Chasing Redemption
By Thaisan Nguon
People sentenced to Life Without Parole are capable of change
Dara and Tommy change their life trajectories after their Life Without Parole (LWOP) sentences are commuted. This is a story about the life long road towards redemption.
A survivor of the Cambodian genocide, U.S. immigration policy and Life Without Parole, Thaisan Nguon strives to keep families together and to #EndLWOP. He grew up in Long Beach, CA as the second oldest of 10 siblings and is a current member of the National LWOP Leadership Council.
~btt
About the Issue
Life Without Parole (LWOP) sentences in the U.S. impose a sentence of incarceration for the remainder of an individual's life, with no possibility of release, even if they show signs of change.
These extreme sentences are virtually unheard of in the rest of the world with the U.S. holding a shocking 83 percent of the world’s LWOP incarcerated population. Additionally, in complete disregard of international human rights standards, the U.S. is the only country that subjects children to life without parole sentences.
Via the National LWOP Leadership Council
55%
Racial and ethnic disparities are readily apparent in criminal sentencing data and grow with lengthier sentences. More than half (55%) of all people serving LWOP in 2020 were Black.
$1,934,240,000
The annual national average cost of LWOP sentences, inevitably reducing funding available for services known to help reduce crime.
Via the National LWOP Leadership Council
Take Action
-
Support the National LWOP Leadership Council
Learn more about the work Thaisan is doing to end Life Without Parole sentences nationwide and help those sentenced get second chances at freedom.
-
Learn about Former Lifers and the good work they're doing
Explore the Human Rights Watch report that highlights 100 people who received LWOP sentences that are now out and doing amazing things in their communities.