Staff Reports
A U.S. Department of Justice lawyer named Matthew Graves, appointed under President Joe Biden, argued for former Trump adviser Stephen Bannon to receive jail time because of his words, not actions. Bannon had been ordered to jail for not complying with a subpoena from the controversial Jan. 6 committee.
The committee, known for its partisan nature, focused more on attacking former President Donald Trump than on investigating the events of January 6, 2021. Bannon’s refusal to cooperate led to a contempt of Congress charge and a prison sentence. Trump decried Bannon’s sentence as an “American Tragedy.”
In his first act as US Atty for DC, Biden appointee Matthew Graves indicted Steve Bannon for contempt.
This is what Graves wrote in DOJ sentencing memo asking for 6 months in prison and a $200,000 fine for the Honey Badger: pic.twitter.com/uDYBm7JJjr
— Julie Kelly 🇺🇸 (@julie_kelly2) June 6, 2024
Graves pushed for a harsher sentence, citing Bannon’s media comments criticizing the committee and the justice system as reasons for extended jail time. Despite Graves’ efforts, the judge gave Bannon a 4-month sentence instead of the requested 6-month term.
The actions of Graves highlight a troubling trend of targeting individuals for speaking out against the Biden administration. This situation reflects a concerning erosion of free speech rights and a move towards oppressive tactics akin to those seen in unstable nations. It is essential to uphold the freedoms of speech and due process, even for those with differing opinions or criticisms.
