Demonstrators call process for overturning convictions 'broken'

People who claim they have been wrongfully convicted rallied outside the district attorney's office in Downtown Brooklyn Thursday, saying the process for overturning cases is "broken."

News 12 Staff

May 16, 2019, 11:43 PM

Updated 1,799 days ago

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People who claim they have been wrongfully convicted rallied outside the district attorney's office in Downtown Brooklyn Thursday, saying the process for overturning cases is "broken."
Several people present at the rally say they have been waiting years for their cases to be exonerated by the Conviction Review Unit, with no clue on when a decision is supposed to be made. Many of them question the pace at which the cases are reviewed.
According to the DA's website, 25 cases have been overturned since 2014. And 80 cases are currently awaiting a decision from the Conviction Review Unit.
A spokesperson for the DA's office says in a statement: "The Brooklyn District Attorney's Conviction Review Unit is the national model for reviewing wrongful convictions. This fully staffed unit pours over evidence, including interviewing witnesses, visiting crime scenes, and reviewing voluminous court transcripts to do justice. It's conclusions elate those who are exonerated and, naturally, disappoint those who aren't. We remain fully committed to exonerating those who have been wrongfully convicted."
Protesters say they won't stop rallying until their voices are heard.


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