Although the decision was a significant victory for the 77 year-old prisoner it does not guarantee his release.
The staff of the California Parole Board will review the decision by Sirhan's two-person parole panel over the next 90 day. It will then be sent to Governor, who will have 30 day to approve, reverse, or modify it.
Douglas Kennedy was just a toddler when his father died in 1968. He said that he was moved by Sirhan's sorrow and should be freed if he is not a danger to others.
He said, "It's overwhelming to be able to see Mr. Sirhan face-to-face." "I believe I have lived my entire life in fear of him or his name in some way. He is a person worthy of love and compassion, which I am grateful for."
Senator from New York and brother to President John F. Kennedy, Kennedy was a Democratic presidential hopeful when he was shot dead at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles on June 6, 1968. This happened just moments after Kennedy had delivered a victory speech in California's pivotal California primary.
Sirhan, who was convicted for first-degree murder has stated that he doesn’t remember the crime.
Angela Berry, his lawyer, suggested that the board should base its decisions on Sirhan's current status.
His release was not authorized by George Gascon, Los Angeles County District Attorney. Gascon is a former officer in the police force who ran on a reform platform and declined to cooperate or oppose him.
Gascon, who claimed he loved the Kennedys and was sad about RFK's death, believes that the prosecutors' role ends with sentencing and should not have any influence on the release of prisoners.