A Fall ’06 Update and Appeal from Jaan Laaman, Ohio 7 Political Prisoner

To all my friends, 4strugglemag readers, and fellow peace, justice and revolutionary activists,

Let me update my legal situation. I am still at Walpole, Massachusetts state prison, where I recently began my 23rd straight year of captivity. I am the last Ohio 7 person, with a release date, who is still locked up. My Ohio 7 comrade Tom Manning is also still in prison, doing a life sentence without a real parole date.

Last year I discovered a possibility of reopening and challenging my Mass case. If I can overturn this, I would be overdue for parole eligibility and release on my federal sentence. Of course any legal effort is a huge uphill battle, especially for political prisoners. This is a real possibility though and the first appeal I am even hopeful about, as well as determined to win. I need good and committed legal representation to fight this appeal. The state has refused to assign me an attorney. No government agency wants to assist me in gaining justice and freedom. My defense is totally in my hands and the hands of the people now.
Early this year, I established a Legal Freedom Fund and began raising funds for my fight for justice and freedom. Thankfully some people have stepped forward and supported me, especially family and close associates. I still need to raise some thousands of dollars and I am asking for your help now.

This is my first effort at fund raising for my own legal defense, and though I feel pretty awkward asking for your help like this, it is necessary and I must do it. My Freedom Fund is staffed by a few sincere volunteers and all proceeds go directly towards defense expenses and lawyers. This is a one time legal effort which will be resolved one way or the other in the next year or two. Of course my hope and intention is to overturn my case, prove my innocence and finally join my now 25 year old son and family and all of you outside again.
I really need your help to do this now. Checks can be made out to:

Jaan Laaman Legal Freedom Fund
and send them to:

Jaan Laaman Legal Freedom Fund
P.O. Box 681
East Boston, MA 02071

I am encouraging groups and organizations to hold fundraisers, parties and other events to support my fight for freedom. You can contact Dominic at the Freedom Fund P.O. Box or write to me, to discuss such efforts.

Seriously consider helping me now and thank you for your suppport.

FREEDOM IS A CONSTANT STRUGGLE! Jaan – Nov, 2006

Jaan Laaman (W87237)
P.O. Box 100
South Walpole, MA 02071