From News Nation:
“RFK assassin Sirhan wins
parole with support of 2 Kennedys”
U.S. Sen. Robert F. Kennedy’s
assassin was granted parole Friday after two of RFK’s sons spoke in favor of
Sirhan Sirhan’s release and prosecutors declined to argue he should be kept
behind bars. The decision was a major victory for the 77-year-old prisoner,
though it does not assure his release. The ruling by the two-person panel at
Sirhan’s 16th parole hearing will be reviewed over the next 90 days by the
California Parole Board’s staff. Then it will be sent to the governor, who will
have 30 days to decide whether to grant it, reverse it or modify it.
Douglas Kennedy, who was a
toddler when his father was gunned down in 1968, said he was moved to tears by
Sirhan’s remorse and he should be released if he’s not a threat to others. “I’m
overwhelmed just by being able to view Mr. Sirhan face to face,” he said. “I
think I’ve lived my life both in fear of him and his name in one way or
another. And I am grateful today to see him as a human being worthy of
compassion and love.” Sirhan, who was in a blue prison uniform with a paper
towel folded like a handkerchief and tucked into his pocket, smiled as Kennedy
spoke.
The New York senator and brother
of President John F. Kennedy was a Democratic presidential candidate when he
was gunned down June 6, 1968, at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles moments
after delivering a victory speech in the pivotal California primary. Sirhan,
who was convicted of first-degree murder, has said he doesn’t remember the
killing. Sirhan Sirhan, 77, told members of the California Parole Board at this
16th bid for freedom that he had learned to control his anger and was committed
to living peacefully. “I would never put myself in jeopardy again,” he said.
“You have my pledge. I will always look to safety and peace and non-violence.”
Some Kennedy family members, Los
Angeles law enforcement officers and the public submitted letters opposing
Sirhan’s release, Parole Board Commissioner Robert Barton said at the start of
the proceeding held virtually Friday, where Sirhan appeared from San Diego
County prison. “We don’t have a DA here, but I have to consider all sides,”
Barton said, noting it would consider arguments made in the past by prosecutors
opposing his release, depending on their relevance. His lawyer, Angela Berry,
argued that the board should base its decision on who Sirhan is today. Prosecutors
declined to participate or oppose his release under a policy by Los Angeles
County District Attorney George Gascón, a former police officer who took office
last year after running on a reform platform. Gascón, who said he idolized the
Kennedys and mourned RFK’s assassination, believes the prosecutors’ role ends
at sentencing and they should not influence decisions to release prisoners.
^ I would never help the person
who murdered my Father to get out of prison no matter how many decades have
passed. RFK must be looking down and shaking his head in disbelief. Hopefully
whatever Governor California has at the time will not sign his release and he
will stay in prison until he dies as he deserves. ^
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