New Brunswick, N.J. - Judge Brenan defends his sentence today in the case regarding Dharun Ravi, 20, who was convicted of secretly videotaping his roommate, Tyler Clementi, having sex with another man. Consequentially, Clementi committed suicide.
Judge Brenan has been heavily criticized by both sides ever since Ravi received his sentence last week. On one hand, gay rights activist are complaining that the sentence was too lenient, that Ravi should have been charged under the bias crime statute which stipulates a punishment of 5 - 10 years in prison. Others admit that the crime was opprobrious; however does not qualify as a violent bias crime, but instead an insensitive, horrible lapse in judgment.
Today Judge Brenan vehemently defended his sentence as appropriate. Ravi was charged on all 15 counts and sentenced to 30 days in jail, 300 hours community service, 3 years' probation and a $10,000 fine to the fund for bias crimes.
Prosecutors and defense are looking to appeal the case. Meanwhile, Tuesday Ravi released a statement of apologies to the victims' family. Ravi is schedule to begin serving from Thursday, May 30, 2012.
