Group Will Launch Drive to Recall Garcetti
- Share via
A group of community activists said Monday that they will launch an effort to recall Dist. Atty. Gil Garcetti because of his recent decision to appeal a ruling that led to the release of former Black Panther leader Elmer “Geronimo” Pratt from prison.
“I think it is absurd and a waste of taxpayers money,” said Mohammed Martinez of the Panther Vanguard movement. “He’s trying to beat a dead horse.”
Pratt served almost 25 years in prison for a 1968 murder he has steadfastly maintained he did not commit. Garcetti appealed the decision overturning Pratt’s murder conviction, arguing that “nothing points to Pratt’s innocence; everything points to his guilt.”
“You notice Garcetti is not calling for a new trial. He just wants Geronimo back in prison,” said Mohammed Mubarak, a Pratt supporter. “It is ridiculous and ludicrous to even put the effort into this.”
Najee Ali, director of Islamic HOPE and one of Garcetti’s most outspoken critics, said a formal recall campaign could begin within a week.
“Garcetti is just totally out of touch with the minority community,” Ali said.
More to Read
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.