Support Matin's Clemency

What is clemency?

The President has the power to grant a commutation (sometimes called "clemency"), pardon, or retrieve to federal prisoners. There are almost 16,000 people in federal prisons with pending requests for executive clemency. To learn more about executive clemency, read this FAQ page from the US Department of Justice.

How can I support Matin's case?

Matin's clemency case file number is C179832. He is seeking a commutation of his sentence and his case is pending. His Bureau of Prisons registration number is 63283-053.

Send a letter of support for clemency


Mail a letter of support to President Biden. Address the letter to President Biden and address your envelope to: President Joe BidenThe White House1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.Washington, DC 20500
Suggestions for writing letters:
  • get to the point in your first paragraph - you support Shahawar Matin Siraj's clemency petition
  • establish your connection to Matin (if you don't know Matin personally, consider how society would benefit from his commutation)
  • if you do not know Matin personally, leverage your professional and/or lived experiences that can inform your recommendation for commutation
  • be respectful and concise in tone

Things NOT to include in a support letter:
  • do not suggest that the crime that Matin was convicted of is not "serious"
  • do not suggest that the crime that Matin was convicted of was a "mistake"
  • do not provide details about Matin's case

Send Matin words of encouragement

See the "Contact" page for Matin's address and considering sending him words of encouragement.

Accomplishments

Matin has been incredibly active while imprisoned. Below is a list of just some of the programs and classes that Matin has completed:

Federal Correctional Facility in Otisville, New York

  • Forklift ACE Class (2017)

  • GOGI Tools for Positive Decision Making (2016)

  • Resume Writing (2016)

  • Victim Impact Class (2015)

  • Introduction to Horticulture, 150 hours (2015)

  • Islamic - Three Fundamental Principles Part 1, 36 hours (2014) and Part 2, 24 hours (2015)

  • Anger Management SAMHSA Module (2015)

  • Emotional Self-Regulation (2015)

  • Basic Cognitive Skills (2015)

  • GOGI Tools for Positive Decision Making (2015)

  • Systematic Training for Effective Parenting (2014)

  • Positive Mental Attitude - Effective Alternatives (2014)

  • Victim Impact Workshop (2013)

  • Cultural Awareness Class (2012)

  • Critical Elevated Thinking (2012)

  • Intervention Program (Parts 2 and 3) (2012)

  • Breaking the Cycle (2012)

  • Path to Achieve Self-Development (PASD) Program (2012)

  • Meditation (2012)

Federal Correctional Institution Terre Haute

  • VT Introduction to Computers, 360 hours (2011)

  • Biology Part I (2009)

  • World History Parts 1 and 2 (2009)

  • No Excuses: Existentialism and the Meaning of Life (2009)

  • Algebra Parts 1 and 2 (2009)

  • History of Languages Part 3 (2009)

  • Philosophy Part 2 (2009)

  • Psychology Parts 1 and 2 (2009)

  • Origins of Great Ancient Civilizations (2008)

  • Story of Language Parts 1 and 2 (2008)

  • Tools of Thinking (2008)

  • English as a Second Language (2008; 2007)

  • European & Western Civilization in the Modern Age Part 1 (2007) and 2 (2008)

  • Shakespeare (2007)

A-Tech Institute of Forest Hills, NY

  • PC Technician Certification (2004)

State of Indiana

  • GED

Matin also donated his hair to Locks of Love.