“I Need That Pardon”: Ronnie Long, Free After 44 Years, Demands Justice for His Wrongful Conviction

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“It’s a blessing within itself for me to even be sitting here right now,” says Ronnie Long, free after 44 years behind bars for a crime he did not commit. Long, who is African American, was convicted in 1976 of raping a white woman by an all-white jury and sentenced to 80 years in prison. In 2015, his lawyers learned that investigators had withheld exculpatory evidence proving his innocence - including semen samples and fingerprints taken from the crime scene that did not match his own - and witnesses for the state committed perjury at his trial. It would take several more years and a ruling by the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for Long to win his freedom. Long walked out of the Albemarle Correctional Institute in North Carolina a free man on August 27. He is asking North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper for a pardon, which would fully clear his name and make him eligible for financial compensation. “You’ve got people that have been victimized by the system, like myself, and then you turn around and you put me back into a society and expect for me to live a productive life,” he says. “I need that pardon in order to try to get on with my life.”
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Опубликовано:

26 авг 2024

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Комментарии : 298

@mybudinesd4545 3 года назад

Everyone that participated in wrongfully convicting this man should be prosecuted and put in jail for the wrongful incarceration of this man.

@tainahollo8567 2 года назад

= the whole system :(

@marielulapowell1378 7 месяцев назад

Amen

@BlakaveliX 3 года назад

Too many cases like this. The so called justice this country preaches is hypocritical.

@deanjones2525 3 года назад

This man should not have to ask for a pardon. America is shameful.

@ANNAOBAGS 3 года назад

Infuriating!! Must ASK for a pardon, and then IF GRANTED, a trivial $50K per year for 15 years?...Justice?? This man deserves $hundreds of millions, an apology from the entire state, and prosecution of anyone still alive involved in his fraudulent, rigged trial!

@daiu48 3 года назад

If the chief of police and the police union leaders responsible for this are still alive they should show their faces in public and face prosecution.

@deanjones2525 3 года назад

@@daiu48 True, but it NEVER happens. Why? Institutional racism protects them.

@deanjones2525 3 года назад

@@ANNAOBAGS People who have a shred of decency will agree. However, America has been selling a lie to its citizens and the world. You don't have the BEST "justice system", and many of your elected officials lack any morals, compassion or humanity.

@ANNAOBAGS 3 года назад

@@deanjones2525 Agreed!

@loveone8073 3 года назад

This is beyond injustice.It's like a crime against humanity or basic human rights.I have no words to explain my feeling

@jobiekeck4742 3 года назад

Well said. Ditto

@paddymaguire2541 3 года назад

Agree

@deanjones2525 3 года назад

You know what's even more sad, these evil bastards are still doing this, and there are so many more like him who have died in prison, or been executed, and they were innocent.

@eveblot4195 3 года назад

the people involved in this sort of corrupt prosecution should be prosecuted. i am glad he is finally getting to live his life.

@IcarianX 3 года назад

They took his youth from him. They took his middle age from him. All he has left is his old age, and they aren't even offering $18,000 a year for the life that they stole? And it was for no reason, just a senseless waste... Yeah he gets to live what's left, but they stole from him the best part.

@GerogeMark 3 года назад

This makes me so angry. America, karma is at your doorsteps!

@JTuaim 3 года назад

How he endured this is beyond me. Why we endure this should be beyond everyone. Every prisoner needs to have their case reviewed.

@cryptbeast3222 3 года назад

He didn't have much of a choice.

@josietetreault540 3 года назад

44 years of injustice

@sirmeowcelot 3 года назад

I see him like a prisoner of war.a domestic war against the unbalanced system of justice.

@KaribeCuebas 3 года назад

It breaks my heart every time I hear these types of injustices. This is beyond injustice!!

@roddyrichardson24 3 года назад

he should sue the government. he needs at least 10 MILLION.

@4460532800218528 3 года назад

Not enough

@tomaszwida 3 года назад

he be lucky if he gets 100k there are lot of laws written that protect so called "justice system" when such fuck up occurs... they destroy guy life. He is a free man with no job experience, or any wealth build in a course of this life, he might as well be a free man that is homeless on a street... it's sad and no money can accommodate that this so called justice did to this man and many others like him.

@eleazerclark7424 3 года назад

60 million is the least HE should receive. And FOR HIS MOTHER her estate should be awarded at least the SAME.

