A while back, I shared with you the story of the “Jena 6″, a group of young men facing ridiculously-long sentences for beating up a white teen, in retaliation to a series of racial incidents going on in that community. Instead of assault charges, most were charged with attempted murder and, now, face sentences that would carry them into old age.
We have seen miscarriages of justice and this is one most egregious. Right now, there is a petition started by the NAACP, calling for a new trial of one of these young men, Mychal Bell because:
Mychal Bell, who is African American, was convicted by an all white jury in a racially charged case. Mychal Bell’s public defender did not put on any evidence and did not call any witnesses. Moreover, the aggravated battery charge was unwarranted since the alleged assailant did not use and dangerous weapon. A tennis shoe is not a deadly weapon. There was conflicting testimony regarding whether Mychal Bell was involved in the incident in question. Mychal Bell’s parents were not allowed in the court room during the trial. Mychal Bell faces a potential 22 year sentence in prison.
You can sign the petition here.
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