PLEASE READ: As we prepare for our upcoming rally, we want to make sure our message is clear, visible, and powerful. One of the ways we can do that is through posters and signs that reflect the heart of our campaign—truth, justice, and freedom. We are asking for your help in creating posters for the rally. These can include messages such as:

- *End Wrongful Convictions*

- *Free Abdus*

- *The Biggest Concern of Any State Should Be Ending Wrongful Convictions*

- *Justice Requires Truth*

- *Family Connection Is Public Safety*

Join this action to demand freedom and release from detainment for Abdus. Mr. Isma’il Abdus Sabur is a father, son, husband, and hard-working community member whose life was upended by a wrongful conviction in 2014. #FreeAbdus

Come out to show support for the The Wrongful Conviction Relief Act.

Purpose of the Bill:
This bill removes the “newly discovered evidence” requirement from Connecticut law, allowing courts to consider all credible evidence of actual innocence—whether it was available at trial or not. This ensures that wrongful convictions can be challenged even if prior defense strategies or errors prevented evidence from being introduced.

The Problem:
● Current Connecticut law only permits claims of actual innocence based on “newly discovered evidence.”
● If a defense lawyer knew about evidence but chose not to use it, the law blocks later consideration of that evidence.
● Innocent people remain incarcerated due to procedural technicalities, not the merits of their case.
● DNA evidence is limited; not all wrongful convictions involve DNA, and other types of credible evidence (like confessions or recantations) are often excluded.

Solution Provided by the Bill:
● Eliminates the “newly discovered” requirement.
● Allows any credible, material, and corroborated evidence to be considered, including:
○ Scientific evidence (DNA or other testing)
○ Voluntary confessions or admissions by the true perpetrator
○ Witness recantations supported by corroborating evidence
○ Documentary, physical, or testimonial evidence not previously considered

● Introduces credibility safeguards: courts evaluate reliability, corroboration, and overall weight of the evidence.

Expected Impact:
● Strengthens Connecticut’s criminal justice system by prioritizing actual innocence over procedural barriers.
● Provides relief to wrongfully convicted individuals who previously had no legal avenue to present available evidence.
● Maintains judicial discretion to prevent frivolous or unreliable claims from succeeding.

Why Now:
● Growing awareness of wrongful convictions highlights the need for legal reforms that ensure justice is served.
● Connecticut should join other progressive states in removing procedural barriers that block evidence of actual innocence.

Call to Action:

Support this legislation to ensure no innocent person remains imprisoned because of outdated procedural restrictions. Allow courts to consider all credible evidence when determining actual innocence.