Judy Clark was released on parole after almost 40 years in prison



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"We are grateful to the Parole Board for asserting that all those who have interacted with Judy already know that she is a rehabilitated woman, who remembers herself and who poses no threat to society," said Clark's lawyer, Michael Cardozo.

The 69-year-old former radical activist was convicted of murder in Nyack, New York, a robbery that left a security guard and two police officers dead, according to court documents.

Clark participated in the crime with other activists and described himself as a "determined fanatic … at war with America" ​​and "a blind revolutionary", according to the archives of the Department of Business. penitentiaries of the state of New York.

She was initially sentenced to 75 years in prison for life, but the New York government, Andrew Cuomo, commuted her sentence in 2016, giving her the opportunity to be released on parole.

"She talked about her grief, her complicity and the reason she did it," Cuomo told the press after personally interviewing Clark more than two years ago. "I found it very impressive overall."

Clark had already been denied parole after a board had concluded that his release would be "incompatible with the well-being of society" and "depreciate the seriousness of the crimes to undermine compliance with the law." law, "according to the Department of Prison Archives.

The commission also stated that Clark was still considered "a symbol of violent and terrorist crime".

CNN solicited comments from the New York State Department of Corrections and the Cuomo office.

Clark's lawyers sent the Parole Board about 2,000 letters from local and state leaders, as well as residents claiming that they thought it had been rehabilitated and that She should be released.

Donna Lieberman, executive director of the Civil Liberties Union of New York, expressed her organization's support for the decision of the board of directors.

"Our correctional system does not exist to punish people, and the basis of our parole system is to allow people to repair their lives," Lieberman said in a statement.

"Today, the Parole Board has sent an important message across the country and has shown that New York stands for justice and recognizes that people in prison must have the opportunity to reintegrate into society."

While in prison, Clark, also known as Judith, trained assistance dogs used by law enforcement, taught prenatal care, created an AIDS counseling program, and also became chaplain.

Clark is being held at the Bedford Hills Correctional Center in Bedford Hills, New York State.

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