Foster Transferred Clandestinely

Haramia KiNassor/Kenneth Foster, Jr. Transferred Clandestinely
By Walidah Imarisha

The indignities in Haramia KiNassor/Kenneth Foster, Jr.’s case climbs as KiNassor was transferred to Huntsville Prison, aka the Walls, where the executions take place. Death row Inmates are usually transferred to Huntsville at noon the day of their execution. But because KiNassor has been deemed a “security threat,” he was transferred early, without prior notice to him or his family and supporters. In fact, it was through unofficial channels that his family found out about the transfer; otherwise they would have showed up at the Polunsky Unit for their last visit with him as usual.

At first, it was unclear whether or not KiNassor’s family and supporters would be able to visit him tomorrow, but his father received a call from the administration saying they would be allowed to visit at Huntsville, which is 45 miles from Livingston, where everyone is staying. Visiting starts at 8 am.

This clandestine transfer comes at a time when KiNassor’s supporters are still awaiting word back from the Board of Pardons and Paroles (He also still has an emergency appeal before the U.S. Supreme Court). It was originally thought a positive sign that they had not responded. Usually, the Board summarily denies an appeal by 1 p.m. The fact that they chose not to give a response today, and to wait until tomorrow, was taken to mean they were intensely discussing this situation.

But in light of this transfer, there is a new theory: that perhaps the Board of Pardons and Paroles has not responded to delay the response of KiNassor’s supporters, both inside and outside the walls.

The DRIVE Movement, which KiNassor helped to found, is an organization of death row inmates who engage in non violent civil disobedience to protest the inhumanity of the death penalty. KiNassor is one of the spokespeople and prison authorities are apparently very nervous that the execution of an innocent man who has organized so tirelessly against the death penalty will spark a protest in the prison they will not be able to control.

At this point, the officials’ motivations are all speculation.

What is known is that the same day KiNassor was being called a “security threat” and transferred to Huntsville, 16 Texas state representatives encouraged Governor Rick Perry, collectively and individually, to grant him clemency. They joined the ranks of thousands of people around the globe calling for KiNassor’s clemency, including South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter.

What is also known is that KiNassor’s death is scheduled to be the third one this week. First was Deroyce Mosley, with John Amador being executed today at 6:20 p.m.

KiNassor’s supporters are asking everyone to act now, to organize all out right now without waiting for a response as the hours slip away, and pressure Governor Perry for a stay. Perry has the power to veto the Board of Pardons and Paroles’ decision, regardless of what it is.

Perry’s contact information is:
Gov. Rick Perry:
Phone (512) 463-1782
Fax (512) 463-1849

Protests

Austin, Thursday, August 30, 5:00 PM, Governor's Mansion (Lavaca at 11th)?EXECUTION PROTEST AND VIGIL?Even in the eleventh hour things could turn for Kenneth. If you can't make it to Huntsville, come out to stand with others against the execution.

Thursday, August 30:
3pm-7pm: Protest the execution of Kenneth Foster Jr .outside the Ellis Unit in Huntsville Texas. Groups from all over the state will converge to stand against this injustice and demand until the very end that the State of Texas do the right thing and stop this execution.