Roger Ver Supporters Call for Clemency after Ulbricht’s Pardon

Elon Musk, who leads President Donald Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (D.O.G.E), has committed to exploring the pardon of ‘Bitcoin Jesus’ Roger Ver.

It comes after US President Trump recently granted Ross Ulbricht, the founder of the Silk Road, clemency.

Elon Musk to “Inquire” on Roger Ver’s Pardon

Ross Ulbricht’s presidential pardon has ignited a spirited online campaign for the pardon of Roger Ver, another high-profile figure in the crypto arena. As BeInCrypto reported, Ulbricht’s full and unconditional pardon on Tuesday was widely celebrated. Trump called his previous sentence of two life terms “ridiculous.”

Amid the celebratory discussions, however, attention quickly shifted to Bitcoin Jesus. Ray Youssef, an executive at the crypto platform Noonesapp, was among the first to call for Ver’s release.

“Ross is free. A full unconditional pardon has been signed. Thank God. Don’t forget Roger Ver and all the builders who have been through hell,” Youssef said.

Roger Ver was a vocal proponent of Bitcoin Cash and an early adopter of cryptocurrency. He faced legal troubles over tax evasion allegations. Nine months ago, US authorities accused Ver of owing $48 million in taxes, allegedly stemming from his expatriation process.

Ver challenged these charges two months ago, asserting that he relied on expert advice to ensure compliance with the law. His defense also cited constitutional violations, including claims that privileged communications with his legal team were subpoenaed. Critics have argued that this represents overreach and a troubling precedent for attorney-client privilege.

“Please look into a pardon for Roger Ver. That privileged communications with his lawyers were subpoenaed is a terrible precedent for privacy and the ability to defend oneself,” said Naomi Brockwell, founder of Ludlow Institute.

They also say potentially exculpatory evidence was withheld during grand jury proceedings. Meanwhile. Angela McArdle, chair of the Libertarian National Committee, also expressed her support for Ver’s release. Following these calls, Elon Musk said he would inquire about it.

“Will inquire,” Musk tweeted.

Ver’s supporters argue that a pardon would correct a perceived injustice and reinforce the principles of privacy and due process. The parallels with Ulbricht’s case highlight the dangers of excessive sentencing and systemic government overreach. Taken together, these have strengthened the calls for Ver’s pardon.

Elon Musk’s acknowledgment of the issue has brought renewed attention to the case, potentially amplifying the push for clemency. Many hope that his platform, D.O.G.E, and influence will pressure leaders to address what they see as an unjust precedent. This is amidst a broader campaign for freedoms essential to innovation and prosperity in the cryptocurrency space.

“Roger Ver deserves a pardon to liberate him from the malicious prosecution he still faces–lawfare that threatens to take his freedom for 109 years for an exotic crime he *clearly* did not commit. Pardoning Roger is the strongest signal the President could send that Biden’s war on crypto is over. Please, President Trump, Free Roger Ver,” Bret Weinstein lamented.

Meanwhile, others see Bitcoin Jesus’ case as emblematic of the tension between individual liberties and state power.

“Also (preemptively) Roman Storm while you’re at it please Elon Musk. Publishing open-source privacy tools is an act of free speech — not an act in furtherance of a conspiracy. Whatever crimes committed with the software — developers should not be held vicariously liable for them,” another user added.