Amnesty International UK will host a free screening of the acclaimed documentary about the notorious case of the “Angola 3” on Tuesday 10 July.

The 2010 film - In the Land of the Free, with narration by Samuel L Jackson - tells the story of how three men - Herman Wallace, Albert Woodfox and Robert King - were placed in solitary confinement at Louisiana State Penitentiary (known as Angola prison) in the USA in 1972.

Wallace and Woodfox - who were convicted of the murder of prison guard Brent Miller, a crime they have vigorously denied - have now spent the last 40 years in solitary. King, who was convicted of a different crime, spent 29 years in solitary confinement at Angola until his release in 2001. He will appear on a panel with the film’s director to discuss the case after the film screening.

Amnesty is currently calling on the Louisiana authorities to remove Wallace and Woodfox from solitary confinement, and is challenging the authorities’ contention that the pair remain a threat to prison employees and others (see http://amn.st/MQcp2U ). Meanwhile, Woodfox’s lawyers are pursuing a claim of racial discrimination in jury selection at his 1998 retrial. This could see his conviction overturned (for the third time) and lead to his release.

What: film screening and panel discussion

Who: Robert King (former “Angola 3”), Vadim Jean (director of In the Land of the Free), Tessa Murphy (Amnesty International USA campaigner)

When: Tuesday 10 July 2012, 7.00pm (please arrive for a prompt start)

Where: Amnesty International UK Human Rights Action Centre, 17-25 New Inn Yard, London EC2A 3EA

The event, which will be followed by an informal drinks reception, is free, but booking is essential (see: http://amn.st/LvWvx6 .