The Black Commentator: An independent weekly internet magazine dedicated to the movement for economic justice, social justice and peace - Providing commentary, analysis and investigations on issues affecting African Americans and the African world. www.BlackCommentator.com
Holiday Issue: December 25, 2008 and January 1, 2009 - Issue 305
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Special Edition
Rev. Pinkney
Released from Prison
But Denied
Freedom of Speech
 

 

Following a bond hearing in Berrien County, Michigan on December 24, 2008, Rev. Edward Pinkney’s was released from prison, but denied freedom of speech. Judge Dennis Wiley set Rev. Pinkney’s bond at ten thousand dollars.  Dorothy Pinkney [Rev. Pinkney’s wife] was able to come up with the bail money and Pinkney was released Christmas Eve and arrived home in time for Christmas.

BC Editorial Board member and Columnist, Dr. Lenore J. Daniels reports the following:

I called Dorothy and heard a male's voice.  I said: who is this? And the voice exclaimed: “It's me, Rev. Pinkney!”

He sounds great and really upbeat.  Rev. Pinkney said he is happy and was happy when in was in prison! He said this injustice has been going on for a long time, but he's exposed it.  "Someone has to take the bullet," he said. 

It was good to hear his voice.  Of course, the recording device went off twice.  It is an annoying sound, "to unnerve the caller," Rev. Pinkney said.  But he didn't care if they are listening in.

So spread the word!  More has to be done about those illegal charges.

Michigan ALCU Director Michael Steinberg tells BC: “There are a lot of restrictions.”  According to Steinberg, Judge Wiley’s list of restrictions for Rev. Pinkney include the following:

  • 24/7 curfew,
  • no use of a cell phone,
  • no speech making,
  • no campaigning,
  • and he can attend church only with permission from the court.

Furthermore, Rev. Pinkney must be “tethered,” that is, “fitted for a tether”. In short, Rev. Pinkney is to be shackled, in his home, and denied freedom of speech! The Michigan ACLU will follow up with appeals.

Black Commentator readers are encouraged to contact the department of corrections to protest the terms of the release.

Honorable Jennifer Granholm
Michigan Department of Corrections
Office of the Parole Board
Pardons and Commutations Coordinator
P.O. Box 30003
Lansing, Michigan, 48909


Include your name and address.   

To assist with Rev. Pinkney’s bond  or for more information please visit the Black Autonomy Network Community Organization (BANCO).

For background on the Rev. Pinkney case read the following stories previously published in BC:

Rev. Pinkney, Activist, Sent to Prison!
Class Warfare in the U.S. of Amerikkka!
Represent Our Resistance
By Dr. Lenore J. Daniels, PhD
BlackCommentator.com Editorial Board

Click here to read

Cover Story
Reverend Pinkney Arrested For Exercising Free Speech
By David A. Love, JD and Larry Pinkney
BC Editorial Board

Click here to read

 
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