A recent petition to the Supreme Court claims that Donald Trump played a role in blocking the early release of his former attorney, Michael Cohen.
Cohen is pursuing damages, alleging that Trump and certain federal officials conspired to keep him incarcerated as revenge for insights shared in his memoir.
Jon-Michael Dougherty, Cohen’s attorney, submitted the brief to the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday. He raised a crucial question: “Can the government retract a prisoner’s approved home confinement as punishment for their speech against the president?” Dougherty stated.
Dougherty likened the case to landmark Supreme Court decisions, such as the Obergefell case that legalized same-sex marriage, emphasizing its significance for protecting constitutional rights.
The Supreme Court is urged to hear the case. However, Cohen’s previous attempts to revive his lawsuit have faced challenges, including a federal appeals court’s rejection earlier this year.
Cohen, who previously served time for campaign finance violations and misleading Congress, claims he was placed in solitary confinement for his critical comments about Trump. A federal judge deemed his solitary confinement “retaliatory,” albeit this ruling has not secured him damages.
In his filing, Dougherty stressed that the Supreme Court must act to guard citizens from government overreach. He emphasized the need for a balance between essential rights and executive authority, arguing that the situation represents a blatant misuse of power and threatens the fundamental liberties guaranteed to all citizens.