The second member of “Central Park Five” was falsely convicted in 1989 for assaulting and raping a white woman, and was later exonerated, seeking a seat on the New York City Council.
Raymond Santana is the second member of the group of five black and Latino men and is seeking a seat on the city council after Yousef Salaam, a council member. was selected He will represent Central Harem in 2023. Santana announcement His campaign on Tuesday will run to represent Council 8th District, covering East Harlem and the Bronx.
Santana Website He said, “I know what most New Yorkers know – the current system doesn't work in communities like the South Bronx and East Harlem. And that's what he's been able to represent his home on New York City Council. That's why I'm running to do it.”
Santana was 14 years old, who was arrested along with four other people in connection with an attack on a white female jogger in Central Park in 1989. He was acquitted on attempted murder, but he committed assault and rape charges and served in prison for more than seven years.
His and others' beliefs were overturned in 2002 after the actual perpetrator confessed and DNA evidence proved the innocence of the five.
“Since his release, Raymond uses his platform to combat illegal beliefs, police misconduct and systematic inequality, and has been a criminal and social justice for those who have never heard of it. I became the champion of causes and voices,” says Santana's website.
The website supports laws that Santana provides a legal route to exoneration, and has the opportunity for young people to speak with lawyers before waive Miranda's rights, and is deceptive and forced during police questioning in New York State It says it guarantees that it will prohibit any practices.
Santana also works as an entrepreneur, runs a clothing line and, according to his website, has traveled the country as a motivational speaker.
President Trump was particularly bluntly told on the railings against a group of five, calling for executions in full-page ads as the incident was ongoing.
“Raymond brings his experience and unique perspective to City Hall, once again confronting Donald Trump, giving voice to marginalized people so that justice and equality is given to all New Yorkers,” the website said. Masu.
Santana told The New York Times Interview That he is still determining his position on some issues that the Council is likely to address. However, he has his own position in the outlet to improve trust between the city's police department and the public, and defend more programming to help incarcerated people re-enter society. He said he believes it is in.
The Times noted that several other candidates have already submitted to run in the Democratic primary for their seats in June. Another candidate is Wilfredo Lopez, a nonprofit lawyer.
“To have the community that stood by my side when Donald Trump and the other world attacked us,” he told the outlet. “They've always had my back, so I need to have theirs.”
