Fellow abolitionists,

A Baltimore County Judge (Turnbull) summarily dismissed Steve Oken's challenge to Maryland's lethal injection procedures today.
He did this without having even read the recent defense filings. This is, of course, a great disappointment but not a surprise -- more
Baltimore County-style justice

Now everything moves to the Maryland Court of Appeals. Things that are being appealed: 1) the Baltimore City judge's ruling to have everything shipped to Baltimore County, 2) Turnbull's decision to dismiss Oken's challenge.

The Maryland Court of Appeals is certainly a better venue than Baltimore County's circuit courts. But the court is divided on the
death penalty and there isn't much certainty about what they will do.

Folks -- we are at a very, very urgent moment here! Please do not wait to contact the Governor. ALso, please make every effort
to attend Saturday's demonstration in Baltimore. A good showing of
abolitionists will make a big difference in which way things go.

Last night's successful meeting in Baltimore was a good first step:

www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/bal-md.oken02jun02,0,7667653.story

Steven Oken has 12 days left to live! Your actions count RIGHT NOW!

All out Saturday, June 5th, 2 PM at Cain Field (Dunbar HS) at Monument and Ensor St. in Baltimore. A bus will be leaving from Takoma Metro in DC at 12:30 PM.

In solidarity,
Mike Stark
202-271-8014

PS -- here's the Governor's contact info:

Honorable Robert Ehrlich
State House
100 State Circle
Annapolis, MD 21401
Phone: (410) 974-3901
Fax: (410) 974-3275
Email: Governor-AT-gov.state.md.us



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The death penalty punishes the poor. It is racist. It does not deter crime. It kills innocent people. It is cruel and unusual punishment.

Check out the Campaign to End the Death Penalty's Website at: www.nodeathpenalty.org