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Adnan Syed, Subject of 'Serial' Podcast, has Murder Conviction Reinstated by Maryland Court
on Tuesday, a Maryland appellate court ruled to reinstate the conviction of Adnan Syed, who had been imprisoned for over 20 years for the murder of his ex-girlfriend Hae Min Lee in 1999. Syed's case gained national attention after being featured in the popular podcast "Serial." In a 2-1 decision, the appellate court found that the lower court had violated the rights of the victim's brother, Young Lee, to attend a crucial hearing. The court ordered a new hearing that complies with the law, is transparent, and provides sufficient notice to Young Lee, allowing him to attend in person. The court also stated that the evidence supporting the motion to vacate must be presented, and the court must state its reasons for its decision. The court emphasized that it must remedy the violations without violating Syed's right to be free from double jeopardy.
David Sanford, the attorney representing the family of Hae Min Lee, expressed their satisfaction with the recent decision of the appellate court to reinstate the murder conviction of Adnan Syed. Sanford stated that the Lee family was "delighted" with the ruling and also appreciated that the appellate court had directed a new, transparent hearing where evidence would be presented in open court. The court's decision will be based on evidence visible to the world. Syed had been accused of murdering Hae Min Lee and had served over 20 years in prison before his conviction was vacated by a judge in a September hearing, which led to his release.
Syed's Lawyer Confirms His Client Will Not Be Imprisoned
Erica Suter, the Assistant Public Defender and director of the Innocence Project Clinic, representing Adnan Syed, stated that the conviction was reinstated by the appellate court, not because the Motion to Vacate was erroneous, but because Ms. Lee's brother failed to appear in person at the vacatur hearing. Suter agreed with the dissenting judge that Mr. Lee's attendance over Zoom was sufficient and stated that there is no reason to return Adnan to the status of a convicted felon. She believes that justice will be done and is optimistic that Adnan's convictions will be fully vacated. Erica Suter plans to seek a review in Maryland's highest court, the Supreme Court of Maryland, and will continue to fight for Adnan's cause until justice is served. The decision to vacate Adnan Syed's conviction came after almost eight years since the podcast raised questions about his conviction and legal representation.
Baltimore City Circuit Judge Melissa Phinn stated that she decided to vacate the case due to reasons including the failure to provide certain material from the state investigation to the defense lawyers and the possible improper clearance of two suspects during the investigation.
How the Victim's Brother Requested a Redo of an Important Hearing
Lee's brother had asked for a redo of the hearing. The argument was that he did not have sufficient notice to attend it in person. Lee was able to watch the proceedings in September via Zoom, but their attorneys had previously claimed that the circuit court and prosecutors violated the brother's rights. This was allegedly done by not providing adequate notice, withholding evidence from the family, and not allowing the brother to properly present his case during the proceedings. Last month, the family's attorney, Sanford, informed Maryland's appellate court that the circuit court and prosecutors had repeatedly failed before the September decision to vacate Syed's conviction.
