Former U.S. President Donald Trump has granted clemency to Ross Ulbricht, the founder of the darknet marketplace Silk Road, after he spent 11 years behind bars. The decision has sparked a wave of mixed reactions, with some celebrating his release while others criticize the move.
Ulbricht was arrested in 2013 and sentenced to life in prison without parole for running Silk Road, an online marketplace that facilitated the trade of illegal drugs and other illicit goods using Bitcoin. His case became a landmark in the discussion surrounding internet freedom, cryptocurrency regulations, and online crime.
Supporters of Ulbricht argue that his punishment was excessively harsh compared to similar cybercrime cases. They claim he was made an example of due to the rising concerns over the use of cryptocurrency in illegal activities. Over the years, thousands of people, including influential figures in the tech industry, signed petitions demanding a reduction in his sentence.
However, critics argue that Silk Road enabled large-scale drug trafficking, putting public safety at risk. Law enforcement agencies maintain that shutting down the platform was crucial in controlling illegal online transactions.
Trump's decision to free Ulbricht adds to the list of controversial pardons granted during his political career. The move is expected to fuel further debate over justice system reforms, digital privacy, and the ethical boundaries of internet governance.