An interview
received 2nd July 2005,
by Roman Krause, Wuppertal, Germany, held with Mark Lankford.
Green - Roman; Yellow - Mark.
1 - Five years ago your story appeared for the first time in the magazine*. What has happened since then, and have there been any contacts with magazine* readers? My appeal is nearing the end since the article five years ago. I should have a decison by winter or nearly spring 2006. I'm now 49 and I have been doing my best, but I'm no longer allowed to paint. I was allowed out of Solitary (the law was changed) and I worked in the laundry. I was attacked from behind by 2 neonazis and placed back in Solitary. I've had only one contact.
2 - How have you coped with the disappointment that your were refused a new trial at a court hearing 2003? I've heard that this year you will have a new court hearing. What chances do you reckon you have? I am always disappointed with the inaction by the court system. I have a very good chance to win this appeal.
3 - At the end of 2003 you were transferred to a new block with other Death Row prisoners, where social contacts and possibilities to work were available. You were attacked and beaten up several times by Nazis because you did not want to take part in illegal activities in prison. Since July 2004 you have been put back into Solitary and now have no more privileges. What experiences and feelings have you had during this time? Since I have been back to Solitary, it has been more difficult, but I make the best of it. Idaho will never defeat me, nor will neonazi cowards. I am actually more energized now to win this legal battle!
4 - How do you feel now about the fact that you helped your brother in 1983 to get rid of the bodies of the couple he had murdered? What kind of relationship do you have to him today? My feelings have not changed about my brother's crimes in 1983. It was what it was - reality. I have almost zero contact with him, as I'm in Solitary; he isn't.
5 - How have you managed all this time to cope with the fact that you have had to spend 23 of the 24 hours every day cooped up in a small space of 3 x 2 metres? I am able to cope and endure because I am a strong, determined man. I have a deep faith and I live on strong principles. I have the luxury, of the know ledge of the truth, which helps!
6 - What do you think about Bush and the Iraq war? I know you are a Christian. Bush lied to America and the world about Iraq. This "war" will never be won. Invading a country only leads to hate and violence against the inveaders. History is a teacher of this truth!
7
- What do you miss most when you are locked up? I miss
so many things! I miss ice cream, the forest, the beach, driving
sports cars, dancing, holding hands, going to the movies, good
people around me...
Mark
Lankford # 20489
IMSI, C-Block, P.0. Box 51
Boise, Idaho 83703-0051, USA
Spendenkonto
in Deutschland:
ALIVE e. V.
Deutsche Bank 24 Bocholt
Konto 310 00 88
BLZ 428 700 24
Stichwort: Mark Lankford
Roman holds a German-language sheet on the Alive's website at www.todesstrafe-usa.de/mark.htm
_____________
* The name of the magazine, where the interview will
appear in September 2005, is withheld for the purpose of not
wishing to advertise as I am in opposition to its social and
scientific background. Also, back in the eighties, they made
publicity against me in connection with a few non-commercial
search adverts
Publisher: see title sheet