Former Administration Accused of Unfair Punishment of Pro-life Advocates
There have been allegations of misuse of power by the previous administration, specifically targeting activists who advocate for pro-life causes. The claims include the withholding of crucial evidence and the use of harsh arrest strategies. It has also been alleged that pro-life defendants were given longer prison sentences compared to those advocating for pro-choice.
Report Unveils Shocking Misconduct
A comprehensive review, encompassing over 700,000 records related to the previous administration's prosecutions under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, revealed surprising abuses of power. This Act, established in 1994, was intended to safeguard access to religious institutions, abortion clinics, pregnancy resource centers, and houses of worship. However, the former administration was found guilty of biased enforcement of the Act multiple times.
It was also found that the previous administration collaborated with pro-abortion groups and even attempted to fund them. A national task force was established to investigate cases against pro-life activists, which worked closely with several pro-abortion organizations to initiate investigations and monitor pro-life activists. The task force leader was found to have praised the security director of one pro-abortion organization for bringing incidents to his attention, which often led to investigations and prosecutions.
Discrimination Against Pro-life Activists
In one case, it was found that the task force leader had falsely claimed not to possess records requested by defense counsel for a pro-life activist. Another case saw prosecutors seeking information about religion indirectly, resulting in some Christian jurors being removed from the jury pool due to their faith. Draft documents from the former administration's prosecutors also referred to Christian pro-life activists using derogatory terms.
There were also instances where the task force leader encouraged his team to pursue cases that appeared to be good felony FACE matters, despite civil division attorneys expressing reservations. In one such case, a pro-life activist was arrested by 16 armed FBI agents at his home, despite the local Attorney's Office declining to pursue a summons to allow him to self-surrender. The task force leader blamed the FBI for the public backlash that followed the arrest.
Harsher Sentences for Pro-life Defendants
It was also found that the previous administration sought longer prison sentences for pro-life defendants charged with non-violent FACE Act violations. On average, the prosecutors sought 26.8 months in prison for pro-life defendants, compared to 12.3 months for pro-choice defendants. Judges also sentenced pro-life defendants at higher rates.
In response, the then President pardoned 23 pro-life activists convicted of FACE Act violations under the previous administration. Many of these activists were elderly and, according to the President, should not have been prosecuted.
Justice Prevails
One of the pro-life activists was later acquitted by a federal jury and reached a settlement with the former administration. The Acting Attorney General stated that no Department should conduct selective prosecution based on beliefs and vowed to restore integrity to the prosecutorial system.
Following the review, it is possible that prosecutors or other employees currently facing internal misconduct probes will face criminal prosecution or be referred to bar associations or other authorities. The task force leader was dismissed, and the behavior unearthed in the review was described as shameful by the Assistant Attorney General.