Governor Newsom: Free 84-Year-Old Prisoner Ruchell Magee! Unjustly Incarcerated for 60 Years

Governor Gavin Newsom

Coalition to Free Ruchell Magee

Ruchell “Cinque” Magee, the longest-held political prisoner in the United States. Ruchell was unjustly arrested in 1963 on a trumped-up charge involving a marijuana deal gone wrong.

Ruchell is now 84 years old and needs to be released immediately - not only because of his proven factual innocence in the 1963 case, but also due to his senior status and the incredible risk he faces in California’s COVID-infested prisons and jails. We are inviting your organization and all forces committed to justice - from media outlets, to community and religious organizations, to prominent individuals - to join in one collective voice demanding his freedom. The time for liberation is now! Free Ruchell Magee!

Read the petition text below for more details.

To: Governor Gavin Newsom
From: Nicole Evans

Greetings,

I am signing this petition to encourage Governor Gavin Newsom to commute the sentence of prisoner Ruchell Magee (#A92051 #T 115), who has served 60 long years in prison. As an elder, he faces constant mental and physical health risks every day from over 6 decades of incarceration. With the COVID-19 pandemic raging across California's prisons since 2020, Ruchell has been in significant danger of falling ill.

In the interests of justice, I am joining the global call for Ruchell Magee’s immediate release due to the disproportionate length of his confinement. Ruchell is not a threat to anybody at 84-years-old, and he deserves to live in peace with his loved ones on the outside of California's prison system. 60 years is too long, and he should no longer suffer this disproportionate sentencing. I urge Governor Newsom to take immediate action to commute Ruchell Magee’s sentence and allow him to walk free for his remaining years. Thank you for your time.