Black folks are flooding social media after reports that a young woman with special needs was jailed over a petty theft has gone viral. Now, many people online are rushing to her defense and demanding change.
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Imarah Aaliyah Bryan had already spent 50 days in an Orlando jail before she faced a judge for sentencing in her case. The 26-year-old was accused of stealing under $200 worth of goods from a Target in the city, according to the criminal complaint against her.
The arrest report showed Bryan was originally arrested back in May, but she wouldn’t see a judge for sentencing until September. Video captured by the court showed Bryan approach the podium before the judge. Bryan was appointed a public defender, who stood by her client as Bryan accepted a no-contest plea– the legal agreement where a defendant avoids trial by not admitting guilt but accepting penalties for the charge.
Because of her plea, the city of Orlando required Bryan to pay $339 to the police department and $500 for bond. This was on top of the promise that Bryan wouldn’t step foot in the Target where she was arrested again, according to the plea agreement. The video captures this moment, when the judge asked Bryan if she fully understands the terms of her plea. In response, Bryan said, “Yes I do.”
The judge found the woman to be “alert, intelligent, and represented by counsel,” but many online disagreed and argued Bryan’s punishment didn’t fit the crime.
“They know damn well that lady don’t know what’s going on, let alone what she signing,” @MilanKaOir wrote on X. “Smh the justice system is sooo evil, cruel, & wrong bruh!”
Another user, @LohkiO19, blamed the woman’s family for being nowhere to be found. “F**k her family for abandoning her they should be on trial,” he said.
@daizyduzit tweeted, “we want prison abolition for ppl like her.” They added, “she should be treated & instead we’re giving thousands of $ per year to the private prison system to punish her for a $49 theft.”
The now-viral video of Bryan has amassed over 5 million views on TikTok and millions more on X and Instagram. After Bryan’s story went viral, a woman named Deanna Carroll launched a GoFundMe in Bryan’s defense. “Her story stopped me in my tracks,” Carroll said.
“Watching her video, it’s clear she’s well-spoken, kind-hearted, and full of joy,” the woman added. “Imarah also lives with special needs, and her situation touched thousands across the TikTok community who shared the same question I had: How could someone like her be left in jail for so long over such a minor charge?” So far, the fundraiser has reached $2,950 of a $4,500 goal.
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