Geronimo Pratt

Re “D.A. Appeals Decision to Release Ex-Black Panther,” Jan. 31: Assuming that The Times quoted the district attorney’s office correctly, I find the statement, “Nothing points to [Elmer “Geronimo” Pratt’s] innocence; everything points to his guilt” absolutely incredible. Among numerous other problems with the district attorney’s case, how can he possibly believe that Julius Butler’s testimony, which was self-serving, is more credible than the testimony of retired FBI agent Wes Swearingen?

Gil Garcetti’s stubbornness in this matter makes him and his department look exceedingly foolish and untrustworthy. Clearly he has been playing politics with a man’s life and that is disgraceful. I have very little respect for an office that places more value on political expediency than it does on ensuring that justice is served.

BRUCE SELLERY

Marina del Rey

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Why would anyone be surprised over Garcetti’s move to appeal the release of Pratt (editorial, Feb. 3)? This is a man who has never put serving justice or the public ahead of his own political aspirations. The only talent he has ever displayed is his remarkable ability to use mud-slinging tactics to get elected.

ELI EISENBERG

Agoura Hills