New York is currently experiencing below-zero temperatures, but the hearing for Luigi Mangione, who is charged with the murder of the CEO of United Health Insurance last year, was packed with supporters. The winter chill did not deter a large number of fans and supporters from showing their support for Luigi. Luigi, whose name is the same as the brother of Mario from the Super Mario Brothers, has become a hero to the American people, with his name being more well-known than that of the deceased CEO.
According to CNN, one attendee arrived at the courthouse at 5 a.m. in the early morning, hoping to witness the court proceedings firsthand. Many other supporters outside waved various flags with slogans such as “Free Luigi” and “Health Insurance is a Human Right.” There were even posters of other leaders from insurance companies near the courthouse, with the word “Wanted” on each executive’s photo, indicating the immense hatred towards private health insurance companies in the United States.
Exclusive coverage of the hearing on Friday
At the hearing held in New York on Friday, many of the attendees were young women who crowded the hallways in the hopes of securing a seat in the public gallery of the courtroom. Luigi Mangione was indicted by a Manhattan grand jury on 11 charges, including one count of first-degree murder and two counts of second-degree murder, as well as other weapon and forgery charges. The Manhattan District Attorney stated that if convicted, Luigi would face life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
The courtroom for the hearing was the same as the one where President Trump faced criminal trial for hush money payments. The prosecutor reviewed the evidence provided to the defense, which included recordings from police body cameras, police reports, surveillance footage, discarded cellphone data from the crime scene, autopsy reports, forensic files, and DNA test materials. The prosecutor stated that there is still more information to be handed over to Luigi’s legal team.
Outside the courtroom, a large crowd of supporters wore scarves and sweaters with the words “Free Luigi” and chanted “Health Insurance is a Human Right.” They also raised flags that said “We are all Luigi.” The commotion outside was seen as an outlet for the emotions of the crowd, who have long been subjected to bullying by health insurance companies.
The day before the hearing, Luigi’s portrait was projected onto the side of a building in New York City, with the words “Free Luigi” next to it. The anonymous organization responsible for the projection told CNN that they created it to emphasize that Luigi Mangione deserves a fair trial, which is a right that every citizen should have, regardless of public opinion or political means.
Statement from Luigi Mangione’s website
Luigi posted his first statement from prison on his website, which was established by his lawyer’s firm, Agnifilo Intrater. The website was created to help the public stay updated on the latest developments in the case.
In his statement, Luigi expressed his gratitude to everyone who has written to him and shared their stories and support.
“It is powerful that this support transcends political, racial, and even class boundaries, with letters pouring in from all over the country and the world to MDC (Note: the prison in Brooklyn, New York). Although I may not be able to respond to most of the letters, please know that I will read each one I receive.”
How does the Taiwan Anti-Death Penalty Alliance view Luigi’s case? For a long time, the Taiwanese public and mainstream opinion have leaned towards supporting the death penalty, primarily for heinous murderers, believing that an eye for an eye is necessary to seek justice for the victims. However, if the person killed is someone deeply hated by society, there may be support for the legal use of vigilante justice, as long as it aligns with the public’s expectations of eliminating evil. The author neither advocates for nor against the abolition of the death penalty because this is an unsolvable problem. Whether the death penalty is abolished or not, people will still commit crimes. Why argue about a problem that cannot be resolved? Let it remain unsolvable, as that is also an answer.
Risk Disclaimer
Cryptocurrency investment carries a high level of risk, and prices may fluctuate dramatically, leading to the potential loss of all invested capital. Please carefully assess the risks.