Samourai Wallet Co-Founder Describes First Day Behind Bars in Letter
Keonne Rodriguez, the co-founder of Bitcoin privateness instrument Samourai Wallet, spent Christmas Eve documenting his first day inside a US federal jail, providing a uncommon private account from a crypto developer now starting a five-year sentence.
Key Takeaways:
- Keonne Rodriguez shared a private account of his first days in federal jail.
- His case has renewed debate over legal legal responsibility for open-source crypto builders.
- A rising clemency marketing campaign highlights issues over free speech and innovation.
In a letter shared by The Rage, Rodriguez described surrendering himself to a federal jail camp and navigating the consumption course of, which included searches, medical checks and task to housing.
The letter, dated Wednesday, marked his seventh day at the facility and mirrored on the emotional toll of getting into custody simply days earlier than Christmas.
Rodriguez Describes First Days in Prison as “Manageable”
“While by no means comfy, it’s manageable,” Rodriguez wrote. “While I relatively be at dwelling with my spouse and household, there are far worse locations I may have ended up.”
He added that he was grateful the opposite prisoners had been “respectful and downright pleasant,” a element that appeared to supply some reassurance amid an in any other case tough transition.
Rodriguez mentioned he was scheduled to obtain his spouse as his first customer on Christmas Day.
He additionally famous that the timing of his incarceration pressured his household to have fun the vacation early this 12 months, underscoring the non-public value of his sentence past the authorized penalties.
The imprisonment of Rodriguez has drawn consideration inside the crypto neighborhood, the place it has turn out to be a flashpoint in the broader debate over the legal legal responsibility of open-source builders.
Privacy advocates argue that his case, alongside the prosecution of Tornado Cash co-founder Roman Storm, raises unresolved questions on whether or not writing and maintaining code can constitute against the law when third events use that software program for illicit functions.
Rodriguez was sentenced on Nov. 19 on fees tied to his position in working a crypto mixing protocol.
Supporters say the prosecution units a harmful precedent for builders constructing privacy-focused instruments, whereas authorities have maintained that the case facilities on facilitating criminal activity relatively than protected speech.
A petition calling for clemency for Rodriguez has gathered greater than 12,000 signatures, reflecting continued concern amongst builders and digital rights advocates.
The petition describes the case as “a chilling assault on free speech and innovation,” warning that it may deter open-source improvement in the United States.
Trump Says He Will Review Samourai Wallet Co-Founder’s Case
The chance of govt clemency has additionally entered the dialog. US President Donald Trump mentioned earlier this month that he would review Rodriguez’s case, telling reporters on Dec. 16 that he had heard about it and would “have a look,” although he acknowledged he was not aware of the main points.
The feedback got here after Rodriguez had begun serving his sentence.
In a subsequent social media submit, Rodriguez publicly appealed to Trump for a pardon, characterizing his prosecution for instance of “lawfare” carried out underneath the earlier administration.
He argued that his case concerned no direct victims and accused regulators and judges of focusing on him as a part of a broader anti-innovation push.
The submit Samourai Wallet Co-Founder Describes First Day Behind Bars in Letter appeared first on Cryptonews.
