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December 01, 2008
Nick Montos Oldest Prisoner in MA dies without receiving a commutation
Dear Boston Globe Editor:
Nick Montos, purportedly the oldest prisoner in Massachusetts, died yesterday (11/30/08) at the age of 92. He was incarcerated at MCI Norfolk. Since the summer of '08 fellow prisoners at Norfolk had been waging a "free Nick Montos campaign" to assist him in his petition for commutation of sentence so that he could live out his final days with his sister in Florida. Several hundred people from throughout Massachusetts signed petitions in support of Mr. Montos' bid for mercy in light of his failing health. The State failed to act soon enough to the formal request he filed in October 2008.
Although Mr. Montos did not achieve his goal of freedom to live and die with his family, he engendered lots of care and support from people on both sides of the wall. Further, his campaign may pave the way for much needed policy to enable frail and elderly prisoners who are not a danger to society to live out their final days in peace.
Nancy W. Ahmadifar, Ph.D.
Boston, MA 02114
Posted by lois at December 1, 2008 10:19 PM