Update on the Prosecution of Don Siegelman

Back in February, I posted about the political prosecution of former Alabama Governor Don Siegelman. Siegelman was a respected and well liked Democratic Governor whose political career was ended by a politicized indictment, seemingly directed by the Alabama Republican machine with direction from the highest levels of the Bush Administration and Justice Department. A Republican, Bob Riley, narrowly defeated Siegelman in a highly suspicious and disputed gubernatorial race. Siegelmanwas subsequently conviction of bribery and has been serving a 7 year sentence in prison. 60 Minutes detailed the story in The Prosecution of Don Siegelman wherein Karl Rove and other Republican officials have been implicated for their involvement in this political prosecution.

Partly as a result of the 60 Minutes story and the resulting publicity, the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on March 27th released Siegelman on bail pending his appeal. The House Judiciary Committee has also launched an investigation into the handling of this case (Probe Sought in Alabama Prosecution). The 60 Minutes update can be found here. More details can be found at the following links:

Ex-Ala. governor to be freed on bond

Freed Alabama Ex-Governor Sees Politics in His Case

Last week, Congressman John Conyers, the Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee (aka the "Mustache of Justice" in the House) announced that he has called Karl Rove to testify before his committee regarding his involvement in the Siegelman case, the apparent political firing of federal prosecutors, and other similar issues. Rove has until Thursday to appear before the committee or face legal action. For more details, see the following:

Conyers closing in on Rove

If you think this issue goes to the very core of our judicial system and the rule of law in America, contact Congressman Conyers and you own representatives (go to Contact Congress) and let them know you want Congress to hold the Executive Branch accountable for their actions. In the United States of America, we should not be holding political prisoners!