R’ Sholom Mordechai Rubashkin Files Another Appeal For Bail

R’ Sholom Mordechai Rubashkin filed a second appeal to request bail pending his sentencing today to the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals. A panel of three judges denied R’ Sholom Mordechai’s request earlier this month, so this appeal asks for the rehearing en banc – requesting all judges review the detention order.

The first appeal was filed after U.S. District Chief Judge Linda Reade denied two previous motions for bail. Reade ruled he was a flight risk.

This appeal argues that R’ Sholom Mordechai offered more than sufficient conditions of release and neither the district court or the appeals court has discretion under the law to deny bail pending sentencing. The defense has offered to hire at its expense 24-hour armed guard and collateral to the court of sacred and valuable Sifrei Torah and $8 million in private homes, 43 properties, from family friends and associates.

The appeal contends there is no credible evidence that R’ Sholom Mordechai is a flight risk.

“Sholom Rubashkin is not John Dillinger or Jack the Ripper, although he has been treated by prosecutors and by the courts, because of immense prejudicial publicity, as if he were Public Enemy No. 1,” according to the motion.

A group of prominent rabbonim supporting R’ Sholom Mordechai also announced today they will have a press conference 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at the National Press Club in Washington D.C. to oppose R’ Sholom Mordechai’s detention pending sentencing and urge the U.S. Department of Justice to review the case. The rabbonim will also request a meeting with U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder.

Please continue to daven for Reb Shalom Mordechai ben Rivkah.