As the United States moves towards normalizing diplomatic relations with Cuba, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has asked President Barack Obama to work to extradite late rapper Tupac's aunt from the Caribbean nation.
According to NBC, New Jersey's chief executive sent President Obama a letter asking to have Assata Shakur, born Joanne Chesimard, brought back into the country more than 40 years after she was convicted of murdering Trooper Werner Foerster during a gunfight on the New Jersey Turnpike near East Brunswick in 1973.
Shakur reportedly escaped from prison, eventually making her way to Cuba. She was granted asylum by Fidel Castro and adapted a new name.
Although Christie said he doesn't agree with the president's move to restore diplomatic relations with Cuba, he believes there is an opportunity to bring justice to Foerster's family.
"Despite my profound disagreement with this decision, I believe there is an opportunity for Cuba and its government to show the American people it is serious about change," Christie said in the letter.
Numerous efforts have been made to extradite Shakur. She remains on the FBI's Most Wanted Terrorist List and $2 million have been offered for information leading to her capture.
Shakur wrote about her decision to leave the country on her website.
Because of government persecution, I was left with no other choice than to flee from the political repression, racism and violence that dominate the US government's policy towards people of color. I am an ex political prisoner, and I have been living in exile in Cuba since 1984. I have been a political activist most of my life, and although the U.S. government has done everything in its power to criminalize me, I am not a criminal, nor have I ever been one.
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