Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Rabbis urge AG to free Hasidic Jew pending sentencing on multiple counts of fraud
Some of the nation's leading Orthodox rabbis have urged Attorney General Eric Holder to intervene on humanitarian grounds in the case of a Hasidic Jew convicted on multiple counts of fraud, arguing he should be free pending sentencing.
In a letter prepared Tuesday, the rabbis say they are astounded that federal prosecutors in Iowa have demanded that Sholom Rubashkin be incarcerated, even though he is not a flight risk. They say imprisonment curtails his religious observance.
Justice Department spokeswoman Tracy Schmaler declined to comment on an ongoing case.
Rubashkin has been in county jail in Iowa, since his conviction Nov. 12 on 86 financial fraud-related charges. Federal courts have twice denied his release pending sentencing.
http://www.wqad.com/news/sns-ap-ia--kosherslaughterhouse-rubashkin,0,4428312.story
In a letter prepared Tuesday, the rabbis say they are astounded that federal prosecutors in Iowa have demanded that Sholom Rubashkin be incarcerated, even though he is not a flight risk. They say imprisonment curtails his religious observance.
Justice Department spokeswoman Tracy Schmaler declined to comment on an ongoing case.
Rubashkin has been in county jail in Iowa, since his conviction Nov. 12 on 86 financial fraud-related charges. Federal courts have twice denied his release pending sentencing.
http://www.wqad.com/news/sns-ap-ia--kosherslaughterhouse-rubashkin,0,4428312.story
Comments:
1) I think fraud itself is an impediment to proper Jewish observance. 2)What impact have the 86 cases of fraud had on those who were defrauded?b
Comment Credit ---This article posted by 
: January 27, 2010 10:49 AM
: January 27, 2010 10:49 AM
They are not disputing the fraud conviction. They are disputing the basis for keeping him in jail awaiting appeal. The judge has said that he is afraid of his fleeing to Israel. If he would have said he is afraid of an African American fleeing to Africa you can bet Al Sharpton would be leading a march to Washington. Why is he being punished specifically for being Jewish is their point.
Comment Credit ---This article posted by : January 27, 2010 1:25 PM
: January 27, 2010 1:25 PM
He is absolutely a flight risk, and if he doesn't flee to Israel, it's only because everyone would be watching him now. Had this NOT been made an issue, the first thing he would have done would be to run away.
Comment Credit ---This article posted by : January 27, 2010 4:22 PM
: January 27, 2010 4:22 PM
Enough sophistry. If thus is not an extraditable offense, keep him in jail.
Comment Credit ---This article posted by : January 27, 2010 4:29 PM
: January 27, 2010 4:29 PM
Unfortunately, SMR brought this on himself in the initial investigation when police discovered a travel bag containing birth certificates and passports of family members along with $20K in cash. That is obvious evidence of intent to flee. Accordingly, he has "flight risk" all but stamped on his forehead.
The judge's decision was quite forced on this matter.
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The judge's decision was quite forced on this matter.
Comment Credit ---This article posted by : January 28, 2010 11:25 AM
: January 28, 2010 11:25 AM
