Freedom Campaigns

Nikki Lee Diamond is FREE!

On November 11, 2004, Governor Schwarzenegger approved parole for Nikki Lee Diamond, a survivor of domestic violence who has been in prison for 28 years.

Nikki Lee did not take anyone's life, but was convicted of murder after being ordered at gunpoint by her abusive boyfriend to tie up the crime victim, whom her boyfriend later killed (she did not know that the victim would be killed). She takes full responsibility for her role in the incident despite the fact that she acted out of fear, and expressed considerable remorse ever since it happened.

This was the third time that the Board of Prison Terms had granted Nikki Lee parole. The District Attorney's office did not oppose her release and agreed with the Board of Prison Terms and prison psychologists that Nikki Lee poses a low risk of threat upon release.

Despite being subjected to many invasive psychological examinations by prison psychologists over the years for being the first transgender woman to enter the California Institution for Women (CIW), Nikki Lee has been a vibrant leader at CIW.

Many thanks to all who contacted the Governor in support of her release, including members of the Action Committee for Women in Prison and other freedom fighters!