@roddyrichardson24 3 года назад

@@tomaszwida we'll see

@miawmiaow9856 3 года назад

There is not enough Money in the World to make up for what they did! (I am 35)Think about it that way you never left your room, never bought anything, never watched popular stuff, never had a phone... in this LOST virus year we go crazy protest this that complain over everything cry because Fitnessstudio are closed His whole life was worse

@up4itgal 3 года назад

His life totally ruined by the state. Absolutely shocking the people who withheld the evidence should face jail now they have to compensate Ronald adequately it’s a disgrace

@joshcourt1393 3 года назад

"they" is you since the people responsible represent the state.. and the state supposedly represents you. All these fines are paid by tax dollars, not the offenders... DEMAND change or continue footing the bill for these injustices.

@luddity 3 года назад

@@joshcourt1393 The police who withheld the evidence should be held personally liable.

@joshcourt1393 3 года назад

@@luddity Agreed. They absolutely should but more than likely won't as it would tarnish the credibility of the institution. Similar to why no incoming POTUS will seek charges against a former POTUS even when it involves things like knowingly approving torture as policy. As long as the people are ignorant and/or apathetic to these things, they will continue.

@jujutsu_panda 3 года назад

This should happen to no one.

@jbot44114 3 года назад

This is heartbreaking. How many times this mans pride has been stepped on and how many times this mans freedom has been pushed aside. It would break most men and he's standing upright.

@ruthdenova5984 3 года назад

Mr. Ronnie Long deserves to be giving at least $500 millions. Indeed no amount of money can justify or recompense or make up for what they have done to Mr. Ronnie Long.

@miawmiaow9856 3 года назад

Even that wouldnt make up for what he lost :(

@ruthdenova5984 3 года назад

No amount of money can make up for what they did to Mr. Ronnie Long.

@Nannerchan 3 года назад

So sad. I wish him much hope. It’s sad, but he wasn’t the only innocent man serving time that they don’t deserve.

@ernestinetodd7744 3 года назад

Old trust told young trust don't trust satan he wants our soul stay positive and prayed up

@janmorgan471 3 года назад

Pardon this man NOW

@grannypayne9536 3 года назад

All those responsible for this horrible wrong should be locked up for 44 years.This will continue until people know their lives are also on the line.

@arnoldwilliams2357 3 года назад

Very very disturbed with a country that in prisons innocent people I feel like the prosecutors and the judges deserve that time too to make it fair

@clarenceedwards2866 3 года назад

of course they do

@cherrymisha4797 3 года назад

Mister Long I am deeply sorry this happened to you. You were robbed of years of your life! Blessings and prayers to you!

@fearTMHrepent 7 месяцев назад

Yes Hallelujah sister. He is still standing.Alive to tell his story and will get compensated.

@multifacetedperson 3 года назад

Mr. Long, I hope you have a wonderful life from now on. I’m so sorry you were wrongfully imprisoned.

@cashmayes2343 3 года назад

Why a pardon not a total exoneration

@elizabethstanley4541 3 года назад

Im so thankful Ronnie didn't give up. He is incredible. He deserve to be given everything and anything he asks for.

@bushman6413 3 года назад

Attorney needed for a similar case in the state of Georgia. Please help.

@fannys941 3 года назад

What a painful story. God bless you Ronnie Long.

@roddyrichardson24 3 года назад

makes me sick.....

@azizalim9027 3 года назад

After 44 years of suffering injustice ,Ronnie Long has just shown us great courage and humanity.We must all get together to make sure those responsible are punished and remind ourselves that racism is still rampant in every corner and everyone needs to fight this evil together.

@jimwheeler6094 3 года назад

Everyone that was involved in this miscarriage of justice who knew that this man was innocent but still participated in his prosecution should themselves be prosecuted, provided they are still living. He should also be compensated by the state for all of the years that he was robbed of.

@annmackay5786 3 года назад

May you be rewarded in all ways throughout the remainder of your life. I’m sorry this happened, and I’m disgusted that justice was not served and what seems like racist biases prosecuted you and it’s incredibly hard on anyone with a conscience to hear this happened for all those years. Again, you have my respect and compassionate thoughts that go your way. Best to you, your wife and your family.

@theforefront3294 3 года назад

Thanks for sharing this story

@oscarc1487 3 года назад

Amy and team thank you so much for covering this story and bringing it to light for us all. Truth be told. God bless you all.

@mkeeler315 3 года назад

take out the Democracy now appeal for funds link and put in a link for a gofundme for this guy

@norag8265 3 года назад

Ronnie is an innocent man- what is wrong with that Governor?

@PrivateDncr86 3 года назад

Thank you for giving this man a platform, Democracy Now

@resilience4lyfe331 3 года назад

We are incredibly strong people.. if the healthcare system wasn’t also complicit Mr. Longs mother likely would have lived those few weeks needed to hug her child again.

@rodbrown5756 3 года назад

This is simply awful!

@jewellquander2444 3 года назад

Congratulations on your release. Please accept my condolences on the "going home" of your mother.🙏 Stand strong Sir! May God continue to bless and watch over you!

