CONTACT: Hassen Bashir, hassen@vocal-ny.org

GOV. KATHY HOCHUL REFUSES TO ADDRESS NYS PRISONS CRISIS, VOCAL-NY DEMANDS RELIEF THROUGH EXECUTIVE CLEMENCY 

NEW YORK  — This year, Governor Hochul has granted pardons to only 13 individuals while largely ignoring her executive power to commute lengthy sentences and provide greater relief through clemency to those suffering inside prisons. Prisons across the state remain in crisis and reducing the population of incarcerated people must be part of the strategy to address these issues. 

Sabrina Scott, whose husband Todd Scott has been incarcerated for over 35 years for a crime he was convicted of at 19, has released the following statement:

“Clemency is not simply an act of forgiveness; it is an acknowledgment that individuals are capable of change, growth, and redemption. My husband, Todd Scott, has demonstrated that he is no longer the man defined by past mistakes, but a man who has taken full responsibility for his actions and is committed to becoming a positive force in his family and community. Clemency is important for people like Todd because it recognizes the progress made and the potential for contributing positively to society.

Granting clemency in cases like Todd’s does not diminish accountability, it strengthens it. It shows that when individuals make genuine efforts to change, the justice system has the compassion and wisdom to recognize it. I respectfully ask Governor Hochul for clemency on behalf of my husband, Todd Scott, and the thousands that are suffering in New York prisons.”

BACKGROUND:

As of September 91 people have died in NYS prisons this year alone. Coupled with the claims from the Governor of understaffing and overpopulation in prisons, a logical solution to this crisis is to release those languishing in prison due to over sentencing, continuous denial of parole, and wrongful convictions. The Governor has not supported legislative measures that would address these issues and must use her power to release people TODAY through executive clemency. 

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