ACLU-Nebraska: Because Freedom Can't Protect Itself

Edward Poindexter has been in prison since 1970 for a crime he may not have committed. ACLU Nebraska's amicus brief in his case was submitted to the Nebraska Supreme Court, asking the judges to consider whether Poindexter was a victim of the FBI program COINTELPRO.  COINTELPRO was an unconstitutional effort to target dissident minority voices, including those of black leaders in both the civil rights movement and in the more controversial Black Panther movement.  ACLU Nebraska urged the court to recall the intense racial discrimination present in the time surrounding the events of Poindexter's conviction and to view the prosecution's case with some skepticism as a result.  Unfortunately, the Nebraska Supreme Court rejected Poindexter's appeal and denied him any further hearing in his case.  ACLU will continue to work with Poindexter's attorneys as he seeks relief in the federal court system.