Thread by @AriMelber

Many defendants are jailed before trial, but Jan. 6 rioters are *free* after indictments for:

R. Sanford, attacking police

C. Connell, attacking police

C. Alberts, *loaded* gun at Capitol

D. Blair, attacking police with a stick flying a Confederate flag

-- @SeemaAhmad40

Many capitol rioters indicted for violence "have been released -- while the Black and brown clients I represent" are *almost always jailed* before trial.

- Federal public defender @SeemaAhmad40:

nbcnews.com/think/opinion/…

Bail release can change an entire case, but it's not routine.

So consider the wide-eyed disbelief of seeing "so many Capitol rioters receiving bail release in cases involving *violence.*"

nbcnews.com/think/opinion/… @NBCNewsTHINK @SeemaAhmad40

Wow.

"In 10 years of practicing criminal federal defense, I have had only one or two clients released before trial, and that was for petty mail theft - not participating in a *violent insurrection.*"

nbcnews.com/think/opinion/…

Capitol insurrectionists walking free is another "illustration of the privilege not.. afforded to defendants of color. My clients — in nonviolent drug and immigration cases — experience a criminal justice system that is harsh & heartless."

- @SeemaAhmad40 nbcnews.to/38SkDbH

Biden now has the opportunity to address racial disparities in bail outcomes, charges, plea offers and sentencing recommendations...

All criminal defendants — not just those who are white and privileged — deserve fairness.

- Public Defender @SeemaAhmad40

Recommending this piece by friend who is a longtime public defender and civil rights advocate:

nbcnews.to/38SkDbH @SeemaAhmad40