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Russell Brand's team shares 'Free Russell' petition making five demands after his sentencing
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Russell Brand’s X account has shared a petition calling for the disgraced star to be freed just days after his sentencing to 10 years and six months in prison.
The star was given a lengthy jail term for rape and sexual assault, but now he has made several demands in a ‘Free Russell Brand’ petition.
‘Free Russell Brand’ petition emerges
We have to assume that Brand himself isn’t the one posting these things, but it appears to be his team - or those running his social media accounts - sharing an independent petition.
This afternoon, Brand’s official X account posted a petition entitled ‘Free Russell Brand’.
He’s only been in prison a matter of days, but this petition calls for him to be released, or at least have the power to challenge his conviction.
It reads: "We are an independent community of supporters from around the world who believe that justice must always be fair, transparent and grounded in the rule of law.
"Following Russell Brand's convictions at Southwark Crown Court, we are calling for his right to challenge those convictions through lawful appeal procedures to be fully respected.
"Russell Brand has denied the charges. We recognize the seriousness of the offences and the rights and dignity of everyone involved.
"But we also believe that the right to appeal is a fundamental safeguard of justice.”
The five-fold demands of the 'Free Russell Brand' petition
The petition, which already has over 3,500 signatures, makes five demands.
The first asks that Brand be given the right to appeal his conviction.
It argues that he 'must be able to access legal advice and pursue any lawful appeal available to him’.
Next up, the demand for independent legal scrutiny.
The petition reads: "Any properly submitted appeal grounds should receive careful and impartial consideration.”
It further argues for ’transparency’, stating: “The judicial process should be subject to appropriate public scrutiny, consistent with privacy and legal protections.”
Lastly, there is fairness and accountability.
"The principles of justice and due process must apply equally to every individual,” the petition reads.
"Any substantiated procedural concerns should be examined through the appropriate legal channels.”
Then, in a section called ‘why this matters’ it states: "This campaign is about more than one individual. It is about the principles we believe should protect everyone.
"A fair justice system must allow convictions to be challenged through established legal procedures.
"We do not call for harassment, intimidation or interference with witnesses or court proceedings. We call for peaceful advocacy, informed discussion and respect for the law.
"We invite people around the world who believe in due process and equal justice to add their names.
“Justice for Russell Brand. Fairness for everyone.”
It then adds that the petition was not set up by anyone affiliated with Brand directly.
The judge slammed Brand before sentencing him
In sentencing Brand earlier this week, Mr Justice Bennathan called Brand a ’sexual predator’ who abused his fame and position to commit his crimes.
He outlined all of Brand’s crimes in detail before then passing sentence.
In the moments before that, he gave special reference to the victims.
Bennathan said: "Finally, before passing sentence, I pause to pay tribute to the determination and bravery of all the women whose evidence I have been recounting.
"I do not increase your punishment because of it, but all those women had to face being confronted and being told they lied, or twisted the truth, and/or they’d agreed to your sexual demands.
"That was all done because of you, and your instructions."