Jussie Smollett’s lawyer condemns Chicago officials for continuing ‘smear campaign’ against him
Patricia Brown Holmes issued a statement asking agencies to ‘live up to the ethical tenants of their office’
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Your support makes all the difference.Jussie Smollett‘s lawyer has condemned Chicago officials, following news that charges against the actor have been dropped.
Patricia Brown Holmes issued a statement claiming they were conducting a “smear campaign” against Smollett, asking agencies to “live up to the ethical tenants of their office”.
The 36-year-old was accused of hiring two men to stage a racist and homophobic attack on him in downtown Chicago on 29 January. All 16 counts of disorderly conduct have been dismissed.
In a statement on Smollett, the prosecutors who dropped the accusations said: “After reviewing all of the facts and circumstances of the case, including Mr Smollett’s volunteer service in the community and agreement to forfeit his bond to the city of Chicago, we believe this outcome is a just disposition and appropriate resolution to this case.”
“We stand by the Chicago Police Department’s investigation and our decision to approve charges in this case.” Smollett will forfeit his bond of $10,000 and do some community service as part of the case’s disposition.
However, several officials have questioned the decision. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel told ABC: ”The state’s attorney’s office is saying he’s not exonerated, he actually did commit this hoax. He’s saying he’s innocent and his words are true. They better get their stories straight, because this is making fools of all of us.”
Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson also expressed outrage at the decision.
In her statement, Patricia Brown Holmes said: “We are disappointed the local authorities have continued their campaign against Jussie Smollett after the charges against him have been dropped. The facts are clear. The Assistant State’s Attorney appeared in court and dismissed the charges. Mr. Smollett forfeited his bond. The case is closed. No public official has the right to violate Mr. Smollett’s due process rights.”
“Mr. Smollett, like every citizen, is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Mr. Smollett is entitled to the same Constitutional protections as any citizen charged by the government with a crime— including the right to speak freely about his innocence, the right to be viewed as innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, and the right to hold the State to its burden of proving him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.”
Brown continued: “None of that has occurred in this case. We respectfully request all government agencies involved live up to the ethical tenants of their office, state and local law, Supreme Court Rules on Trial Publicity as well as the Rules of Professional Responsibility for lawyers and prosecutors. We will not try this case in a court of public opinion. There is no case to try. The case was dismissed. We should all allow Mr. Smollett to move on with his life as a free citizen.”
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