President Obama, Pardon Exiled Civil Rights Leader Pete O'Neal
| Former Black Panther Party leader Pete O’Neal was unjustly convicted in 1969 and has been in exile in Tanzania for almost 50 years. He is now requesting a presidential pardon to re-enter the United States. | Background: New York Times: A Black Panther's Mellow Exile: Farming in Africa KCTV: Former Leader of KC Black Panther Party Hoping for Pardon |
O'Neal was arrested in 1969 for allegedly transporting a shotgun from Kansas City, Kansas, to Kansas City, Missouri. Although no physical evidence connected him to the firearm, O'Neal was convicted based on a photo.
Pete O'Neal feared that he might be killed in custody, after fellow Panther Fred Hampton was murdered by Chicago Police. Instead of requesting an appeal, O'Neal and his wife Charlotte fled the country. They have been living in northern Tanzania since 1972.
O'Neal wants to return home to his family. Particularly to be with his mother, who is now 96 years old.
Sign this petition to President Barack Obama:
We request the immediate pardon of exiled civil rights leader Pete O'Neal.
