Federal prosecutor Matthew Graves has taken a firm stance against Steve Bannon's request for early release from prison, citing a lack of substantial grounds for the appeal.
According to Knewz.com, Graves strongly opposes Bannon's attempt to secure early release based on the delay in his appeal process. The prosecutor argues that the prolonged decision-making is likely due to the D.C. Circuit Court's heavy workload rather than any merit in Bannon's case.
Graves emphasized that the delay in the appeal decision does not necessarily indicate a "substantial question" in Bannon's favor. He dismissed Bannon's argument that the time taken by the court signifies the strength of his appeal, stating that such speculation does not justify early release.
In his response to Bannon's request, Graves addressed the core of the defendant's argument. He pointed out that the absence of a decision on Bannon's petition for a rehearing en banc does not establish the presence of a substantial question in the appeal.
Graves wrote:
The fact that the D.C. Circuit has not yet decided the defendant's petition for rehearing en banc does not establish that the defendant's appeal now presents a 'substantial question.'
The prosecutor further elaborated that Bannon's attempt to interpret the delay as favorable to his case lacks factual basis. He suggested that the court's workload, particularly after the summer recess, is a more plausible explanation for the extended timeline.
Graves' response highlights the complexity of the appeal process and the various factors that can influence its duration. He emphasized that the delay should not be misconstrued as an indicator of the appeal's merit or potential outcome.
The prosecutor added:
At bottom, the defendant's attempt to 'read tea leaves' does not establish any basis for the Court to release a defendant whom this Court, the D.C. Circuit, and the Supreme Court have ruled must be detained.
This statement underscores the prosecutor's position that multiple courts have already determined Bannon should remain in custody during the appeal process. Graves argues that speculation about the appeal's progress does not override these previous rulings.
Despite the prosecutor's firm stance, Bannon's defense team maintains that the appeal process shows promising signs for their client. Attorney Trent McCotter pointed out a specific action by the D.C. Circuit that he believes supports their case.
McCotter stated: "The D.C. Circuit promptly called for the government to submit a response on 'the meaning of 'willfully' and whether we should revisit Licavoli v. United States.'"
The defense attorney emphasized the rarity of such a request, noting that the D.C. Circuit has only made similar calls in seven other cases throughout 2024. This, according to McCotter, suggests that the court sees potential merit in Bannon's appeal.
Federal prosecutor Matthew Graves has strongly opposed Steve Bannon's request for early release from prison. Graves argues that the delay in the appeal decision is likely due to the court's workload rather than the merit of Bannon's case. The prosecutor dismisses Bannon's speculation about the appeal's progress as grounds for release. Meanwhile, Bannon's defense team interprets certain court actions as promising signs for their client's appeal. The case continues to unfold, with both sides presenting contrasting views on the significance of the appeal process's duration.
