As you know, on November 7th the appeals court ordered Judge Mark Fuller to show cause why Governor Siegelman was not allowed to remain free while his case is on appeal. On December 31st, Governor Siegelman's attorneys filed a motion with the appeals court asking them to either require Judge Fuller to end his delaying tactics or to rule on the appeal bond without his input. Miraculously, on January 2nd , 55 days after the appeals court requested it - Judge Fuller produced a voluminous 32 page document denying Siegelman's appeal bond. Bear in mind that during this entire delay, Governor Siegelman was sitting in federal prison.
So now, the issue of whether Governor Siegelman is freed while his case is on appeal rests solely with the judges at the 11th circuit court of appeals in Atlanta. We are very optimistic about the forthcoming ruling. The appeal bond decision will be based on whether there is a likelihood of reversal of the verdict on appeal and also taking into account whether the case has serious questions surrounding it.
There is not a case in existence that has more troubling questions surrounding it than the Siegelman case. National media accounts and a congressional hearing have shown that there were serious improprieties in the investigation and indictment of Governor Siegelman. According to a Rasmussen Poll, 56% of the people in Alabama think Governor Siegelman was targeted for political reasons. And that doesn't even take into account the many irregularities surrounding the trial, jury activity, and post verdict actions of the Judge and the prosecutors.
In his order denying Siegelman's appeal bond, Judge Fuller said that in regarding the definition of a bribe it was not necessary to show that a specific agreement had been made. Unfortunately for Judge Fuller, the statute specifically states the opposite. Even the Acting US Attorney disagreed with Judge Fuller. The fact that the Government and the Judge can't get their facts straight again highlights the faultiness of the conviction.
But, as we all know, Governor Siegelman's case serves as the primary example of how the Justice department was corrupted for political purposes. That is why on January 10, everyone needs to call their Senators and Representatives and urge a full investigation into how the Justice department ran roughshod over the constitution in Alabama.
Governor Siegelman has now been in prison for 6 Months and 4 days. Over 18 months has passed since the trial ended and he can not even begin his official appeal because Judge Fuller has failed to provide a trial transcript. The rules of criminal procedure require a transcript within 30 days of sentencing.
The questions continue to mount and the wheels of justice continue to grind - albeit very slowly. But Governor Siegelman is keeping the faith and he urges all of us to do the same.
Call for Action!
On January 10, we are asking friends and supporters of Gov. Siegelman to flex their muscles and focus the House and Senate's attention on the outrageous events that have occurred in the Political Prosecution of Gov. Siegelman.
Rep. Artur Davis and Rep. John Conyers have taken great strides in calling attention to the injustice and partisan politics that have invaded our justice system. We want to encourage all Representatives and Senators of both parties to get behind the movement to expose those people who have perverted our justice system and hijacked our constitution.
On January 10 we ask that you call your senators and representatives and make it clear that Gov. Siegelman's case is something that they should investigate and begin to work with Rep. Conyers and Rep. Davis to correct.
Contribute to the Siegelman Legal Defense Fund
We also ask that you take the time to contribute to Gov. Siegelman's legal defense fund. As this case is being dragged out, Gov. Siegelman's legal bills continue to mount. Every dollar will go to efforts in place to aid Gov. Siegelman and to clear his name.
Send Contributions to
Siegelman Legal Defense Fund
P. O. Box 430116
Birmingham, Alabama 35243
Find out more about the Siegelman Case
Want to Help?
There are many things that you can do! Write Don a letter in prison, write editorials, write your congress representative and more. The TAKE ACTION page makes it easy!
And don't forget to contribute to the Siegelman Legal Defense Fund!
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