Jailed Puerto Rican nationalist is denied parole

[Judi Lynn]

Jailed Puerto Rican nationalist is denied parole
By BEN FOX
The Associated Press
Friday, February 18, 2011; 5:23 PM

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico -- The U.S. Parole Commission said Friday it has denied a request for the early release of a Puerto Rican nationalist who was once offered clemency by President Bill Clinton.

Oscar Lopez Rivera's first bid for parole after serving nearly half of a 70-year sentence for seditious conspiracy, robbery and other charges was denied, the chairman of the commission, Isaac Fulwood, Jr., said in a statement.

The breakdown of the vote and the specific reasons for denial were not released.

"We have to look at whether release would depreciate the seriousness of the offenses or promote disrespect of the law, whether release would jeopardize public safety, and the specific characteristics of the offender," Fulwood said.

More:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/18/AR2011021804575.html