A Rational Approach to the Pollard Case

From Matt Salmon, a former congressman from Arizona:-

...Four years ago, Vice President Biden publicly came out for the commutation of Jonathan Pollard’s sentence to time served; now, astonishingly, he has reversed this position. It is of particular shock to all of us who have reviewed Pollard’s case and agree that an injustice has been done...it is imperative that we are clear in articulating that an injustice occurred, and, no less, that it Pollard’s release is a necessary move in America’s interest.

On June 27, 2011, I wrote President Obama asking for the commutation for Pollard’s sentence to time served. I did so after having met with Pollard, having reviewed his case and having full knowledge of his letter of remorse. It is well documented that the average sentence for a similar crime is 2-4 years. Pollard is now in his 26th year of incarceration! This is simply wrong, and no longer just.

Former attorney-general Michael Mukasey made it quite clear when he asserted that no-one questions that Pollard had no intention to harm the United States by his actions.

Furthermore, this is not merely a matter of correcting an unjust sentence; rather the Pollard case harms the integrity of the United States Justice Department.

Commuting Pollard’s sentence to time served is consistent with the recommendation of his prosecutors, an opinion contained in the plea bargain they signed with Pollard. It is truly astonishing, and it raises severe ethical and moral questions, why these same prosecutors, Joseph DiGenova and John L. Martin, now advocate that Pollard serve a life sentence when they themselves, with full knowledge of the case, had agreed in writing to not seek a life sentence...

That makes sense.

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