Group Asks Sheriff Buckley Why Mann Is In Isolation

Weatherman Eric Mann, serving a two year sentence for his part in a raid last fall on Harvard's Center for International Affairs, has been isolated from other prisoners at the Middlesex House of Correction. Six individuals interested in his fate plan to visit Middlesex County Sheriff John Buckley today to learn the reasons why.

The group, which includes Eric Mann's brother Dick, Harvard ministers John Crocker and James Sessions, B.U. professor Howard Zinn, and Mann's lawyer William Homans, learned two weeks ago that Mann had been transferred from Deer Island Prison to the Middlesex House of Correction, and is now being kept separate from other prisoners.

Sheriff John Buckley yesterday declined to give reasons for Mann's transfer and separation, and did not say whether he would meet with the group today. He did indicate a willingness to see the six if they made a prior appointment, however. Buckley also said that Mann had been transferred once before due to persistent attempts to "organize" the inmates of the prison.

The group had decided to try for a meeting after two members talked with Mann during a visiting period last Monday. According to Sarah Driscoll, one of those who talked to him, he had three demands to present to prison authorities: first, to be transferred back to Deer Island, "where no wardens had threatened to destroy him"; second, to be put back with other prisoners; and third, to be allowed access to any reading materials.

The group was, however, unsuccessful in making an appointment with Sheriff Buckley when they tried last Thursday.

Dick Mann said "What's happening to Eric is happening as a consequence of his political actions. The most important reason I want him out, the most important reason he wants to be out, is so he can help create the revolution."