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Via Workers World News Service
Reprinted from the May 18, 2000
issue of Workers World newspaper
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ALERT

Shaka Sankofa beaten and gassed

Texas death-row activist Shaka Sankofa, formerly known as Gary Graham, was beaten and gassed by hooded prison guards. The assault reportedly happened after the Supreme Court denied his final appeal. Gov. George W. Bush set an execution date of June 22.

Sankofa's friend Ricky Jason learned of the attack during a May 9 visit. Jason said he did not recognize Sankofa, who was "covered with filth with his shirt ripped ... He had a huge knot over his eyebrow and was shaking like a leaf, stuttering and asking for food." All regular visits have stopped, Sankofa said, and his personal property was taken from him.

Jason said: "The racism in the prison is very easy to see, the guards are brutal and I haven't slept worrying about the condition I saw Gary in and what may be happening to him right now. Gary Graham is innocent and they know it!"

Supporters are asked to call and fax protests to Governor Bush, phone (512) 463-2000, fax (512) 463-1849; and Board of Pardons and Parole Chair Gerald Garrett, phone (512) 463-1679, fax
(512) 463-8120.

--Greg Butterfield

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