Last month, Reverend Al Sharpton paid a visit to Chester State Correctional in Pennsylvania to meet with Meek Mill, who is currently serving a two to four year sentence for probation violation. Most recently, the Philadelphia rapper’s bail request was denied, with Meek’s lawyers officially filing to appeal his prison sentence on the grounds that the ruling judge was unfair and biased.
This Friday (Dec. 15), Sharpton continued advocating on behalf of Meek, penning a letter urging Judge Shelia A. Woods-Skipper, who is the president judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia, to remove Judge Genece Brinkley from the case. Like many others, the Rev. feels as though Judge Brinkley has been “deaf to the questions raised about her potential conflicts on interest” with Meek Mill.
Rumor Report | Meek Mill officially appeals his prison sentence
As previously reported, Meek Mill’s lawyers also believe that the judge has a personal vendetta against the rapper, based on a series of events, such as asking Meek to remake a Boyz II Men song and shout her out in it, as well as showing up at his community service and advising him to leave Roc Nation in order to sign a deal with a friend of hers.
In his new letter, Rev. Sharpton addresses these matters in an extremely eloquent manner, asking for Judge Woods-Skipper to review the situation, as well as calling for Judge Brinkley to be removed from the case and replaced with someone who can “conduct and preside in a fair and impartial manner.”
Take a look at Rev. Al Sharpton’s letter supporting Meek Mill in full below.
Dear President Judge Woods-Skipper:
I write to you as someone with deep respect for the Judicial Process and as a true believer in fairness and equality in criminal justice matters. You may have read of my recent involvement with the case matters of Robert Rihmeek Williams (professional known as “Meek Mill”). He is currently serving a probation violation and was sentenced to a term of incarceration, over the objection of both the local prosecutor and the assigned probation officer, by Judge Genece Brinkley. You may also be aware that I have publicly called for Judge Genece to be removed from Mr. Williams’ matter. This demand was generated by serious allegations of a conflict of interest with Mr. Williams.
It is generally held in all judicial circles that the administration of justice must be fair, equal and impartial. It is also generally accepted in the law, that the appearance of bias or lack of impartiality, is as serious as actual bias or lack of the ability to be fair and impartial. There have been credible allegations made concerning Judge Brinkley’s ability to be fair and impartial in the matters concerning Mr. Williams.
If you know anything about me, I don’t just speak up when someone of note or celebrity has a problem with equal justice under the law. I have tried throughout my ministry and advocacy to always be the voice for the voiceless, and an activist for the underrepresented. Moreover, as Reverend Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. held throughout his life, a threat to justice anywhere, is a threat to justice everywhere!!.
Mr. Williams, in my view, has been subjected to an injustice. Judge Brinkley has been deaf to the questions raised about her potential conflicts of interest with Mr. Williams or simply has disregarded her oath of office to carry out her duties in a manner consistent with the Code of Conduct for Judges of the Court of Common Pleas. I understand the gravity of raising such an issue concerning the conduct of a Judge. I am compelled in this matter to speak truth to power.
I believe that Judge Brinkley must be removed from the case involving Mr. Williams and a Judge assigned who can conduct and preside in a fair and impartial manner.
Thank you for your consideration of this matter.
Very truly yours,
Reverend Al Sharpton
President & Founder
National Action Network