Petition to recall judge in Stanford sexual assault reaches nearly one million signatures
STANFORD, Calif. -- A major development is happening Friday in the recall movement aimed at the judge in the Stanford sexual assault case. Nearly a million petition signatures will be delivered to the San Francisco offices of the state Commission on Judicial Performance.
RELATED: Congress to read letter by Stanford sexual assault victim
This is a major development because it underscores the belief among critics that the judge needs to be held accountable for a controversial sentence. Even prospective jurors appear to be sending him a message of disapproval.
The multiple online petition campaigns have amassed nearly a million signatures in a few days. And the activists behind them, including Stanford law professor Michele Dauber, will deliver them Friday.
RELATED: Key witness in Stanford sexual assault case speaks out
They want superior court Judge Aaron Persky removed after he gave former Stanford swimmer Brock Turner a six-month sentence for sexual assault. Court documents say he was intoxicated and the victim was passed out.
"The judge seemed to be more concerned with his future, than the future of the woman who he was convicted of raping," said Melissa Byrne with Ultraviolet.
The case is also getting national attention from Vice President Joe Biden who, along with singer Lady Gaga, are advocates for stopping sexual assault. The vice president wrote an open letter to Turner's victim.
RELATED: Brock Turner's hometown in Ohio reacts to sentence
He wrote in part, "I do not know your name, but I know that a lot of people failed you that terrible January night and in the months that followed." Click here to read his full response.
Rep. Jackie Speier, D-San Mateo, also brought up the case in Congress.
"Turner will probably serve three months," she said. "Why? Because the judge said a longer sentence would have a 'severe impact' on Turner. A severe impact. What a travesty."
Persky has received death threats. And on Wednesday, several prospective jurors asked to be excused because they didn't want to serve in his court.
