Silvia Baraldini is a long-time political activist who served over 16 years in the U.S. prison system before being repatriated to Italy in 1999 to finish her sentence. The acts for which she was convicted were attempted robbery (which never took place) and aiding a prisoner escape.
Who is Silvia?

Silvia was a student radical in the 1960's and 70's, fighting against racism, protesting the Vietnam War and demonstrating for women's rights. Later she campaigned for an end to apartheid and colonialism in Africa and, as a result, was invited to the inauguration of the new government in Zimbabwe. She worked to expose the FBI's illegal COINTELPRO program that spied on and harassed domestic political opponents. Silvia was an early supporter of the Black Panther Party and a member of the Committee to Free the Panther 21. All 21 defendents were acquitted of all charges. From prison, she has spoken tirelessly on behalf of Mumia Abu Jamal, the African-American radio journalist on death row in Pennsylvania.

The U.S. denies that it punishes people for their political beliefs. But Silvia fits every definition of a political prisoner. She received an incredible 40 year "racketeering" sentence for aiding in the escape of jailed Black Panther leader, Assata Shakur. Another three years were added when she refused to testify before a grand jury investigating the Puerto Rican independence movement.

More information

For current information visit www.justice-for-silvia.org. Other resources include the Oregon chapter of the Committee to Return Silvia Baraldini to Italy

Write Silvia a letter:
Silvia Baraldini
Via Bartolo Longo 92
00156, Roma, Italy

Committee To Return Silvia Baraldini To Italy
PO Box 02-1140
Brooklyn, NY 11202

3543 18th Street, #30
San Francisco, CA 94110

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