Rapper Meek Mill was wrongly convicted – here’s why.
Yesterday, 24 April 2018 rapper Meek Mill (real name Robert Rihmeek Williams) was released on bail from prison.
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court ordered an immediate release for Williams directing judge Genece Brinkely to release him on unsecured bail.
Williams has spent five months behind bars following an arrest in late 2017. He was arrested after violating probation for a drug and weapons charge from 2008 and received a two-to-four-year prison sentence from Judge Brinkley.
The judge then issued a court order restricting his travel citing a failed drug test and the rapper’s noncompliance as due reason.
Earlier in April, the Philadelphia District Attorney’s office recommended a new trial for Williams. However, after the judge denied him bail, his plea was moved to the state’s Supreme Court.
Meek Mill has received support from fellow artists and fans during his ordeal. Colin Kapernick, rappers Jay-Z, T.I. and Rick Ross, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, comedian Kevin Hart and the 76ers’ Rubin all supported Williams during this time. #FreeMeekMill was started by these artists to raise awareness of Williams’ plight.
Williams said in a statement upon his release:
“I’d like to thank God, my family, my friends, my attorneys, my team at Roc Nation including JAY-Z, Desiree Perez, my good friend Michael Rubin, my fans, The Pennsylvania Supreme Court and all my public advocates for their love, support and encouragement during this difficult time…While the past five months have been a nightmare, the prayers, visits, calls, letters and rallies have helped me stay positive.”
Meek Mill also thanked the Philadelphia District Attorney’s office for their ‘commitment to justice’.
Judge Brinkley has since been asked to recuse herself from Meek Mill’ case due to bias.
It has also been claimed that the judge asked William’s and his then girlfriend, Nicki Minaj to record a cover of Boyz II Men’s “On Bended Knee” and dedicate it to her. William’s claims that when he denied this request the judge replied, ‘Suit yourself”.
What happens next
Meek Mill’s legal team filed a petition in February targeting the credibility of a police officer involved in his 2008 arrest. Based on this petition it seems likely that Williams’ conviction will be reversed in full.
The Court of Common Pleas will decide within 60 days whether Williams’ original conviction will be overturned.
