Schwarzenegger's Stance on Parole Draws Protest

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A group of protestors gathered outside the Los Angeles Office of the Governor today to raise awareness of what they say is Governors Schwarzenegger's unfair stance on parole.
Jimmy Thompson is a former inmate who said he was only released from prison after a battle in court. He then founded a support group called Lifers to be Freed.
"You have approximately over 3,000 inmates that go before the parole board each year and out of that 3,000 virtually none is approved by the governor. I was found suitable five times for the board of parole hearings and I was denied five times by the governor," Thompson said.
A spokesperson for the governor said Schwarzenegger reviews each case independently, according to his own system of merit.
"He looks at the merits of each case and whether or not he feels the need to reverse or deny a parole request," said Rachel Arrezola, spokesperson for Governor Schwarzenegger.
Thompson said his group is planning three more demonstrations this year.

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