Conviction: Free after 25 years of unjust imprisonment | Fault Lines Documentary

In 1997, Brandon Jackson was convicted for a crime he said he did not commit. An Applebee’s restaurant outside of Shreveport, Louisiana was robbed for $6,500. Nobody was injured. There was no physical evidence connecting him to the crime.
At trial, two jurors voted to acquit him. In 48 states, it would have been a mistrial, and he may have walked free, but Louisiana’s Jim Crow-era laws, designed to lock up Black defendants, allowed for nonunanimous jury convictions. Jackson was sentenced to life.
Conviction opens in the days after Brandon Jackson has been released on parole after 25 years in jail. The film follows Jackson as he grapples with the agoraphobia, paranoia and alienation borne of a quarter-century of unjust imprisonment.
The menial work available to him triggers memories of the slavery-like conditions at Louisiana's notorious plantation prisons. He struggles against a parole system that demands more than $11,000 in fees and sends officers to his home before dawn. He concludes he is "free but not free".
Over time, he finds community in a support group for formerly imprisoned people, and a sense of purpose advocating to reverse Louisiana's last Jim Crow law.
Conviction is a portrait of one man's quest to adjust to life on the outside and help the more than 1,500 people he left behind in prison with nonunanimous, Jim Crow convictions.
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#documentary #prison #aljazeeraenglish #jimcrow #convinction

[@feralLove]

To this man, I say, "Stay strong and keep the faith" and you are truly an inspiration for anyone who has walked a mile in your shoes.

[@effdisish3828]

Faith won't help. That's terrible advice. He should take action. And make a statement

[@BIGMAMMA183]

Prison is big business and those racist toilets are not willing to put their kids in there. Louisiana in one of the most racist states in America. I am not surprised of the ruling. May God continue to help Mr Brandon Jackson cope with his wrongful incarceration and may his youth development program become a success....

[@Itsme_JoyW]

Watching this literally made me cry

[@bruceterrell63]

I'm extremely proud of this man. Dedicating his life remaining time to help free others. I must say not too many people free has a purpose a goal and or a plan to do anything worthwhile. So we all must commend this man. He has desire and compassion for others. It's rare spending 25 years fighting for freedom came out living to fight for others. Tells me he's a blessing from God.

[@aroukapenn]

*SO GLAD YOUR MAMA HELD ON SO YOU CAN TAKE CARE OF HER!!! YOYCAN BE YOUR MAMA'S NURSE!!!👍👍👍*

[@courtneythomas7226]

On parole for a crime he didn't commit definitely modern day slavery

[@lolalalia4119]

The 13th amendment did NOT abolish slavery. It merely stated that only the government is allowed to keep slaves and changed the terminology to "forced labor".... not to be confused with the 13 year old SA victim forced to give labor to her attacker's child.

[@Jojohumf]

Imagine all the people that have died over a wrongful conviction, the justice system needs built back from scratch. Poor guys. 25 years gone.

[@TooMean4socmed]

Its not the sysrem but the people that abuse it they eun it

[@daytimefern8895]

40% of all black men in prison are innocent and 45% got a sentece that is way to long for a crime other wouldn't spend more than 10 years in prison for.

[@ObiShawnKenobi1]

40% that's pretty high. I would say many receive far harsher sentences than their caucasian counterparts.

[@Joey_Lance]

What is the name of Brandon’s nonprofit? I would like to donate. I admire his work and determination to putting an end to a racist law that targeted and sinked black people navigating the judicial system.

[@yazman75]

Amazing documentary wish it was longer!. Thanks for making it & uploading. I wish Brandon and the many others like him all the very best.

[@alicemccallister16]

He's still in prison being on parole that long.

[@GeedyP]

Glad you home B 🙏🏾♥️💯💯💯💯🤝🏾

[@NotfromDetroit]

The jury that put innocent people away have to feel bad… they ruined a lot of lives!

[@thabanemanganye4869]

God bless his soul and may he find peace and purpose.

