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Press Statement May 7, 2024

NAACP Leads Civil Rights Organizations in Nationwide Call for Presidential Pardon of Marilyn Mosby

American Flag Hanging Outside of the White House

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 7, 2024 

Contact: Alicia Mercedes, amercedes@naacpnet.org 

WASHINGTON — Today, the NAACP led 14 civil rights organizations in sending a letter to President Joe Biden requesting a presidential pardon of former Baltimore City State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby. Mosby is facing up to 40 years in federal prison when sentenced on May 23, 2024. The call from civil rights organizations echoes rallying cries from activists, advocates, and concerned citizens who believe Mosby has been unfairly targeted and unjustly convicted. 

Derrick Johnson, NAACP President and CEO issued the following statement:

"We've watched, decade after decade, as Black Americans have faced wrongful prosecution at the hands of those who seek to promote injustice. The only thing Marilyn Mosby is guilty of is the desire to provide her family with a better life. The sad reality is, as Black women take their rightful places in positions of power, dark forces seek to tear down both their progress, and that of our community. The NAACP refuses to stand idly by as injustice takes the wheel, driving us down a path of further disparity. We are proud to stand alongside our partners in calling on President Biden and the Department of Justice to reemphasize their commitment to racial equity by pardoning Attorney Mosby. Enough is enough. It's time to stand with Black women."

Following her push to prosecute officers involved in the death of Freddie Gray, Baltimore State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby found herself at the center of a politically motivated "fraud" case for withdrawing funds from her own retirement account. Since her conviction in February, there have been growing calls for the Biden Administration to intervene, alleging a complete miscarriage of justice. 

Excerpts from the letter include:

  • "We are deeply concerned that the last administration abused their power to advance a meritless indictment against Ms. Mosby…"
  • "Her courageous commitment to justice made her a target of admiration and punishment."
  • "…739 individuals withdrew funds from their retirement accounts without being charged for improper withdrawals, including three within her agency."
  • "We expect that political persecutions and malicious prosecutions pursued during the Trump Administration would not continue in the Biden Administration."
  • "We ask that you grant a full pardon to Ms. Marilyn Mosby before May 23, 2024, and restore her full rights."


Signers include; Black to the Future Action Fund, Black Voters Matter, Black Women's Roundtable, Color of Change, Fair and Just Prosecution, National Action Network, National Bar Association, National Black Justice Coalition, National Black Law Students Association, National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, National Council of Negro Women, National Urban League, Until Freedom and World Without Genocide. 

For access to the full letter, visit this link.

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About NAACP

The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.

NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund - also referred to as the NAACP-LDF - was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.