STATEMENT FROM REV. AL SHARPTON ON THE PROPOSED SETTLEMENT IN THE CENTRAL PARK FIVE CASE

Kharey Wise, a member of the "Central Park 5" who served 13 years in prison, the longest time of any of the group, appeared with the Rev. Al Sharpton Saturday, June 21 at National Action Network headquarters in Harlem.

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New York, NY -- “Reports of a settlement in the Central Park Five case signify a monumental victory for the five young men and their families who fought for justice for so long.

It is also a victory for those in the community that stood with them from day one and believed in their innocence in this case. As supporters we were viciously attacked for standing with them, but we were on the right side of history.

One should not underestimate the permanent damaged by the misuse of prosecution – lives were devastated, families torn apart, youth stolen. One of the young men did thirteen years in prison, only to return home unable to get a job. He worked for us at NAN for years, and we were honored to help him get back on his feet.

I commend the New York City Corporation Council Zachary Carter for this diligent work on behalf of the citizens of the city. Mayor Bill de Blasio spoke at NAN’s candidate’s forum in January 2013 at the House of Justice and committed then to seek a fair settlement on this case if he was elected -- he has kept his word...

...The present District Attorney to assure the community that this kind of prosecutorial misconduct will be guarded against in the future. This is a wake up call that we should not end with this lawsuit but begin on due process.”

-Rev. Al Sharpton, President of NAN