Race

feature: black lives matter organizer sentenced to 90 days jail time for crime formerly known as “felony lynching“

June 9, 2016

In a disturbingly transparent attempt to intimidate the movement and make an example out of black resistance, activist Jasmine “Abdullah” Richards, 28, was recently sentenced for a crime formerly known as “felony lynching” after attempting to rescue another protestor from police custody last August. Since joining the Black Lives Matter movement in 2014, and participating in local actions in the Pasadena area, Richards was known by police and officials for her presence and outspoken criticism of these factions. The term “lynching”, apparently, is legal tied to rioting and violence where a suspect is removed from police custody. The essence of the charge is when a civilian takes legal actions into their own hands: i.e. the institutionalized culture and historical pattern of black lynchings in America, making Richards’ sentencing that much more of a slap in the face. “We’re living in Orwellian times when a Black woman in a peaceful protest is sentenced to jail time for attempted lynching,” said Rashad Robinson, executive director of Color Of Change. #FreeJasmine

By Erin White*, AFROPUNK contributor


*Erin White is an Atlanta-based writer and AFROPUNK’s editorial and social media assistant. You can follow her on Tumblr or friend her on Facebook. Have a pitch or an inquiry? Shoot her an email at erin@afropunk.com.

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