From:               Free Marissa Now Mobilization Campaign
                        FreeMarissaNow@gmail.com
                        www.freemarissanow.org

Contact:            Helen Gilbert – 206-473-0630

The Free Marissa Now Mobilization Campaign is calling for a week of action from February 8-16 to draw attention to Marissa Alexander’s case and other criminalized survivors of domestic violence. Marissa Alexander is the African American mother from Jacksonville, Florida who received a 20-year sentence for firing a warning shot to stop an attack by her abusive, estranged husband. No one was harmed in the incident. The case has become a rallying point for opponents of domestic violence and mass incarceration.

February 10th, the third anniversary of the day Alexander entered prison, is being marked by the launching of the Free Marissa DJ project (www.freemarissanow.org/free-marissa-dj.html). The public is invited to dedicate a song to the cause of justice for Alexander and ending domestic violence and mass incarceration. Donors can contribute at http://igg.me/at/freemarissa2, then post a link to a music video, a quote from their chosen song, or a video of themselves singing the song at facebook.com/FreeMarissaNow. 

Free Marissa Now hopes to raise $30,000 for Alexander’s legal fund by early March. The cost for Alexander’s new trial, scheduled for July 28, is expected to be over $250,000.
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Court Upholds Marissa Alexander’s Bond Release;
Activists Call for Angela Corey to Stop Harassment

Today, the court upheld Marissa Alexander’s bond release, which means she is allowed to continue her house arrest and remain with her children and family until her new trial begins on March 31st.  State Prosecutor Angela Corey filed a motion alleging that Marissa Alexander broke the conditions of her release by making unauthorized trips outside her home. Yet, Alexander’s legalteam presented proof that the Correctional Service Counselor who supervised Alexander’s house arrest authorized every trip listed in the State’s motion and the Counselor asserts that Alexander is not in violation of her release.

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Text by Free Marissa Now Mobilization Campaign

Words cannot express the relief and joy of everyone in the Free Marissa Now Mobilization Campaign that Marissa Alexander is home with her family this Thanksgiving Day. Ms. Alexander has been released on bond until a verdict is reached in her new trial that begins March 31, 2014.  We hope the decision means that the Florida justice system has relented in its vindictive, hostile and racist legal assault on this African American mother of three. Ms. Alexander has been victimized twice — once by her abusive ex-husband and again by the state of Florida, which has stolen nearly three years from her life for an act of self-defense that injured no one.

We are thrilled that Ms. Alexander will be able to prepare for her new trial amid the support and love of her children and family from whom she has been separated far too long.

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The Free Marissa Now Movement Vows to Keep Organizing until Marissa is Free

 Text by FreeMarissaNow

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Marissa Alexander was convicted as a domestic violence survivor eight days after giving birth to her baby. She was not allowed to use Stand Your Ground Legislation. She sits in prison with a 20 year sentence.

National Free Marissa Campaign site: https://www.facebook.com/FreeMarissaNow

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