Call for Return of Chesimard Complicated by Murky Case

As the various parties continue to battle over the future of the U.S. relationship with Cuba, Gov. Chris Christie has asked the White House to seek justice for an issue of particular concern to New Jerseyans before any normalization can occur. He is urging the White House to demand the return of Assata Shakur -- formerly known as Joanne Chesimard -- an American fugitive who was convicted of killing a New Jersey State Trooper. Shakur is a former member of the Black Liberation Army who was charged with killing Trooper Werner Foerster during a confrontation on the side of the NJ Turnpike 40 years ago that also left one of Shakur’s colleagues dead. She was convicted and sent to prison in 1977, but escaped two years later, and is believed to have been living in Cuba since 1984. The FBI has offered a $2 million reward for her capture, designating her the first female ever on its most-wanted terrorists list.

As the “Washington Post” reported recently, debate continues to rage over the evidence presented in the original case. Shakur’s supporters say she was convicted by an all-white jury in a trial marked by conflicting testimony and questionable forensic evidence, and they regarded her as a political prisoner. In an “Open Letter to the Media” a few weeks ago, Shakur referred to herself as a “20th century escaped slave,” and repeated claims that she received an unfair trial.

But whether or not Shakur fired the fatal shot the killed Officer Foerster, being an accomplice to murder carries an equivalent life sentence under New Jersey law.

In a December 18^th letter to President Obama, Christie called for Washington to demand the immediate return of Shakur in advance of any further consideration of restoration of diplomatic relations with the Cuban government. Such a request would be tricky, however, given the complicated history of U.S. – Cuban relations.

"We've reminded the U.S. government that in its country, they've given shelter to dozens and dozens of Cuban citizens," a Cuban government spokeswoman told the Associated Press recently. "Some of them were accused of horrible crimes, some accused of terrorism, murder and kidnapping, and in every case the U.S. government has decided to welcome them."

Some political observers have speculated that an American request for Shakur’s extradition would likely be countered with a Cuban request for the extradition of Luis Posada Carriles, who has long-standing ties to the C.I.A. and was convicted in Panama of a 1976 bombing of a Cuban airliner that killed 73 civilians. He’s currently living in Miami.

Despite the attention Shakur has received here in the U.S., she bears little name recognition in Cuba, and several Cubans polled on the streets of Havana said they had never heard of her or her case.