URGENT: Fax campaign for Oscar Lopez Rivera furlough-please fax to FBOP immediately

URGENT

Via facsimile 202/514-6878

May 17, 2010

Harley G. Lappin
Director, Federal Bureau of Prisons
320 First St., NW,
Washington, DC 20534

re: emergency furlough

Oscar López Rivera, 87651-024
FCI Terre Haute

Dear Director Lappin:

We write to ask that you allow Oscar López Rivera
an emergency furlough, to travel to the
bedside of his sister, Clara López Rivera, who is
in the intensive care unit at Hospital Buen
Samaritano in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. At age 73,
she has just suffered two heart attacks, which is
significant given that she underwent open heart
surgery in 2007, and given that she has diabetes.
She is in a very delicate state.

Mrs. López has been a formative force in his
life. The two siblings were the first of the
family to migrate to the United States, when she
was the oldest, and he was the baby. It has been
her wish to live long enough to enjoy life with
her little brother upon his release from prison. Since
his release date is 2023, and since her health is
precarious, this furlough may be the last time she
will get to see her brother. The family, which is
very close, and has managed, beyond all odds, to
maintain very close relations with Mr. López
throughout his 29 years in U.S. custody, is prepared
to pay for his travel as well as the expenses for
staff who would accompany him.

We strongly urge you to extend to this family the
humanitarian gesture of allowing Mr.
López to see attend to his sister’s hospital bedside. Time is of the essence.

Very truly yours,

Name
City/State