Jacqueline Jackson Leaves Prison In Puerto Rico; Returns To U.S

Jet, July 16, 2001

Jacqueline Jackson, wife of the civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson, was recently released from a federal jail in Puerto Rico.

Mrs. Jackson spent 10 days in jail after refusing to post a $3,000 bond. She also was placed in solitary confinement after she refused to be strip searched.

Mrs. Jackson and nine others were arrested on misdemeanor trespassing charges after they broke into the camp where the U.S. Navy tests dummy bombs on Vieques Island in Puerto Rico (JET, July 9). Critics say the bombing tests pose a health risk to islanders and the environment. President Bush announced recently that the Navy will withdraw from Vieques in two years. But opponents want the bombing tests to stop now.

She asked the court to free her from jail on the day of her trial: "As both a mother and political prisoner inmate, I ask you to restore my rights as a citizen and lend dignity to the noble cause of the people.... Today I am at the mercy of the court, standing on sound principles and a solid moral foundation. I appeal to you as you mete out justice--hear the voice of those who want to, as the Bible suggests, study war no more and choose peace over war, order over chaos and human fights measured by one yardstick for all human beings."

She was sentenced to time served plus two additional days and placed on probation for one year.

She said that while in prison she suffered, "insults to my dignity too horrible to detail.... I was forced to submit to strip searches--without the presence of a doctor--like a drug pusher hiding contraband, and sent to solitary confinement as punishment when I refused to submit to such a humiliating search of my body cavities."

Jackson, 57, also told the court: "I can say that since the age of 18, I have believed in acts of conscience, obedience to God, which from time to time compels me to challenge unjust laws. This method of asserting human rights to change society has made America and the world better. I have marched with Dr. King and my husband, Rev. Jesse Jackson, as walls of division and oppression have come down ..."

At JET press time, Mrs. Jackson had returned to her home in Chicago where she was greeted by supporters at a "Welcome Home Celebration" at the Rainbow/PUSH headquarters.

She promised to continue her fight against the Navy on behalf of the people of Vieques.

The Jacksons' son, Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., (D-IL), told reporters about his mother's heroic actions: "The most powerful Navy has taken on Jackie Jackson. I maintain and continue to maintain for those of you who have been praying for my mother, you really have to pray for the Navy because she is giving them nothing short of hell in this process."