Vela’s case, in particular, stinks to high heaven in that it was forced to be a “show trial” held inside Iraq where (1) they could show off for the Iraqis, and (2) most importantly, it limited Vela’s chance to defend himself through access to legal, military, and social support.
Of all those railroaded, what they did to young Vela deserves an immediate pardon from the President.
Just out of curiosity, what would happen if a governor were to pardon a prisoner held on federal charges.
It would at least cause a stir, wouldn’t it?
It is not in a governor’s purview to pardon a federal prisoner. Just the President. If we had one. But I would definitely love to see a governor give it a shot. But it may take some heavier ordinance to get them out of Leavenworth. But now that I have my firewood (finally) for the winter, I ain’t all that busy.