New Orleans City Council President Jason Williams calls Leon Cannizzaro’s decision not to run for a third term a ‘great victory’ for criminal justice reform.
Williams said in a statement released Friday, “The DA has finally realized what the vast majority of New Orleanians have known for some time, that his draconian and abusive theory of justice, which is shared by so many in the halls of criminal court, does not make our streets safer and certainly doesn’t ensure true fairness and justice for all people.”
Related: D.A. Cannizzaro: I have decided against seeking a third term
Williams continues, “While D.A. Cannizzaro’s decision to step aside is a great victory for everyone who has been pushing for equal justice from that office, we cannot be deterred from the ultimate goals of true and lasting Criminal Justice Reform, as well as real policy change.”
Williams said the he is proud of the work he spearheaded regarding reforming New Orleans’ criminal justice system.
“For eight years, while others sat silent, I led the fight on the New Orleans City Council to expose the oppressive, biased and illegal tactics of DA Cannizzaro’s Office. From exposing the fake subpoenas and jailing of rape victims to reducing a bloated prosecutorial budget, and reinvesting those dollars in citizen needs like Early Childhood education, I am proud of the work I did with advocates and community members to shine a light on a broken criminal justice system where DA Cannizzaro was one of the lead actors.”
Williams’ comments on Cannizarro comes weeks after he pleaded not guilty to a federal indictment alleging he and another lawyer at William’s criminal defense law firm committed tax fraud.
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He faces off against two other District Attorney Candidates; former Orleans Parish Criminal Court judges Arthur Hunter and Keva Landrum.