By Ashlee Banks
Special to the AFRO
Civil rights advocates are intensifying their calls for President Joe Biden to pardon former Baltimore State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby, who is currently under house arrest following her convictions in federal cases earlier this year.
This renewed push for clemency in Mosby’s case comes on the heels of Biden’s surprising decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, after previously stating he would not do so. Prominent attorney Ben Crump and political strategist Angela Rye emphasized that while Biden’s actions toward his son may have been justified in some circles, they serve as a reminder that “justice is still not served for so many in this country.”
In a joint statement released on Dec. 2, Crump and Rye pointed out the stark reality that thousands of individuals remain wrongfully convicted and are currently incarcerated in federal prisons. They expressed concern over the perceived selective prosecution of Hunter Biden and highlighted that he is not the only one facing such scrutiny. Their focus shifted to Mosby, who was convicted earlier this year on charges of mortgage fraud and perjury. As it stands, she is serving a year of home confinement, followed by an additional two years of supervised release.
U.S. Rep. Glenn Ivey (D-Md.-4) told the AFRO that he and other members of the Congressional Black Caucus wrote a letter to President Biden urging him to pardon Mosby.
“I thought that the charges against her boiled down to her taking money from herself,” said Ivey. “I know she’s suffered quite a bit at this point, so certainly commuting her sentence would be fine with me.”
U.S. Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.-5) told the AFRO that he agrees that the president should use his authority to pardon Mosby and several others.
“We are working collectively, many of us in the CBC, particularly, to make sure that other individuals are being considered for a pardon,” said the Democratic lawmaker.
Mosby is currently appealing her conviction, but the Attorney Grievance Commission of Maryland has called for her law license to be suspended during this process. Fortunately for Mosby, the Maryland Supreme Court has denied this request, allowing her to maintain her legal standing while her appeal is underway.
Notably, the lead prosecutor in Mosby’s case, Leo Wise, also played a role in the prosecution of Hunter Biden, raising questions about the fairness and impartiality of the legal proceedings against both individuals.
Haki Ammi, Maryland Black Caucus Foundation parliamentarian, told the AFRO that Wise has a track record of engaging in alleged unethical practices.
“Leo Wise has a history of politically targeting high profile officials. As President Biden said, they targeted his son–the same can be said about Marilyn Mosby,” said Ammi.
Throughout Mosby’s legal battles, she has garnered support from a wide range of civil rights leaders and organizations, including the Rev. Al Sharpton, the NAACP and members of the Congressional Black Caucus. These groups have consistently voiced their belief that Mosby was wrongfully targeted by the Trump administration due to her vocal advocacy for racial justice and reform.
In light of these circumstances, Crump and Rye expressed their willingness to engage in a dialogue with President Biden regarding the use of his pardon power. They asserted that there are many others, who deserve a chance at justice and redemption. They believe that the president’s actions could set a precedent for addressing the systemic inequalities that plague the judicial system.
Biden’s unexpected decision to pardon his son just days before Hunter was set to be sentenced for federal convictions related to gun possession and tax charges has sparked a national conversation about the nature of justice and accountability. While some see the pardon as a necessary act of compassion, others are questioning why the same level of compassion has not been extended to figures like Mosby.
As the conversation surrounding Mosby’s potential pardon continues to gain traction, it serves as a reminder of the broader issues facing the American legal system, particularly for marginalized individuals. The calls for justice and reform echo the sentiments of those advocating for a more equitable society, where everyone, regardless of status or background, has access to fair treatment and the opportunity for redemption. The outcome of these discussions may have a lasting impact on the future of civil rights advocacy and the pursuit of justice in the United States.
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