@yarajamal1782 3 года назад

44 years? He is a survivor! God bless him ! Very strong person.

@lostboy583 3 года назад

If God had blessed him he wouldn’t of spent 44 years in prison. This man spent 44 years in prison while Donald Trump got to exploit the country and murder more than 200,000 Americans. You’ll excuse me if I find your God bless shit a little annoying. Thoughts and prayers do nothing for anyone.

@yarajamal1782 3 года назад

@@lostboy583 Okay! I respect your opinion, but I Jesus didn’t say that everything would be perfect and without suffering here. It’s more about how you survive in this world.

@johnm1720 3 года назад

I'd want blood if I was thrown in jail for 1 second on bogus charges, never mind 44 years.

@IcarianX 3 года назад

Just watching this video made me angry. I can't even begin to imagine the rage, despair and injustice that Ronnie felt. If it was me, I'd be out for revenge.

@leslieboles6439 3 года назад

American injustice system. It's disgusting to say the least.

@paleggett1897 3 года назад

Many Blessings to you, Mr Long❣️

@erinmich5425 3 года назад

I’m so sorry, this man and I’m sure so many more must be compensated.

@totonow6955 3 года назад

We love you Ronnie Long.

@sinisterminister6478 3 года назад

When did justice leave the process? For a great many people justice never entered the process.

@sheilafort2193 3 года назад

How Many Others are sitting in Prison NOW!! For Crimes they Didn't Commit? 🤔😕(shameful)

@Brandonbraun 3 года назад

Hope het gets hundreds of millions so he can ball out the rest of his life.

@Pickcherdis 3 года назад

Preach brother, much love and respect to you and Amy. They're capitalists whether theyre oil mongererers or drug dealers who captitilise off someones addiction or shortcoming

@toddhoward1532 3 года назад

Every person in this case that lied to falsely incarcerate this man needs to be held accountable for their actions .

@MarcG7424 3 года назад

He was wrongfully convicted why should he even need a pardon. The entire conviction should be erased and this man needs to be financially compensated retroactively They just don't want to pay this man

@kryptonarie6367 3 года назад

This is such sad story! I don't know how the prosecutors who did this to Ronny Long could sleep at night or live with themselves??? Their evilness just blows me away!!!

@Arahansannihilation 3 года назад

Congrats to Ronnie Long for attaining freedom and helped voted out the American dictator.

@anm2945 3 года назад

Long live Ronnie Long. Blessings 🙏 to you and your family.

@justicesomeday 3 года назад

I was deported in 1994 for 1gram of cannabis, after having been living legally the usa for 21 years since the age of 12 ......lost it all....american wife,5 children...2.sisters...friends...'26 years already....no help...hell on earth

@resilience4lyfe331 3 года назад

What does that have to do with this report?

@skinnylegend2621 3 года назад

@@resilience4lyfe331 injustices we all suffer, more some than others, but we all suffer together. Solidarity means people need to unite for any and all reasons against inhumanities.

@noahnelson6385 3 года назад

Powerful interview Amy!

@silviajuarez4178 3 года назад

This is so shameful. The people who are responsible for his incarceration should be imprisoned. $17,000 for every year of life stolen is insulting. Mr. Long, I am deeply sorry that you had to go through this. A pardon is nothing, you are owed a whole life.

@chomskyist9638 3 года назад

We can not imagine what this man and so many others went thru. No matter how we try. not only the american justice system is sick to its core. When still 70 million ppl vote for an orange moron I start to lose hope. Bless you Ronnie Long I hope they pardon you and you can live the rest of your life in peace.

@savannah58 3 года назад

I don't even know this man but his story among other innocent people who are still incarcerated just brings me to tears. 44 yrs of this man life was taken away from him...why? The evidence clearly showed he was innocent. So who really rapped her. What was they covering up. This is crazy

@DawnBlackwelder 3 месяца назад

My daughter met u today at Jersey Mike's and u made a positive impact on her and I thank u for sharing your story with her.

@sandraccerd2628 3 года назад

They are trying to compensate this man with less than minimum wage for the time he spent incarcerated

@janiekcarney5482 3 года назад

How sad. Our corrupt legal system has taken his life. Put the liar in jail.

@maryannhollis1186 3 года назад

I got physically sick listening to this

@heidehmadjzoub398 3 года назад

Ronnie Longs so so sorry about you love you ❤❤❤😥😢😢😢😢

@tinamarie0420 3 года назад

How many more like him are still locked or died in prison already for crimes they didn't commit? I know the answer is WAY TOO MANY and its heartbreaking to think of all the families that were also destroyed because of wrongful convictions.

@dividedconquered3784 3 года назад

$17,000 a year!😠 Sounds about right though! What a Plutocracy!

