Urgent Breaking News: Political Prisoner Lynne Stewart Is FREE!

Moments ago, this Thursday afternoon, Ralph Poynter, the husband of Lynne Stewart, emailed an urgent message, with the subject heading, ”URGENT BREAKING NEWS: Lynn Stewart is Free!”

Full text of Mr. Poynter’s statement is below. Ms. Stewart’s recent letter is below his. 

To the International Movement to Free Lynne Stewart:

We are elated to announce:

Federal Judge John G. Koeltl ordered Compassionate Release on Tuesday, December 31st, for renowned attorney Lynne Stewart. Judge Koeltl’s order was in response to the request from the Director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons presented to the court by Preet Bharara, United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York.

In signing the Order for Lynne Stewart’s release, Judge Koeltl stated, “The defendant’s terminal medical condition and very limited life expectancy constitute extraordinary and compelling reasons that warrant the requested reduction in sentence to time served.”

The Order further states, “Lynne Stewart shall be released as soon as her medical condition permits, the release plan is implemented and travel arrangements can be made.”

As we write, Lynne Stewart is FREE/out of FMC Carswell and is with her husband Ralph Poynter preparing for her long-awaited and jubilant return to New York.

A heartfelt thanks to all who stood by Lynne with letters, emails, petitions and telephone calls to the Federal Medical Center, Carswell, U.S. Federal Bureau of Prisons, Attorney General’s Office, U.S. Department of Justice, members of Congress, the White House and U.S. Embassies and who organized and participated in vigils, demonstrations, rallies and speak-outs throughout the world.

The enduring global movement for social justice has persevered – ever inspired by Lynne Stewart’s steadfast refusal to bend the knee, submit to coercion or official duplicity.

Your enduring support in Defense of Lynne Stewart embodies the injunction of Rosa Luxemburg: “In the beginning, was the deed!”

We are grateful to you all.

Message from Lynne earlier in the day before Judge Koeltl had ruled on the motion to free her.

12/31/12 3:24 pm

My Dears:

Well, the impossible takes a little longer !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We learned this morning that the US Attorney’s office has made the motion for my compassionate release and that the Order was on Judge Koeltl’s desk. Since on the last go-round he stated in Court that he would treat it “favorably”, we are now just waiting expectantly.

The wonderful thing is that Ralph is here in Ft Worth for a visit and will bring me back to NYC with him. We don’t know when but the rules state that the warden has 2 days to let me go after he receives the order so it could be as early asFriday or a few days more. Whatever it is, I can’t stop crying tears of Joy !! I can’t stop thinking of all the marvelous people worldwide who made this happen … you know because each of you played an integral role. My daughter Z is already lining up Sloan Kettering and we will have to see if there is a probation qualification attached to the Order and how it will affect me. After that Ralph will start making arrangements to rent Yankee Stadium for the Welcome Home. … Smile

So If this reaches you before midnight tonight raise a glass of bubbly to the joy of all of us that the old girl is OUT!!

Love Struggle, 
Lynne