New York State Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz Questions Selective Prosecution of New York State Democratic Party

JULY 5, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: SENATOR REV. DÍAZ

New York State Senator Reverend Rubén Díaz Questions Selective Prosecution of  New York State Democratic Party

Senator Reverend Rubén Díaz, Chairman of the New York State Senate Puerto Rican/Latino Caucus, issued the following statement in response to media reports that the State Democratic Party is attempting to oust New York State Senator Pedro Espada.

“I am troubled to learn that despite scandals and investigations surrounding several Democratic leaders in the New York State Senate, an effort is underway to oust Senator Pedro Espada, the only Hispanic under investigation, from the Democratic Party.

The selective prosecution by the State Democratic Party of Senator Pedro Espada – the only Hispanic under investigation – should not be tolerated.

Our newspapers are filled with stories highlighting ongoing investigations of other Democratic New York elected officials in the US Congress, in the State Senate, in the State Assembly, and in the New York City Council. Yet, I don’t hear about or read about any attempt by the State Democratic Party to oust any of them – no – only when it comes to Hispanic names.

In this country, people are presumed innocent until proven guilty, not guilty upon accusation, not guilty upon investigation. If they are later proven guilty, then let the chips fall where they may. But until that time, especially in New York State, there should be no selective prosecution of Hispanics.”

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