[U.S.] No Freedom! Parole Update from Anarchist Prisoner Michael Kimble

I’m angry and bitter about the denial, but not really surprised about it. The Alabama Parole Board has been in the news lately about the refusal to grant parole to prisoners who have been incarcerated for 20 to 30 years or more and the racial disparity in who gets parole and who doesn’t. Last fiscal year, 23 percent of white prisoners were considered for parole, but only 9 percent of black prisoners. In fiscal year 2017, 54 percent of parole requests were granted. This was a high rate for Alabama. By the fiscal year that ended in June, the approval rate was just 15 percent. So far in fiscal year 2022, the rate is 10 percent. The current parole board is led by Leigh Gwaffney, a former prosecutor. Other members include a former probation officer and a state trooper. Victims of Crime and Leniency (VOCAL), an influential victims group, sends volunteers to testify against nearly every prisoner up for parole. A representative from the State Attorney General’s office does the same.