Biography
Lynne Stewart was a movement lawyer known for representing high profile figures facing charges related to political activism, including Black Panther Willie Holder and Adam Abdul-Hakeem. While representing Cleric Omar Abdel, she released a letter to the media written by the cleric which clarified his position on a ceasefire agreement between militants and the Egyptian government after it was falsely reported by the media that the cleric was urging the militants to engage in violence. The letter stated, "I Omar Abdel-Rahman am not withdrawing my support of the cease-fire, I am merely questioning it and I am urging you, who are on the ground there to discuss it and to include everyone in your discussions as we always have done." For this, Stewart was charged with obstruction of justice and conspiracy to provide material support to terrorism. She was convicted on these charges and sentenced to 10 years in prison, a purposely harsh sentence given her old age and cancer diagnosis in order to make "an example out of her."
Stewart was released from prison on December 31, 2013, on a release order in light of being given 18 months to live with her cancer.
Lynne and her husband Ralph Poynter, teacher and union leader, have dedicated their lives' work to activism and will be forever remembered for their contributions to the struggle.
