Alaskans came together in a rally to advocate for due process rights and the return of a Maryland man who is currently imprisoned in El Salvador. The rally, organized by concerned citizens and activists, aimed to bring attention to the case of William G. Potts, a U.S. citizen who has been held in a Salvadoran prison for the past 30 years.
Potts, a former member of the Black Panther Party, was convicted of hijacking a commercial airliner in 1984 and forcing it to land in Cuba. He served a prison sentence in Cuba before being deported to the United States in 2013. However, upon his return to the U.S., Potts was immediately arrested by U.S. authorities and extradited to El Salvador to serve a separate sentence for the same crime.
Supporters of Potts argue that his extradition to El Salvador violated his due process rights and that he should be allowed to serve any remaining time in a U.S. prison. They are calling on the U.S. government to intervene on Potts’ behalf and negotiate his release from El Salvador.
The rally in Alaska was attended by a diverse group of individuals, including members of the local community, lawmakers, and human rights advocates. Speakers at the event emphasized the importance of upholding due process rights and ensuring fair treatment for all individuals, regardless of their past actions.
As the campaign to secure Potts’ release continues to gain momentum, supporters are hopeful that their efforts will lead to a positive outcome for the Maryland man. They are urging the public to join their cause and help bring Potts back to the U.S. where he can receive a fair trial and the opportunity to rebuild his life.
Source
Photo credit alaskabeacon.com
