It is with overwhelming sadness, we join our communities in sharing this news. Our beloved friend, comrade, mentor, client, and inspiration, Russell Maroon Shoatz transitioned from this life on Earth today. After 49 years in prison, Maroon was finally released on October 26th. He passed away at his sister’s home 52 days later, surrounded by […]
russellmaroonshoatz.com July 11, 2016: Pittsburgh PA —A settlement has been reached in the case of Shoatz v. Wetzel, which challenged the 22-year solitary confinement of Abolitionist Law Center client and political prisoner Russell Maroon Shoatz. This brings an end to litigation begun in 2013. In February 2014, following an international campaign on behalf of Shoatz, […]
February 22, 2016: Pittsburgh PA — On Friday, February 12, United States District Magistrate for the Western District of Pennsylvania, Cynthia Reed Eddy, issued a decision denying both parties’ motions for summary judgment and ordering a trial in the case of Shoatz v. Wetzel, which challenges the 22 year solitary confinement of Abolitionist Law Center […]
ALC Attorney, Bret Grote, was recently interviewed on Law and Disorder Radio about the release of Russell Maroon Shoatz after 22 consecutive years in solitary confinement. More from the producers of Law and Disorder Radio: Here on Law and Disorder we’ve been keeping you updated on the campaign to release Russell “Maroon” Shoatz from solitary […]
February 20, 2014: Pittsburgh PA — Russell Maroon Shoatz was released from solitary confinement into the general prison population at State Correctional Institution (SCI) Graterford this morning, ending more than 22 consecutive years in solitary confinement. The news was confirmed by Maroon during a legal call with an attorney from the Abolitionist Law Center. Maroon’s […]
Prison Radio Show interview of ALC attorney Bret Grote on the case of Russell Maroon Shoatz. Audio can be downloaded here, or you can listen at the link to the Prison Radio Show’s blog below.
MEDIA RELEASE: Federal court rules litigation can proceed in Shoatz v. Wetzel Defendants’ motion to dismiss denied on all counts January 27, 2014: Pittsburgh PA — On Monday, January 27, United States District Magistrate for the Western District of Pennsylvania, Cynthia Reed Eddy, issued a decision denying defendants’ motion to dismiss in the case of Shoatz […]
October 17, 2013: Pittsburgh PA — Lawyers for Russell Maroon Shoatz submitted a Communication to the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture – Fall 2013, Juan Mendez, requesting that he inquire into Shoatz’s nearly 30 years of solitary confinement within the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections (PA DOC). Shoatz is a 70-year-old, former Black Panther Party member […]
Russell Maroon Shoatz is 70-years-old and was locked in solitary confinement at various state prisons for 22 consecutive years, and nearly 30 years non-consecutively. Shoatz is a father, grandfather, great-grandfather, human rights advocate, and published author. During most of his time in solitary confinement, Shoatz had an impeccable disciplinary record, receiving only one misconduct for a rule violation when, in […]
Join the Abolitionist Law Center, Scientific Soul Sessions, Human Rights Coalition – Fed Up!, and the Campaign to Free Russell Maroon Shoatz on August 23rd for a celebration of Maroon’s 70th birthday! Advanced tickets may be purchased here for $10 or $15 dollars at the door.