Letter: Congressman Frank Pallone Jr. on Injustice of Pollard Case

July 30, 1992

Mr. Michael Icklow
1 Main Street #404
Eatontown, NJ 07724

Dear Mr. Icklow:

Thank you for contacting my office to express your concern over the fate of Jonathan Pollard. I share your concern In Mr. Pollard's case, there is some compelling evidence that the punishment does not fit the crime.

First of all, Jonathan Pollard did not compromise U.S. security. Experts note that virtually all of the material which passed to Israel through Mr. Pollard should have been shared under the U.S. - Israeli intelligence sharing agreement.

Second, Jonathan Pollard does not deserve a life sentence. This penalty has been imposed only in the rarest of circumstances during peacetime, for those convicted of spying for major enemies of the U.S.

Third, there is evidence that the government reneged on its pledge to treat Pollard leniently in exchange for a guilty plea. The dissenting judge on he three judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals which rejected Mr. Pollard's petition to withdraw his guilty plea criticized the behavior of federal prosecutors, calling it a "miscarriage of justice".

But the final and most disturbing aspect of the Pollard case is the deafening silence from those who should be championing his cause. Jonathan Pollard has served seven years in federal prison, and will serve out the rest of his life unless those of us who care about him make our voices heard.

Thank you again for sharing your views with me.

Very truly yours,
(Signed)

FRANK PALLONE, JR.