In 1964, Hugo “Yogi” Pinell, an immigrant from Nicaragua, was accused of raping, assaulting and kidnapping a White woman. Knowing the charges to be false, Hugo turned himself in so that he could clear his name and prove his innocence. The officers on duty beat him several times. The Judge and Public Defender told him that if he continued to assert his innocence, then he’d be sentenced to death. However, they assured him that if he simply plead guilty, then he would be eligible for parole in six months. 42 years later - 34 years in solitary - Mr. Pinell still sits in prison. But he finally has a chance to be free.

Hugo’s story is a fascinating one. He has never backed down from the violent face of racism that has plagued his life in the US. He became famous in the early 70s, as a member of the San Quentin Six - six young Black prisoners who faced charges for assaulting racist prison guards. He later became involved with George Jackson and his prison organizing efforts. Despite Pinell’s inspiring strength, however, he needs our help. Hugo is scheduled to go before the parole board sometime in November and needs people to right letters of support to the Board of Prison Terms. Here is some info from Hugo’s support site:

Please write letters, now, to the Board of Prison Terms to encourage them to grant Hugo parole. You may mail your letters to Gordon Kaupp, Attorney at Law, who will be representing Hugo at the parole hearing. Gordon works in the Law Offices of Dennis Cunningham. See below for details.

All letters should include specific offers of help and/or support for Hugo to re-enter society. The Parole Board commissioners are interested in the following offers:

* job training
* offers of employment including temporary work
* assistance in writing a resume
* help networking and job searching
* a temporary or a permanent place to live, preferably in San Francisco or the Bay Area

In addition, describe other ways you can support Hugo’s transition back into society after spending over 42 years in prison, 34 in solitary confinement. Please mention your relationship to Hugo, what impact he has made on your life, how long you have known him or about him, and any other positive comments you might have. For those of you with job offers, please be aware that Hugo is fluent in English and Spanish, which should be a feather in his cap in regard to employment. Also, Hugo is very personable, intelligent and athletic and is in tip top physical condition. Highly disciplined, Hugo is a vegetarian and continues to work out regularly. He would be an excellent mentor for at-risk youth.

Please include the date and the subject of your letter, which should be Hugo L.A. Pinell (A88401) and use his prison number, e.g.:

Date

Dear Parole Commissioners:

Re: Hugo L. A. Pinell (A88401)

Your letters should be sent to Hugo’s lawyer:
Gordon Kaupp, Esq.
Law Office of Dennis Cunningham
115 1/2 Bartlett Street
San Francisco, CA. 94110