By Jason Meyers
Ross Ulbricht, the 40-year-old founder of the Silk Road marketplace, is finally set to be released after more than a decade in prison. The news, shared through the @Free_Ross account on X and official family updates, follows President-elect Donald Trump’s pledge to commute Ulbricht’s sentence. “Ross is coming home in January! We are so grateful to Donald Trump and to everyone who has supported us. Here’s to this 12th Thanksgiving in prison being the last!” the Ulbricht family shared.
During Ross’s imprisonment, his mother, Lyn Ulbricht, has been a tireless advocate for his freedom, shedding light on the severity of his sentence—two life terms plus 40 years for a non-violent offense. Lyn’s dedication has inspired supporters worldwide, from organizing petitions to raising awareness through events and interviews. Her unflagging commitment has become a powerful symbol of resilience against government overreach, standing up for justice not only for her son but also for others facing disproportionate sentences.
Ross’s harsh sentencing has been widely criticized as an excessive response to his role in creating Silk Road, an online platform that facilitated anonymous transactions, including some illegal ones. Hundreds of prominent voices have raised their concerns, and a Change.org petition for clemency now boasts over 600,000 signatures. Legal experts argue that holding Ulbricht accountable for the actions of Silk Road’s users sets a dangerous precedent, suggesting that platform operators could be punished for users’ behavior—potentially impacting everything from tech innovation to firearm and car manufacturers.
In prison, Ulbricht has embraced reform, leading classes and mentoring fellow inmates. His impending release signifies more than one man’s freedom; it’s a call to action for fair sentencing, reformative justice, and a reassessment of how we balance safety with freedom and innovation in the digital age. His return home symbolizes the impact of collective advocacy and the hope for meaningful criminal justice reform.
#FreeRoss
About the author
Jason Meyers is the lead architect of Pacioli.ai, the worlds first web3 disclosure infrastructure and AI based DePIN. Jason took many companies public including Alexion Pharmaceuticals which was acquired by AstraZeneca for USD$40 Billion. He strongly believes that the re-election of Donald Trump will make the USA the undisputed crypto capital of the world.
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