@jonnysmokesmusic 3 года назад

The cops and lawyers and judge who wrongly imprisoned this poor man should all spend 44 years in the same jail, and all their assets and retirement incomes should be taken away and given to Ronnie.

@Poochie1 3 года назад

What an incredible tragedy, heart breaking.

@hopebless4697 3 года назад

The government is guilty and they do not deserve a pardon.

@adrianobulla7875 3 года назад

I must say a shed a few tears listening to his story... You can't steal a person's life like that because you are an alleged "judge" who does not understand the key concept of Justice...

@ianpatrick3589 3 года назад

$750K is a joke. Try adding two more zeros.

@joeguy5989 3 года назад

Most of his life was taken away from him. He should get the pardon and compensation that is enough to support him, since it was the purposeful wrong doing of the state that caused this hardship on he and his family.

@sahdna 3 года назад

he deserves justice, we all need justice.

@rbutler92go 3 года назад

A pardon means he was guilty of the crime and the governor restored his rights.

@WellnessTheRace 3 года назад

Pardon Ronnie Long NOW. It is too easy to hide important details that will exonerate the accused. This is an abomination. May God bless you and the three others who were harmed by the illegal actions taken by the police department.

@sandramcknight1067 11 месяцев назад

He deserved millions for the 44 years he served

@waynejohnson2894 3 года назад

My heart goes out to you. We love you and will find way ❤ bless you!!

@st5042 3 года назад

Thank you. ❤️

@grazianop2706 3 года назад

This story is so awful. What kind of society does this? Our country is full of bad spirits from the past.

@zackyndola1243 3 года назад

your country is not governed by humans but devils who are addicted to slavery by any means necessary.

@LiberalPerspectiveNews 3 года назад

Give that man some money!!!

@stepministriesinternationa5933 3 года назад

The pardon is absolutely necessary and then the state needs to do the right thing and compensate his man for the injustice meted out to him. $750,000.00 for having lost much of his life is ridiculous. At least compensate him so that he doesn't have work again. He is 65 now and certainly won't live to be 100. Justice demands his adequate compensation.

@MAXandROBBIE 3 года назад

Much love ronnie from Liverpool uk👍

@noelktv8339 Год назад

When he said “those 15-20 minutes turned into 44 years” my heart just broke 😢. I’m sorry this horrible injustice happened to you sir. This was a sinister crime committed against you. Justice must be served to all those who were involved and conspired against you and those who stood by and did nothing!!

@seanns1945 3 года назад

He should be getting at least 22 million dollars for this fiasco. $500,000 per year, What a joke,,,,,$750,000. That is an insult. His life was changed by others. The judge that selected the jury, should have been disbarred.

@mrgee918 3 года назад

I salute you sir. Thanks for sharing. Ronnie Long stay strong!

@kevinwilson7622 5 месяцев назад

My pen pal is finally free. Kudos, my brother. Stay safe, stay strong, and continue to trust God .

@valeenoi2284 3 года назад

Pardon? Pardon for what? He didn't do that crime. Why should someone pardon him for something that he didn't do? Where is the logic?

@lostboy583 3 года назад

Amy Goodman please keep us updated regarding his pardon etc..we can’t allow the governor to brush this aside. Thank you for allowing him to just speak.. and forgiving him the amount of time you did.

@alvinfrazier4152 3 года назад

Give this man his compensation governor. That’s the only humane thing left for him since your state criminal justice system took his life away.

@byronevans1 3 года назад

A true ELDER.

@48laws45 3 года назад

See that's everybody's misconception, they believe that everybody's version of the right thing is the same thing...there is enough laws on the books for citizens to break down even if they're not trying but corporations and the members of can reek havoc on the planet all day long.. welcome to America comrade

@factshoarder2267 3 года назад

Those juries need to be in the cage, how can they hide the evidence that are not link to Ronnie.

@grahamnicholson6567 3 года назад

who was the woman who affirmed that he was the rapist? We haven't heard anything about her.

@robertodiaz9680 3 года назад

This so called Governor ? Should issue that pardon on the spot. Sorry..posted comment before where they talk about compensation..I was wrong...not on the spot..but YESTERDAY.

@janiekcarney5482 3 года назад

This is why I stopped believing in Capital Punishment.

@burnamfleming3025 2 года назад

This is appauling....

@v.c.ar.2759 3 года назад

This injustice takes no karma and those in charge learn no lesson until the people take action and deliver it. Protest today. Stand up and take action. 🚩🏴

@damonreeves 3 года назад

PTSD don’t have Shit on 44YEARS..The AllMighty has Blessed You Ronnie Long with the Inner Strength to Push threw All That BS..Stay Safe Brothers and Sisters Keep Informed ✌🏽❤️