The Exonerated Five, formerly known as the Central Park Five, spoke at the Democratic National Convention, criticizing former President Donald Trump for not apologizing for calling for their execution when they were falsely accused of raping a jogger. Yusef Salaam, now a member of New York City Council, accused Trump of wanting them “unalived” and emphasized that Trump still stands by their guilt. The men, four Black and one Latino, spent years in prison before DNA evidence cleared them.
Trump’s campaign spokesperson claimed they admitted guilt, and Trump has not recanted his calls for their execution. The men spoke at the convention with Reverend Al Sharpton, highlighting the impact of Trump’s actions on their lives. One of the exonerated, Korey Wise, mentioned Kamala Harris as someone who has worked for justice and called for her to prove her commitment as vice president.
The men described the animosity they faced in court due to Trump’s actions, and how their lives were taken away from them. Trump’s refusal to apologize or acknowledge the injustice they faced was criticized, with the men calling for accountability and a fairer justice system. The men were eventually exonerated in 2002, but Trump’s stance on their innocence remains unchanged.
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