[@CDeeThinks]

He could become a personal trainer in a gym and private VIP clients since he's so disciplined with working out. He has potential I wish him well

[@annie57610]

I know 30 homies locked up down there like that I'm did a stretch myself from Lafayette Louisiana my homie just made it back after 28 stay up brother wish yall well 🙏

[@user-ko1xo3zf3p]

So many "black" Ju's in america getting falsely arrested an sentenced to long sentences, this needs to stop

[@salvatoresalernatano5964]

Yeah so let all of the violent criminals out of jail ! They could be your mother's neighbors! Are you ret@rded son ?

[@willywealth5947]

This Law took the life's of a lot of black children and it's Sad 😔... The Black Child ⚫ should push for a better world 🌎 🙏🏿

[@aroukapenn]

*ANGOLA IS THE WORST!!! THEM & RIKERS!!! BOTH NEED TO SHUT DOWN!!!*

[@aap223]

Very hurtful and humbling at the same time. Managing anger of injustice done for so long, pains of bondage as atrocious as slavery and tales of adjustment in the society afterwards.... our judiciary needs an overhaul due for a long long time. "Guilty by appearance, crook by color and criminal by life style" must end if we want to remain normal human beings by respecting life, liberty and dignified living in a free society. We have thousands of years of history, experiences and going abouts of pursuing happiness; we don't have to go through the pangs of separation from guman society due to injustice, inequality and discrimination on the basis of creeds, colors, beliefs and occupations. May we see that new dawn soon in our life time, many passes away before us dreaming the same.

[@drewbranch7700]

Prison is the new plantation?

[@buixote]

And our Government has the temerity to lecture other countries...

[@Ace-lj6qb]

Wow I had no idea that such a place still exist. This law really needs to be retroactive in Louisiana. May GOD hear the prayers and the cries of His people. Amen.

[@margaretcampbell4828]

I am from the UK..I didn't know those poor people on parole have to pay every month. WTF is that all about.!!!!

[@regalherbsman5938]

Not just parole but probation too

[@TopNotchCreamQueen]

HE CAN BE A PERSONAL TRAINER!!!!! HE'S HUGE

[@technum1]

Truly heartbreaking. Knowledge of the law is key. Make mistakes, they drop the hammer. Hope the best for him.

[@ernestined.lawrence9514]

Hello, all and all none of us know everything! As native Africans we have journeyed far, and still can’t have full freedom, but we accomplished that which we possess! We came out of bondage, into persecution, from there into captivity, from there to surviving, from it we seek liberation, and our free will freedom shaped by our own exclusive rights to exist and co exist as ex Africans world wide! The hat’s our history, future and our legacy! Was it shaped by God? No, but he has journeyed with us, for he is the eternal flames of mercy in love with us!

[@CeeBrown-s2m]

I’m a grown man when I looked at this and seen that black brother speak I had to break down the tears. It’s a shame how they still been treated like this slavery and what they had to go through and some of our own kind help put them there. Something have to be done, maybe it have to be some of their own people sisters and brothers and sons and daughters in order for it to change shame

[@ChaarawtazaAibad]

Baruch 3:8 Behold, we are yet this day in our captivity, where thou hast scattered us, for a reproach and a curse, and to be subject to payments, according to all the iniquities of our fathers, which departed from the Lord our God.

[@biglolo3830]

It’s really amazing that law and injustice like this is still going on and the 20 first century

[@memypersonalities9821]

Wow this is Sad

[@annwoods2284]

just give it time an you will maybe adjust an time don't rush it. breaks my heart

[@antoniapalmore7494]

Brandon you have gone thru alot. I can see the pain in your eyes and hear it in your voice. Brother, keep your head up. Beautiful mom needs you. Brother, free your mind . Things will be better for you. You are not behind bars or more. Handsome Brother smile and get some therapy . Trust in God

[@antoniapalmore7494]

Also keep the fight.

[@Terrie-W]

Angola is one of the worst run prisons in the country. They still running that prison as if it was 1842.

