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Trump Grants Pardon to Ross Ulbricht
Former President Donald Trump recently announced on Truth Social that he has granted a full and unconditional pardon to Ross Ulbricht, the founder of the Silk Road dark web marketplace. In his message, Trump highlighted his personal call to Ulbricht’s mother, emphasizing that the pardon honors her and acknowledges the Libertarian Movement that has been a strong supporter of his political endeavors.
In his post, Trump expressed satisfaction in signing the pardon, calling the conviction of Ulbricht “ridiculous.” He mentioned the harshness of Ulbricht’s sentence, which included two life sentences plus an additional 40 years. Trump pointed out that those involved in Ulbricht’s conviction were among the “lunatics” who have pursued what he describes as the weaponization of government against him.
Brandon Sample, Ulbricht’s attorney for clemency, confirmed to Reuters that his client is expected to be released shortly. Sample remarked, “After enduring over a decade of incarceration, this decision offers Ross the opportunity to begin anew, to rebuild his life, and to contribute positively to society.”
The news was met with enthusiasm on social media. An account dedicated to Ulbricht’s cause, known as “Free_Ross,” celebrated the pardon on X (formerly Twitter) with a post that garnered over 4.5 million views. The account expressed profound gratitude, stating, “Words cannot express how grateful we are. President Trump is a man of his word and he just saved Ross’s life. ROSS IS A FREE MAN!!!!!”
Additionally, the Ulbricht family shared their appreciation on a linked website dedicated to his cause, stating, “We are immensely grateful to President Trump for giving Ross a second chance and to all those who have supported us throughout the years. From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU!!!”
Background on Ross Ulbricht
Ross Ulbricht was arrested in 2013 and subsequently convicted of several charges, including conspiracy to commit money laundering, conspiracy to commit hacking, and conspiracy to traffic narcotics. He was sentenced in 2015, and his case has been a focal point for discussions surrounding the justice system’s treatment of non-violent offenders and the implications of online freedom.
Implications of the Pardon
The pardon may signal a shift in the dialogue surrounding digital freedom and government regulation of online activities. Supporters view Ulbricht’s release as a pivotal moment for those advocating for criminal justice reform and the reassessment of harsh penalties for cybercrimes. Experts are likely to closely analyze the broader impacts this pardon could have on similar cases and the ongoing conversation about internet privacy and personal liberty.
Source
arstechnica.com