Group Will Launch Drive to Recall Garcetti
A group of community activists said Monday that they will launch an effort to recall Dist. Atty. Gil Garcetti because of his recent decision to appeal a ruling that led to the release of former Black Panther leader Elmer “Geronimo” Pratt from prison.
“I think it is absurd and a waste of taxpayers money,” said Mohammed Martinez of the Panther Vanguard movement. “He’s trying to beat a dead horse.”
Pratt served almost 25 years in prison for a 1968 murder he has steadfastly maintained he did not commit. Garcetti appealed the decision overturning Pratt’s murder conviction, arguing that “nothing points to Pratt’s innocence; everything points to his guilt.”
“You notice Garcetti is not calling for a new trial. He just wants Geronimo back in prison,” said Mohammed Mubarak, a Pratt supporter. “It is ridiculous and ludicrous to even put the effort into this.”
Najee Ali, director of Islamic HOPE and one of Garcetti’s most outspoken critics, said a formal recall campaign could begin within a week.
“Garcetti is just totally out of touch with the minority community,” Ali said.
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