Sirhan Sirhan, the assassin of U.S. Senator Robert F. Kennedy, was released on Friday after two of RFK’s sons spoke out in favor of his release and prosecutors refused to argue to keep him. in prison.
The decision was a major victory for the 77-year-old prisoner, although it does not guarantee his release.
The decision of the two-person panel at the 16th Sirhan Parole Hearing will be reviewed over the next 90 days by California Parole Board staff. It will then be sent to the governor, who will have 30 days to decide whether to grant, revoke or amend it.
Douglas Kennedy, who was a child when his father was shot dead in 1968, said he was moved to tears by Sirhan’s repentance and should be released if he is not a threat to others.
“I am overwhelmed just to be able to see Mr. Sirhan face to face,” he said. “I think I’ve lived my life fearing him and his name in one way or another. And I’m grateful today to see him as a human being worthy of compassion and love.”
The New York senator, brother of President John F. Kennedy, was a Democratic presidential candidate when he was shot dead on June 6, 1968 at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles, moments after delivering a victory speech in the crucial election. California primaries.
Sirhan, who was convicted of manslaughter, has said he does not remember the murder.
His lawyer, Angela Berry, argued that the board should base its decision on who Sirhan is today.
Prosecutors refused to participate in or oppose his release under a policy by Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon, an ex-policeman who took office last year after applying with a reformist proposal.
Gascón, who said he idolized the Kennedys and lamented the murder of RFK, believes the role of prosecutors ends with the sentence and that they should not influence decisions to release prisoners.