United States Ex Rel. Shakur v. Commissioner of Corrections

PALMIERI, District Judge.

The fourteen petitioners, thirteen of whom are members of the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense, await imminent trial before New York State courts on charges of conspiracy to commit crimes of violence by bombing and other means. The crimes for which they have been indicted include four counts of attempted murder, arson in the first degree, attempt to commit arson, possession of weapons, and conspiracy. According to one counsel for defendants, the minimum sentences that would be imposed on defendants if they were to be found guilty as charged would amount to “some…