Roger Stone: Critics blast Trump for commuting ex-adviser’s jail term

July 11, 2020

US President Donald Trump has commuted the prison sentence for long-time friend and adviser Roger Stone, who was jailed for lying to Congress during the Russia probe, the White House says. “Roger Stone has already suffered greatly,” the White House said in a statement. “He was treated very unfairly, as were many others in this case. Roger Stone is now a free man.” Stone, 67, was scheduled to report by Tuesday to a federal prison in Jesup, Georgia, to begin serving a sentence of three years and four months for lying under oath to US politicians investigating Russian interference in the 2016 US election. Following the commutation of his sentence, Stone spoke to reporters outside his home in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, while wearing a mask with the words “Free Roger Stone”.

Leading Democrats have condemned US President Donald Trump’s decision to commute the prison sentence of his former adviser and friend Roger Stone.

Presidential contender Joe Biden’s spokesman accused Mr Trump of abuse of power and “laying waste” to US values.

The move – sparing Stone from jail but not a pardon – came just after a court denied Stone’s request to delay the start date of his 40-month prison term.

He was convicted of lying to Congress, obstruction and witness tampering.

Stone was the sixth Trump aide found guilty on charges linked to a justice department probe that alleged Russia tried to boost the Trump 2016 campaign.

The 67-year-old had been due to report to a federal prison in Jesup, Georgia, next Tuesday.

The White House said Stone was the victim of an attempt by opponents to undermine the presidency.

The president has been accused by political critics of undermining the justice system by criticising criminal cases against Stone and other former aides. To read more go to the link below:

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-53373128