Meek Mill set to be released from prison, vows to use his platform for less fortunate people of color
After months of protests, the trending hashtag #FreeMeekMill and Jay-Z's scathing op-ed in the New York Times, it was announced on Tuesday that rapper Meek Mill will be released from prison.
The 30-year-old musician has been riddled with a prison sentence that began when he was just 18.
The rapper expressed his gratitude to the people who stood behind him during the trying times via Twitter, and said that he will be helping people of color who are not as fortunate as him but in similar situation.
He vowed to use his platform to highlight the inherent racial bias in the judiciary system, before adding that he will use his newfound freedom to focus on his family and making new music.
Judge Genece Brinkley, a Philadelphian criminal justice figure that has presided over Meek’s case since he was first jailed at 19, was also instrumental in keeping him locked up. While sentencing Meek to two to four years in prison back in November, she accused him of doing "what he wants" and not using the opportunities he had to clean up his act.
“In my 25 years as both a prosecutor and defense attorney, I have never witnessed such inappropriate behavior from a judge at this level. But I do know this: she will not be able to hide her conduct from the scrutiny of the justice system forever.” the Philly rapper’s lawyer said in a statement.
The new judgement comes as a relief to many Meek supporters, including actor Kevin Hart, who visited the rapper in jail the same day his release was announced. "He shouldn't be in jail," the actor told NBC.
"I’m not going to say this guy is an angel ... but he has done his time. He has paid for it.
