P R E S S R E L E A S E
15 March 2004
Contact: Bill Pelke (mobile) 305-775-5823
DEATH ROW SURVIVOR TO VISIT LEGISLATORS
Juan Melendez Spent 17 Years on Death Row for a Crime He Didn't Commit
Florida death row survivor Juan Melendez this week travels to Juneau to
share his experiences with state legislators as part of an ongoing public
education campaign by the grassroots advocacy group, Alaskans Against the
Death Penalty. In recent days Melendez has been speaking in Anchorage area
schools and churches, accompanied by murder victim family member Bill Pelke
and former death penalty supporter Abe Bonowitz.
"Alaskans Against the Death Penalty is bringing these men to the Capitol
because it is vital for legislators to put a face on the realities and the
potential failures of our legal system," said Mary Grisco, Coordinator of
Alaskans Against the Death Penalty. "Juan Melendez is a prime example of
how overzealous prosecutors can be, and his case demonstrates why
government should not be trusted with the power to kill. We also have with
us Bill Pelke, whose grandmother was murdered and yet he rejects the death
penalty as a way to help victim's families heal. And finally, Abe Bonowitz
is a registered Republican and a former death penalty supporter who
addresses the pragmatics of this issue - the way the death penalty is both
unfair and much too costly in its application," said Grisco.
The three men are in Alaska as part of the Journey of Hope Abolition Day
U.S. Tour, a 14 week national speaking tour centered around International
Death Penalty Abolition Day (March 1st), the anniversary of the day when
Michigan became the first English speaking territory in the world to
abolish the death penalty. Further information about the tour is available
at <www.AADP.info> and also
<www.CUADP.org>. .
LEARN MORE ABOUT JUAN MELENDEZ AT <http://www.cuadp.org/abdaytour04/SpeakerBios.htm>
FINAL PUBLIC EVENT
Melendez, Pelke and Bonowitz will give their final Alaskan presentation at
Side Street Espresso, 412 G Street, from 5:00-7:00 PM on Monday, March
22. They are available for telephonic interviews throughout the week of
March 15-22 by calling 305-775-5823.
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