escape and multiple violations while in prison, plus his
refusal to accept responsibility for his crime.
Amazingly, the court ruled Acoli can't be expected to take
responsibility for a crime he says he doesn't remember.
The state contends only the Parole Board can free a prisoner, and it
wants the lower court's decision overturned. That's what the Supreme
Court justices will decide.
We hope the state prevails, but it's likely a long shot.
After all, one of New Jersey's most notorious cop-killers, Thomas
Trantino, was also ordered freed when the courts ruled that his life
sentence — commuted from execution when the death penalty was outlawed —
was too harsh.
If Acoli prevails, it will be another mockery of justice.
And an important reminder that, no matter what sentencing advocates
claim, there really is no such thing as life without parole.

Source: To spring a terrorist | New York Post -
http://nypost.com/2015/04/05/to-spring-a-terrorist/