[Ppnews] Victory for Zolo Azania

[Political Prisoner News]

VICTORY FOR ZOLO AGONA AZANIA

10/17/08  Indianapolis, Indiana

         On the eve of his third death penalty trial the State of 
Indiana finally abandoned their 27 year campaign to execute Zolo 
Azania.  Dismissing all the death penalty charges, the State agreed 
to have Zolo sentenced on his 1982 murder and robbery 
conviction.  Under the sentence imposed, with good time credit, Zolo 
will now be released from prison in 7 years.  He will be immediately 
released from death row. Also, under the terms of the agreement he 
will be allowed to challenge his 1982 convictions in federal habeas 
proceedings.

This is a real victory for all Zolo's supporters and all of those who 
oppose the death penalty.

Below is a statement released by Zolo:

Media Press Statement by Zolo Azania

i am glad that the State has finally offered me this opportunity to 
plan a life on the outside. i can use that freedom to work for 
justice for others, and, of course, to establish a way of sustaining 
my life on my own.

i feel that God has given me many gifts; and with these gifts then i 
would be able to take care of myself and do good for others. i have 
matured in many ways over these stressful 27 plus years. i see things 
quite differently now than in that early stage of my life.

i still resolutely maintain my innocence. By this agreement the State 
gives up the death penalty request. My next course of action will be 
to go on into the federal court system to expose the many injustices. 
i will continue to contest my innocence in the murder. i am angry 
over the numerous ways that i've been mistreated by the judicial 
sanction system. i was illegally placed in this untenable position by 
the Indiana Supreme Court when they took back my dismissal of the 
case for fast and speedy trial violation, and authorized the 
prosecution to retry me for the death penalty for the third time! 
Nonetheless, i will continue to contest my innocence in this murder. 
i am angry over the numerous ways i've been mistreated by the system 
that some call justice--a term of relativity. Therefore, the 
protracted struggle continues!

Thank you.

Zolo Agona Azania  #4969
Indiana State Prison
P.O. Box 41
Michigan City, Indiana 46361-0041











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