No justice without equal justice

OPINION:

Members of the Jan. 6 committee and others should be not only ashamed but held accountable for their gross misleading of the legal system, other members of Congress and the American people (“Jan. 6 ’Shaman’ released from prison early as lawyer calls for sanctions on prosecutors over video,” web, March 30).

This speaks volumes about the two-tiered justice system that has permeated our courts. Add to that the fact that many of those involved on Jan. 6 were treated far worse than hardened criminals while being held and you get something that needs immediate and thorough investigation. Most of the Jan. 6 detainees — if not all of them — should have been released on bond, if not personal recognizance. Yet many were held incommunicado and denied timely representation and preliminary hearings, during which this exculpatory video evidence should have been viewed.

The events of Jan. 6 were uncalled for, but as for criminal activity, only a few individuals deserved to be held and prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Those responsible for this denial of constitutional and legal rights should be facing charges and possible equal jail time. I have to wonder how some officials involved in this denial of rights would feel sitting in the hellhole that is the D.C. jail where these people were kept. No matter the crime, equal justice under the law is indeed a hallmark of the American system. There is no justice until all justice is equal. 

PAT HAMP

Oak Hill, Virginia