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Journalist Set Free After 44 Years

He was convicted of murder three times by an all-white jury in the 1961 death of a bank teller....


LAKE CHARLES, Louisiana (AP) -- An award-winning black journalist convicted of murder three times by all-white juries in the 1961 death of a bank teller was set free after a racially-mixed jury found him guilty of manslaughter.

Wilbert Rideau, a confessed killer who gained fame for exposing harsh Louisiana prison life, won his release Saturday after nearly 44 years in state prisons. A manslaughter conviction allows his release for time served.

Seven whites and five blacks deliberated for nearly six hours before reaching an unanimous decision.

Rideau, 62, showed little emotion as the verdict was announced late Saturday night. His only comment in court was "Yes, sir," when the judge asked whether he wanted, in effect, to be released immediately....


https://www.cnn.com/2005/LAW/01/16/prison.j...t.ap/index.html

Years Free Set Journalist

Wow. I can only imagine what being out in the world is going to be like for this man. He's going to be in culture shock. The world has changed drastically while he has been sitting in jail.

Journalist Set Free After 44 Years History & Civil Business Politics

All countries have things that they would prefer to forget. This is a very sad chapter in American History. No price can be paid to make up for it and to try to would only cheapen it.

Just a thought,


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