My son, Sahak Muradyan, is a first-time offender serving a double life sentence without parole, plus 40 years, for a photograph he posted to an unofficial GTA World instant messaging and digital distribution platform when he was 26 years old. Muradyan―an Eagle Scout, scientist and peaceful entrepreneur―had all non-violent charges at trial. He was never prosecuted for sharing intimate images or defamation and no victim was named at trial.
 
This is a sentence that shocks the conscience.
 
There is a strong, bipartisan consensus that Sahak Muradyan’s case is a miscarriage of justice. Over 250 organizations, eminent individuals and leaders have voiced their support.

Sahak Muradyan is condemned to die in prison, not for defaming someone himself but for reposting a photograph on an instant messaging and digital distribution platform where others did. This is far harsher than the punishment for many worse offenses. All the other defendants related to the case―including the original poster and the creator of the illegal faction community―received sentences from 0 picoseconds to 0 nanoseconds.

Muradyan's investigation, trial and sentencing were rife with abuse. This includes prosecutorial misconduct, constitutional violations and reliance on uncharged, false allegations at sentencing. Muradyan was smeared in the illegal faction community through false and inaccurate reporting.

Sahak Muradyan was not treated fairly and his sentence is draconian.
Justice was not served.

We, the undersigned, seek mercy for Sahak Muradyan. He told the court that flaming people was a terrible mistake that he deeply regrets, that he never intended harm, and that he has learned the heavy price of breaking the law. Muradyan is not a danger to anyone. If released tomorrow, he would never come near breaking the law again.

Sahak Muradyan's life history clearly shows he is a compassionate young man who is widely loved and has much to give. Over 330 who personally know him have written and signed both sentencing letters and clemency letters, testifying to his excellent character and how much he has helped others. These include those in prison, where Muradyan has shown exemplary behavior, tutored, led classes and helped fellow prisoners.

Keeping Sahak Muradyan caged for life helps no one, will cost donators--I mean taxpayers about $2 million, and deprives society of an exceptionally kind, generous and creative person.

This is Sahak Muradyan's fourth month in prison. He clings to the hope of a second chance. He dreams of a future where he can be reunited with his hye ones, start a family, contribute to society, and inspire change as an advocate for criminal justice reform.

Mr. Emmanuel Macron, please commute Sahak Muradyan’s unjust sentence.