Thursday, October 16, 2014

New York City's Slow Turning Wheels of Justice



Kalief Browder sent to Rikers Island at age 17


In 2010 a young man from the Bronx was alleged to have stolen a book-bag containing $700, an iPod and camera.  He was officially charged with second degree robbery.

People calling themselves "City of New York" decided to warehouse the accused teenager at Rikers Island Prison.  The inside of which looks like this...






Rikers Island Prison,
New York City
 

After being charged with robbery Kalief Browder was offered a plea bargain but the teen maintained his innocence and refused to accept the deal.  Browder held strong despite the efforts of Patricia DiMango who threatened him with the possibility of 15 years in prison if he didn't plead guilty. 

Thanks to New York City's slow turning wheels of justice the accused was held at Rikers Island prison for three years.  During his time there Kalief spent nearly 500 days in solitary confinement.

The City of New York people never took Browder to trial.  Why???  They couldn't present any evidence of the alleged robbery.  

Read more of Browder's incredible story written by Jennifer Gonnerman at The New Yorker.


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