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MEDIA ADVISORY FROM FLORIDIANS FOR ALTERNATIVES TO THE DEATH PENALTY (FADP.org)10 May 2002 Contact: Abe Bonowitz: 800-973-6548 "Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty expresses incredulity and disgust at the news that prosecutors have dropped murder charges against the five remaining Florida State Prison guards who were indicted in the murder of Frank Valdes. "This decision is not just about Frank Valdes. This is not just about the guards who murdered him. This decision should outrage every Floridian who believes in the concept of due process of law. "That a change of venue was not obtained and a fair trail will not be held speaks volumes about the justice system in Florida. The message to Floridians in law enforcement: "Kill in uniform: go free!" Shame." Abraham J. Bonowitz
The following statement was released by FADP on February 15, 2002, in the wake of the acquittal of the three guards who stood trial earlier this year. The sentiment expressed within the below holds true today. FLORIDIANS FOR ALTERNATIVES TO THE DEATH PENALTY STATEMENT ON THE ACQUITTAL OF THOSE CHARGED IN THE MURDER OF FRANK VALDES Murder. Impunity. Responsibility? Accountability? "No one questions that a murder occurred - or that it was perpetrated by State employees. No one questions that. But none of the murderers will be held responsible for their actions. We should ALL question THAT. "Frank Valdes was on death row, but he was not sentenced to be beaten and stomped to death by those assigned to guard him. "When a common citizen commits a crime, the State bends over backwards to hold him or her responsible and accountable. Why is it that when a murderer wears the uniform of a state corrections officer, there is no accountability? Who is responsible for the murder of Frank Valdes? "If the individuals who beat and stomped Frank Valdes to death are not accountable and responsible for their illegal behavior, then who is? Who shall the state hold accountable for this murder? Department of Corrections Secretary Michael W. Moore? Governor Jeb Bush? The people of the State of Florida? Will no one be held accountable? "A murder has occurred. And now, with the acquittal of those who were there, a crime will go unpunished, and a clear message is sent to corrections workers across the state: "Beat them. Kill them. You may act without fear. You may act with impunity." "Tonight every parent of a prisoner, every spouse, every child - anyone with a friend or relative serving time in a Florida prison - they all live in greater fear. "Is my loved one next," they ask? "The State of Florida is currently under a 'de-facto moratorium' on executions. It doesn't matter. It is no longer necessary to follow the law in order to kill prisoners in this state." SENT BY:
Abraham J. Bonowitz
Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (FADP)
# educating and energizing the general public and state legislators # supporting the many persons affected by capital crime and punishment # advocating specific legislative improvements
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