JAKARTA - Having been jailed for 28 years, three men were released after being found innocent and their sentences lifted.

Prosecutors agree with the third lawyer, the sentence handed down based on weak evidence and the involvement of corrupt pollution officers.

Kunta Gable, Leroy Nelson and Bernelli Juluke were released from prison on Wednesday night after a New Orleans judge canceled their sentences in connection with the 1994 fatal shooting.

When arrested in 1994, Gable and Nelson were 17 years old. Meanwhile, Juluke is known to be 18 years old.

"Mr Juluke has not been guilty since his wrong arrest. I am relieved that his good name has been cleared, although disappointed because it took so long," said Juluke's attorney Mike Admirand of the South Human Rights Center.

"No one can redeem Mr. Juluke and his family for the wrong arrests. But thanks to yesterday's court decision, at least they will have a common future," explained Admirand.

The release of the three was made possible after prosecutors and their lawyers submitted an agreement to the court, declaring they had been found guilty in March 1996, based on the testimony of a witness who had the wrong color of the car.

The agreement also mentions the presence of two New Orleans police officers at the scene. Later, it was discovered that they covered up the murder for drug dealers. They also manipulated evidence in the case.

One of the two policemen is known as Len Davis. He was later sentenced to death in a separate murder case.

"This punishment was obtained in violation of the Constitution and may result in the sentence of three innocent teenagers. The sentence should have long been lifted," the two parties said in court documents.


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