[@mikepwillis88]

So, i'm confused. Did he do it but is upset that in any other state is trial would have been declared a mis-trial, or did he not do it?

[@NotfromDetroit]

Louisiana justice system is 🗑️🚮

[@gabrielparra-uf8ki]

RESPECTS KEEP UP WITH THE FIGHT.

[@masophapatrick8976]

You could literally see he ain't someone to mess with.

[@maineffort4418]

Greatest Country in the world!

[@ChaarawtazaAibad]

Isaiah 42:22 But this is a people robbed and spoiled; they are all of them snared in holes, and they are hid in prison houses: they are for a prey, and none delivereth; for a spoil, and none saith, Restore.

[@kimberlysanders1826]

Amen God Got u Queens and kings. Just Hold more will Be Revealed. So Proud of u young men and women. Remember God got the last say. E U may not be where u want to be but you not where u used to be. Amen

[@lifewithkay1711]

This is sad my friend David was convicted under false pretense 😢

[@muhammadaftab15033]

Al Jazeera! Please, make a documentary about the Peshawar School Massacre in Pakistan in December 2014.

[@RustoKomuska]

I remember that, I lived nearby. It's been a long time though. Most people don't remember it. The TTP is a lot less relevant also, these days, so it probably won't happen.

[@bytay291]

25 years smh

[@cedricraphiel3339]

God bless his soul 🙏🏿

[@samiahmad8576]

Hope wins ultimately. Humanity should be prior neither black nor white. The documentary creates faith in hope But this doesn't please at all so no one should be behind bars. Aljazeera, thanks but there are a lot obscure to be brought in light.

[@ChaarawtazaAibad]

Isaiah 14:2 And the people shall take them, and bring them to their place: and 👉🏽the house of Israel shall possess them in the land of the LORD for servants and handmaids:👈🏽 and they shall take them captives, whose captives they were; and 💥they shall rule over their oppressors.💥

[@ChaarawtazaAibad]

Baruch 2:30 For I knew that they would not hear me, because it is a stiffnecked people: but in the land of their captivities they shall remember themselves. Baruch 2:31 And shall know that I am the Lord their God: for I will give them an heart, and ears to hear: Baruch 2:32 And they shall praise me in the land of their captivity, and think upon my name,

[@sedrati-embarke]

Of course is that so

[@ronalddowdell9231]

God has his time set to deal with the wicked state of Louisiana and other racist states. Let's continue to be strong and pray for God's judgement.

[@NotfromDetroit]

Amen

[@thegapsthatneedfilling2024]

Just do right and respect and you will be released earlier believe me. There is power on this earth that does not belong to no man or woman it belongs to the creator . in the constitution stipulates 3/5 meaning not considered a human being considers as a animal. Black is not a race or nationality that is why they said the uninoimuse convictions are not retroactive

[@Terrie-W]

Brandon is a tall glass of hot chocolate ❤❤. He is fine. I’m sure some young lady is very lucky.

[@Harris.S]

😱💔😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😒

[@esmomo2561]

Why break the law if you know all this?

[@rodneyreese562]

No guidance no father there are many reasons

[@Smiketheman]

Exactly no father in the house hold.….. still don’t change these Jim crow laws made for black males.

[@Smiketheman]

All around dumb question I’m not surprised anymore.The system build to destroy black familys remove the father.(Jim crow)

[@user-jg8eh8fw5z]

Do they expect to be paid a 6 figure salary. I feel sorry for the wrongly convicted. Otherwise pay your debt to society.

[@willywealth5947]

Are you white?

[@user-eh7hy7qf5s]

He messed up he institutionalized dude burnt out he out in the street doing prison yard workouts ah man he messed up for real

[@muridikhlas]

What’s wrong with doing a prison workout? Keeping up with your physical health is essential to our well being. Being institutionalized mentally is the real issue.

[@DavidHernandez-to9zq]

@dogintheyard

[@courtneythomas7226]

On parole for a crime he didn't commit definitely modern day slavery

[@NotfromDetroit]

Right for 18 years!