For Immediate Release

Contact:
Eric Rose (805) 624-0572 or
Ryan Oliver (310) 854-8272

Los Angeles Police Protective League President Paul Weber on the release of Kathleen Soliah’s (aka Sara Jane Olsen) to Minnesota:

“We are extremely disappointed with Gov. Schwarzenegger’s decision to let Kathleen Soliah, a convicted terrorist, serve parole in the state of her choice,” Weber said. “We believe the governor should have used his discretion in this matter to ensure Olsen stay under the watch of California authorities as she finished out her sentence.”

“The unions representing the police officers of Los Angeles and St. Paul, as well as the governor of Minnesota, all asked that Ms. Soliah remain in California,” Weber said. “It is not enough to simply send her off to another state and hope for the best – to hope authorities in Minnesota carry out the wishes of people they are not accountable to. “

“It was a California mother of four she was convicted of murdering. It was Los Angeles police officers she attempted to blow up,” he said. “We continue to believe that the community she targeted with her crimes retains the right to ensure she complies with the terms of her parole.”

“She hasn't paid her full debt until she completes parole.” Weber said. “Parole allows people to be released from prison earlier than their full sentence, under the theory that their reintegration into society will be monitored. If they violate any rules on parole, they will be returned to prison. By returning to Minnesota, this gives her a free pass on the balance of time that she should serve.”

About the LAPPL Formed in 1923, the Los Angeles Police Protective League (LAPPL) represents the more than 9,800 dedicated and professional sworn members of the Los Angeles Police Department. The LAPPL serves to advance the interests of LAPD officers through legislative and legal advocacy, political action and education. The LAPPL can be found on the Web at www.LAPD.com