Former alleged Black Panther awaiting extradition on charges

A reputed former Black Panther wanted in the United States in the shooting of a police officer in 1969 will remain behind bars until his extradition hearing, an Ontario court ruled Monday. Joseph Pannell, 56, is wanted for allegedly firing 13 shots at Chicago police officer Terrence Knox during the heyday of the Black Panther movement. He is charged there with attempted murder and three counts of aggravated battery. It has not been proven that Pannell was a member of the militant black rights group. Knox suffers permanent damage to one arm. Pannell's lawyer, Julian Falconer, called the refusal of bail a "disappointing moment." "I don't for a minute suggest that shooting a police officer could be condoned," said Falconer. "But on the other hand, we have yet to hear all sides of this story." [more]