Jan. 23, 1975: 49 years ago, January 23 1975, Ruchell "Cinque" Magee was sentenced to [...]

49 years ago, January 23 1975, Ruchell “Cinque” Magee was sentenced to life in prison at Santa Clara County Courthouse in San Jose for his role in the 1970 attack on the Marin County Hall of Justice led by Jonathan Jackson. He was the longest-serving political prisoner in America

Jackson and his comrades took over the Hall of Justice in August 1970 in an attempt to free the Soledad Brothers, three prisoners (including Jackson’s brother George, a field marshal in the Black Panther Party) accused of killing a prison guard https://t.co/JxloKsUYfD

Dozens of protesters were arrested outside the courthouse as Magee was sentenced, chanting “Free Ruchell! It is right to rebel!” The fight to free Ruchell Magee, who had been caged for 67 years, ended last year when he was released at the age of 84. He died soon after, a free man



Last updated January 23, 2024