Senator Denis Deconcini Letter to President Obama: Free Jonathan Pollard

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PDFWord


The Honorable Dennis DeConcini
United States Senator, Retired

August 19, 2010

President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20500

Re: Jonathan Pollard

Dear Mr. President:

I served in the Senate and the Intelligence Committee when Jonathan Pollard was arrested and convicted of espionage towards the United States. He received a severe penalty and, in my judgment, rightfully so. Since that time, however, he has served as a good prisoner and has adequately paid for his wrongdoing.

During my term of office, I carefully reviewed Mr. Pollard's case at the request of constituents and concluded at the time that it was not appropriate for him to be granted parole. With my knowledge of the Pollard case, it is clear to me that he no longer poses any security threat with the information he obtained 24 years ago. I believe that deterrence has been achieved and the requisite level of remorse has been expressed. I understand that his commutation is strongly supported in the Jewish community, who has only made this request after it became clear that his punishment was much worse than anyone else who has committed a similar crime. I believe commuting his sentence to time served is the right and compassionate thing to do.

If you would like any additional information regarding this matter, please feel free to contact me.

Thank you, Mr. President, for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Dennis DeConcini
U.S. Senator, Retired


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