How Many Political Prisoners Have Fled the US Throughout Its History?

The question of political prisoners in the United States is often a contentious one. Despite the frequent claims and counter-claims made in contemporary discourse, there are a handful of notable cases where individuals have fled the country due to political persecution. This article delves into these cases and analyzes the historical context surrounding them.

Historical Cases of Political Prisoners Fleeing the US

Throughout its history, the United States has seen several individuals who have fled the country due to political reasons. Here are some notable examples:

William Blount: A Case of Treson

One of the earliest cases involves Congressman William Blount. Blount is best known for his involvement in the controversial Treson trial. In 1797, he was accused of treason for accepting bribes from the British and using U.S. resources to aid their efforts. Fleeing the country, Blount went west into U.S. territories and remained there. While his case is often cited, it should be noted that Blount was not a political prisoner in the strictest sense, as his actions involved illegal activities.

Ezra Pound: A Poet and Supporter of Fascism

Ezra Pound is another case in point. A renowned poet, Pound openly supported Mussolini and wrote propaganda for the Fascists. When the U.S. entered World War II, he moved to Italy. He was later allowed to return to the U.S. by a group of American poets, with the backing of the government. This somewhat unique situation contrasts with the historical narrative of political persecution.

Julian Assange: Leaking Documents to WikiLeaks

Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, is a more recent example. He leaked classified documents, leading to tensions with the U.S. government. When the Obama administration announced it would try him for treason, Assange fled the country. His case highlights the modern context of political prisoners and the challenges of contemporary legal systems.

The Myth vs. Reality of Political Prisoners in the US

Contrary to popular belief, the U.S. has not taken political prisoners in the same sense as some other countries. Historically, prominent individuals have not faced political persecution. For instance, Jane Fonda, Louis Farrakhan, Jesse Jackson, and Al Sharpton have openly committed acts that could be considered treasonous, but they have not been charged for such actions. Similarly, during the Trump administration, many of his aides were jailed for various charges, often using outdated laws from the 18th century.

The Case of Edward Snowden

Edward Snowden, widely known for his revelations about government surveillance programs, is perhaps the most well-known modern-day example. After seeking asylum in Russia, Snowden was granted citizenship and remains there to this day.

The Elmer "Geronimo" Pratt Case: A Framed Political Prisoner

A legendary case is that of Elmer "Geronimo" Pratt, a defense minister for the Southern California Chapter of the Black Panther Party. Pratt was framed by the FBI, specifically through COINTELPRO, a covert intelligence program that targeted and framed Black activists as threats to American society. Pratt was falsely accused of a murder in the Los Angeles area, and despite lacking any concrete evidence, he was sentenced to life in prison.

It took almost three decades for Pratt to be freed, and during that time, he became known as the longest-held political prisoner in the U.S. His case was eventually reopened, and through the legal efforts of attorneys Stuart Hanlon and Johnnie Cochran, Pratt was freed and awarded nearly $4 million in civil judgments. Following his release, Pratt chose to leave the U.S. and resettle in Tanzania, East Africa, where he eventually passed away around 2011.

Conclusion

The historical record of political prisoners in the U.S. is complex and often misunderstood. While there have been cases of individuals fleeing the country due to political reasons, the perception that the U.S. routinely takes political prisoners is not supported by the historical facts. The cases mentioned highlight the nuances and the specific circumstances surrounding these profound events.

By understanding these historical contexts, we can gain a more nuanced view of the political and legal landscape in the United States. The cases mentioned serve as a reminder of the importance of due process and the role of advocacy in justice.