Dear Governor Perry,

The undersigned members of the RJF CAMPAIGN Group, a human rights organization deploying its energies in the service of Rights, Justice, and Freedom, would like to take the liberty of drawing your attention to a case involving a young Icelander named Aron Pálmi Ágústsson, who was unfortunate enough, when only a child himself, to be sentenced for sexual harassment of  a young playmate (SID no. 05805271). For this fateful error in childish judgment, our young Icelandic friend was sentenced, when only 13 years old, to spend 10 years in a correctional facility in the State of Texas penal system. At this writing, he has served slightly less than 8 years of that sentence. If nothing changes in the handling of his case, he must serve just over two additional years before reclaiming his freedom.

Aron Pálmi Ágústsson has repeatedly expressed the desire to return to Iceland to serve the remainder of his sentence in this country. The Icelandic authorities have lent formal support to his request but, so far, to no avail.  For the past two years, Aron Pálmi has lived alone in Beaumont, in a small rental apartment paid for by his stepfather, Dean Thomas of Houston. He lives there under house arrest and is required to wear a Global Positioning System (GPS) device on his ankle. 

As its name implies and as is stated above, the RJF CAMPAIGN Group works toward the resolution of various human rights cases. In keeping with that role, the Group recently decided to bend its efforts toward ameliorating the unfortunate situation in which this young Icelander finds himself. Ever since his tragic case emerged some nine years ago, Aron Pálmi’s dearest wish and hope has been to return to his native country and to his family here. It is his desire and his plan to settle in Iceland permanently and to rebuild his life after his difficult experience in Texas, where he has spent the entirety of his teenage years in a correctional institution.

The members of the RJF CAMPAIGN Group believe in the good in this world, and they believe that it is possible to make a positive impact on difficult worldly situations by turning to the Almighty and asking Him for strength and assistance, especially in critical situations.  It is our pleasure to tell you that, in support of that belief, the Rev. Karl Sigurbjörnsson, Bishop of Iceland, responded most graciously and willingly to the RJF CAMPAIGN Group´s request for assistance, and this past Sunday, 29 May 2005, all of the churches in our small country joined spiritual hands and offered a collective prayer for young Aron Pálmi. Attached to this missive is a letter of confirmation from the Bishop's Office. This unique solidarity and faith show how important it is to the Icelandic nation that Aron Pálmi’s case be resolved as soon as may be; indeed, it shows clearly how important the welfare of each of God’s children is to the Icelandic Church and the Icelandic nation.

Honorable Governor Perry. We now place all our confidence and trust in you and in your clemency. We consider it as certain that it is in your power to promote the resolution of this delicate matter and ensure that it ends more happily than it began, despite the lateness of the hour in the history of this sad case, and that Aron Pálmi Ágústsson can be granted permission to return to Iceland without further delay.  We know that the Icelandic authorities and the Icelandic Embassy in Washington will make every possible effort to meet all of the requirements that may be stipulated by the prison authorities in Texas regarding our young friend’s permission to travel. We also know that Aron Pálmi will be able to depend on the support of his family and friends upon his return to Iceland.     

In closing, we would like to extend to you, the State of Texas, and the American nation our sincerest wishes that you may enjoy good fortune and God’s blessing, both now and in the future. 

Respectfully yours,

On behalf of The RJF CAMPAIGN Group

Einar S. Einarsson, Chairman                 Gudmundur G. Thórarinsson, Vice-Chairman

Gardar Sverrisson                                                          Helgi Ólafsson

Magnús Skúlason                                                          Ingvar Ásmundsson

cc:        Icelandic Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Reykjavík

            Icelandic Embassy, Washington, DC

            The US Embassy in Iceland, Reykjavík

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