Posted on by denverabc



Dear friends and comrades,

It is with bursting hearts that we write to tell you some amazing news.

Today, January 8, Eric was ordered released from prison. It has been

almost 9 years exactly since he was arrested in Auburn, CA, on January 13,

2006.

Eric’s release came about because of the habeas petition that he and his

legal team filed in May 2012. Because the government withheld important

documents from the defense at trial, Eric’s original judgment and

sentencing were vacated and he pleaded guilty to a lesser charge that

carried a five year maximum sentence. This means Eric has already spent

four years longer in prison than could have been required under the

statute for the charge he pleaded guilty to. He received credit for time

served and was ordered released.

Eric’s projected release date – until today – was February of 2023.

We are beyond thrilled that Eric will soon be back home with us, where he

belongs. But nothing can change the fact that Eric and his loved ones

have had 9 years stolen from them by the state. At times, this fight

seemed almost impossible. Eric endured hunger strikes, solitary, the

separation of hundreds of miles from everyone and everything he loved, and

the isolation and cold walls and wire of prison. These things were meant

to break him – but the state has utterly failed in this endeavor. Eric

remains steadfast and strong. Eric fought the charges against him 9 years

ago because he knew it was the right thing to do. He has maintained his

integrity all of these years by staying true to himself and to the things

he believes in. But he has not done this in a vacuum. Thank you to

everyone who has shown their love and support these last nine years. It

has made all the difference. To everyone who has ever written a letter,

sent drawings of dragons or pictures of fairies, or included pictures of

something as simple as a blade of grass… you have given Eric’s life

color, fire and connection these past 9 years. You have proven that our

solidarity is our strongest weapon.

We are anxious to celebrate! But we also must remember that Eric’s case

is just one among many – and it is by no means the most egregious. Since

9/11 the state has engaged in political prosecutions of hundreds of people

in this country – the majority of them from Muslim communities – for their

religious and political affiliations. And our comrades continue to be

targeted and arrested for daring to dream. We are overjoyed that Eric is

coming home. But we also know that we must never rest until all are free.

Eric will soon be released from Sacramento County jail in a matter of

hours, but his struggle is far from over. He received two years of

supervised release and will be under their watch during that time. Coming

out of prison is a complicated and difficult journey, but it is one that

we are excited and ready to begin.

Thanks again to all of you – and a big shout out to Eric’s lawyers – Mark

Vermeulen and Ben Rosenfeld – who have worked tirelessly and passionately

on his case for years, pro bono.

We will be in touch in the coming weeks. Until then – celebrate!

Struggle! And as Eric would say…Find UR Joy!

So much love to you all.

Until all are free!

SPS

sacprisonersupport.wordpress.com

Plea Agreement 1-8-15 (EMD)-1

McDavid_Release_Order

Joint Status Report 1-5-15 (EMD)

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Filed under: Announcement, Former Prisoners, Green is the New Red, News | Tagged: Eric, Eric McDavid, June 11 |