Support Incarcerated Activist Mario M's Freedom

As a testament to his activism and resilience, Mario Monteiro has the chance to gain his freedom after 20 years in custody!! Let's come together to support Mario's transition out of incarceration!

 

At 17 years old, Mario received a double life sentence, making him a “juvenile lifer.” Mario was the first juvenile in Rhode Island to be sentenced under a newly established statute that mandated consecutive life sentences after being convicted for first degree murder if a firearm was involved.

 

Throughout his sentence, Mario has worked against the oppression of incarceration and focused on his growth. He educated himself, reading hundreds of books and articles; participated in numerous educational programs and is only a few classes away from his AA degree; graduated from the FRG gang renunciation step down program; mentored younger people in the prison and currently trains dogs for veterans.

 

Mario, however, has not only focused on his personal growth; he has spent the past decade advocating for juvenile sentencing reforms and systemic change to the criminal legal system.

 

Ever since Mario learned that the U.S. Supreme Court was addressing juvenile sentencing in 2009, he has been committed to ending lengthy juvenile sentences in Rhode Island. He reached out to RI legislators and formed partnerships with community organizations in the state, such as Black & Pink Providence. Every year since 2016 a juvenile sentencing reform bill has been introduced in the Rhode Island legislature. Mario has been at the forefront of these efforts, reading up on Supreme Court decisions (Roper v. Simmons, Graham v. Florida, Miller v. Alabama) and other states’ laws, writing testimony, engaging other juveniles with lengthy sentences, compiling lists of legislators, contacting legislators, speaking to community organizations and leading an organizing efforts from behind bars .For over 6 years, the RI legislature would squashed the bill in committee, but this year, our efforts paid off and RI passed legislation that address juvenile sentencing reform. The legislation is expected to impact Mario and up to 80 other youthful offenders currently incarcerated in Rhode Island and will protect future young people affected by the criminal legal system.

 

Due to his advocacy, his family’s advocacy, and the advocacy of many Rhode Island community members and legislators, Mario will see the parole board in December. We are raising funds to support Mario’s transition out of the prison and into society, including getting a parole attorney, so he can have a more fair chance at the freedom he has fought so hard to gain. Any amount is so helpful and appreciated.

 

Mario recognizes that this work is not over: the RI legislature watered down the juvenile sentencing bill decreasing it’s reach and impact and we need sweeping, systemic change to the legal system to that impacts and supports the freedom of all people, regardless of their age. Mario is committed to continuing to advocate for justice. We need your help so he can have a smooth transition back to society and continue to advocate on the outside alongside us.

 

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“I have hope that my current path will lead to my eventual release. Growth for me didn’t just mean education and books, it also meant a lot of self reflection and avoidance - reflecting on what I wanted for myself and avoiding the obstacles and people that would detract me from that. At times this was challenging and lonely. The process was challenging because this place isn’t designed for growth/positive change/change , but rather the opposite. I felt lonely, because not many people are willing to go down that difficult road. My support system of family and friends fill the void that I’ve carried for so long and they’ve become the cornerstone of my success. We hope to live in a society that doesn’t lock kids up and throw away the key, but acknowledges that young people can change.”

- Mario Monteiro, July 2020

 

 

Read more about Mario’s life and advocacy here: