Lyn Ulbricht Describes Life for Ross in Prison, Updates Us on His Case
April 29, 2018 by Jon Southurst
Lyn Ulbricht, mother of convicted Silk Road administrator Ross Ulbricht, sat down with Bitsonline this week to give us the latest on his case. His family and friends are refusing to give up the fight against his conviction and life-without-parole sentence, in a case that could have far wider implications for everyone’s right to privacy on the internet.
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Ross Ulbricht and Family Do It Tough, but There’s Still Plenty of Hope
“He’s doing amazingly well. He inspires me to keep going, he’s very strong mentally and emotionally,” Lyn says.
The case, which may eventually go before the Supreme Court, concerns an individual’s right to privacy on the internet under the Fourth Amendment. To what extent can the government snoop on your internet traffic to build digital profiles and collect evidence — even without probable cause or a warrant?
Right now, Lyn says, there are no restrictions on the federal government doing this. And regardless of what it feels are individual citizens’ rights, internet usage data can be used to blackmail or intimidate public officials at all levels too.
The Supreme Court is currently hearing the similar Carpenter case, and wants to deal with that before considering Ross’ case again.
Where’s the Justice? Or Even the Crime?
Ross’ conviction itself may not be up for argument here. That’s despite the various injustices surrounding the whole affair — including two federal agents who are currently serving prison time for corrupt conduct during, and attempts to profit from, the investigation.
There’s also the constant media meme that Ross was guilty of “murder for hire” crimes, for which he was never tried but are often used to smear darkness on an otherwise non-violent character.
Lyn Ulbricht’s anguish and outrage is as understandable as the shock of finding a beloved son accused of, and then railroaded at high levels for, such a crime. The nature of government and the cryptocurrency community, like many others surrounding new technologies, produces many unintentional activists.
To hear the latest updates and find how Ross passes the time in maximum security, watch the whole interview.
Should Ross Ulbricht be freed, or at least have his sentence reduced? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments.
Images and video via FreeRoss.org, Jon Southurst
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