Ethel Kennedy Takes a Stand: “No Parole for Sirhan Sirhan!”
On Tuesday, September 7th, after a California panel’s surprise recommendation for the life‑sentence murderer of her late husband, Ethel Kennedy, who’s now 93, penned a brief but heartfelt note to the press. She slammed the idea of releasing Sirhan Sirhan, the 77‑year‑old Palestinian convicted of killing Robert F. Kennedy in 1968.
Key Points from Kennedy’s Message
- “Our family and our country suffered an unspeakable loss…” – Ethel laments the lasting pain inflicted by Sirhan’s act.
- She praises the act of mercy that spared Sirhan’s life but warns against the chance for him to “terrorise again.”
- Signed off with a simple, powerful line, handwritten in her own script: “He should not be paroled. Ethel Kennedy.”
How the Parole Decision Unfolded
The state’s Board of Parole Hearings (two‑commissioner panel) chose on Aug. 27 that Sirhan could be eligible for parole – the first time a review panel recommended his release. Under California law, a 120‑day legal staff review follows, possibly forwarding the case to the full board. The governor then has 30 days to either reverse or uphold the recommendation. If he does nothing, Sirhan is slated to be released.
Who’s In the Hot Seat?
- Sirhan, a Palestinian refugee, has been denied parole 15 times before.
- Governor Gavin Newsom’s fate, pending the Sept. 14 recall vote, will likely determine the next step.
The Kennedy Family Fallout
Six of Ethel’s nine living children publicly joined her in saying “no” to Sirhan’s freedom. This marks the first time she has voiced out on the issue. In contrast, Governor Newsom’s team sided with two of the remaining siblings – Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (who met Sirhan in 2017 and wrote a letter supporting his release) and Douglas Kennedy (who attended the Aug. 27 hearing in favour).
Past Statements That Sparked Outrage
- Joseph P. Kennedy II, Courtney, Kerry, Christopher, Maxwell, and Rory sent a collective statement: “We adamantly oppose Sirhan’s release and are devastated by the parole recommendation.”
- These voices were sharply contrasted by the brother‑sibling alliance that favors Sirhan’s parole.
Historical Context and Final Thoughts
Sirhan was convicted of shooting Robert F. Kennedy on June 5, 1968 – a few minutes after the senator’s victory toast during the California Democratic primary. Kennedy died the following day. Sirhan has claimed no memory of the murder but admitted anger over Kennedy’s pro‑Israel stance. He originally faced the death penalty in 1969, later reduced to life when California barred capital punishment.
In an almost cinematic twist, the cold case of a 1963 Democratic primary assassination now hinges on modern politics and a family divided into two very different camps. Whether Sirhan is let out or held captive will have ripples both in the courtroom and the Kennedy household.
