Since the Meek Mill sentence of a minimum of 2 years was handled down earlier this week many have expressed their displeasure in what many feel is an extremely harsh punishment.
A Change.org petition has be set up entitled “Somebody Save Meek Mill” . The petition already has more than 240,000 signings with a goal of 300,000 signings. The petition proposes to petition the Pennsylvania Board of Pardons and Governor Tom Wolf.
The Change.org post reads:
“In regards to the harsh, undeserving sentencing of Robert Rihmeek Williams (Meek Mill), I felt the need to create a petition asking that the Board of Pardons closely review Meek’s application for Pardon and have his unjust prison sentence remedied. We also call on Governor Tom Wolf, who has spoken out in support of rehabilitation and criminal justice reform, to immediately look into this matter.
More than just a celebrity or rapper, Meek Mill has been a powerful voice in the community for young people all across the country – and the world. Meek has made positive contributions to many communities and programs, dedicating his time and money to the cultivation of our youth and our neighborhoods; even while overcoming his own adversities. Meek has continued to be dedicated to being a positive force in the world and shown an immaculate work ethic, even while the overly restrictive conditions of his probation made it nearly impossible to tour, which is how he makes a living.
The criminal justice system is adamant that individuals work in order to be productive citizens, but at times made it difficult for Meek to be able to earn his livelihood. Every time Meek needed to travel, he was forced to seek permission, which was often denied unnecessarily. However, he still remained dedicated to making a difference not just in his city of Philadelphia, but worldwide.
Meek didn’t just inspire his fans – but through his music, interviews, community service and energy he showed that individuals can move forward, beyond their past and their circumstances, to have a positive impact on society.
Meek has adhered to several rules and regulations as a part of his parole such as: reporting to and passing mandatory drug tests, community service, meeting with his parole officer, and reporting his whereabouts and obtaining permission prior to leaving the city.
Moreover, the charges that led to his current violation, were subsequently dropped and the stiff sentence was handed down despite the recommendations of both his probation officer and the District Attorney. Meek’s efforts to change his image while still remaining true to his artistry and who he is as a man went unnoticed as well.
This petition is designed to show the amount of people who believe that Meek’s punishment was harsh and unjust. It is a waste of not only taxpayer resources to incarcerate Meek for 2-4 years but it is also a disservice to the youth and community at large.
We humbly ask for the Pennsylvania Board of Pardons to grant relief in his sentence and call on Governor Tom Wolf to closely look into this matter and address why Meek, and thousands of other young, black men throughout the state are unnecessarily incarcerated for minor parole and probation violations.”
We’ll see where this goes.