Newton Balks at Leaving Prison

Former Black Panther Huey Newton told officials today that he won’t leave the prison where he has been serving time for a parole violation unless a fellow inmate and former Panther, Elmer (Geronimo) Pratt, is also released.

San Quentin spokeswoman Jeanne Ballatore said prison officers filed a disciplinary action against Newton for refusing to obey an order by guards to prepare for his release today. He was serving a 60-day sentence. A state Parole Board panel at the prison will hold an informal hearing to decide whether the offense merits additional time in custody. Pratt, serving a life term for murdering a Santa Monica woman during a $30 robbery, lost his eighth bid for parole two weeks ago.