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Original poster

Adnan Syed is released!

273 replies

Squisita · 20/09/2022 10:54

Adnan Syed was yesterday released from jail, after a judge ruled that the state violated its obligation to share evidence with the defence that would have helped his case.

Having listened to the Serial podcast about the case, I think this was the right decision and it's come 22 years too late. Based on the evidence, Adnan should have been acquitted.

I hope this now opens the path to finding Hae Min Lee's real killer.

OP posts:
FayeGovan · 20/09/2022 10:56

I hope both he and the victims family get justice here.

Womencanlift · 20/09/2022 10:59

Oh wow that is good to hear. Was never convinced of his guilt and the follow up documentary was leading us to think he would be released and then he wasn’t

As OP says though 22 years of his life he will not get back. I really hope both families get real justice now

Outofdepthmum · 20/09/2022 10:59

Amazing!

Brogues · 20/09/2022 11:03

Another episode being released tomorrow. FWIW I think he was guilty but the evidence was nowhere near strong enough to have secured that verdict.

DaphneSprucesPippasClack · 20/09/2022 11:03

So pleased about this!

wafflyversatile · 20/09/2022 11:08

Some good news! 'bout time!

Original poster
Squisita · 20/09/2022 11:13

Brogues · 20/09/2022 11:03

Another episode being released tomorrow. FWIW I think he was guilty but the evidence was nowhere near strong enough to have secured that verdict.

I wasn't able to decide whether he was guilty or not (hence I would have voted to acquit him), but I am hoping that new evidence will afford us clarity.

It's scary to think how many people are in prison when they probably shouldn't be.

OP posts:
AryaStarkWolf · 20/09/2022 11:22

I thought he was guilty so not over joyed about that

MoreTeaLessCoffee · 20/09/2022 11:31

I feel a bit uncomfortable by the unqualified celebrations to be honest. I feel very conflicted. Pleased for Adnan but devastated for Hae Min Lee and her family. And sad about how this reflects on the justice system. I felt some of the crowing from some sections of the media was a bit tasteless. I don't feel it's a happy ending. He'll also face a retrial won't he?

MoreTeaLessCoffee · 20/09/2022 11:33

@AryaStarkWolf I thought the podcast placed a lot of weight on the fact Adnan seems like a very nice, personable chap. But I work with abusers and while many are clearly absolute shits, some are very pleasant, so to me it's completely irrelevant that he doesn't seem the type. I too think he's probably guilty.

AryaStarkWolf · 20/09/2022 11:43

MoreTeaLessCoffee · 20/09/2022 11:31

I feel a bit uncomfortable by the unqualified celebrations to be honest. I feel very conflicted. Pleased for Adnan but devastated for Hae Min Lee and her family. And sad about how this reflects on the justice system. I felt some of the crowing from some sections of the media was a bit tasteless. I don't feel it's a happy ending. He'll also face a retrial won't he?

Yes, I feel the same, the Victims are very often lost (and sometimes even vilified in this new age of armchair detective TV/podcast series)

It's not definite that they will bring a new case against him but they have that option I think

AryaStarkWolf · 20/09/2022 11:45

MoreTeaLessCoffee · 20/09/2022 11:33

@AryaStarkWolf I thought the podcast placed a lot of weight on the fact Adnan seems like a very nice, personable chap. But I work with abusers and while many are clearly absolute shits, some are very pleasant, so to me it's completely irrelevant that he doesn't seem the type. I too think he's probably guilty.

It's been a few years now since I listened to the Podcast but I watched that 4 part HBO TV show first and I remember thinking he was innocent after that but changed my mind after listening to the Podcast (or at least was a lot more doubtful)

TheBoxOfWhat · 20/09/2022 11:52

I am glad he has been released. We listened to the podcast when it came out in 2014 and then read up and saw the "evidence" photos etc that were online. I don't think this is anything to do with whether he is a nice chap or not, the prosecution failed to turn over key evidence to the defence and the state proved the Brady violation.

Jay's account of the events changed more often than he changed his underwear. Plus he walked free even though he confessed to "helping" to bury the body. It is a long time since I listened but I am sure the above is what was stated on Serial. We will be tuning in with Dh for the updated podcast.

LobeliaBaggins · 20/09/2022 11:56

I listened to this ages ago, so I have to refresh my memory. But I think I thought he was guilty. Probably not beyond all reasonable doubt though...

Wonder if Jay is one of the 2 suspects.

Naunet · 20/09/2022 12:33

Why would you celebrate that? Do you know for an absolute fact he didn’t do it? If not, you’re potentially celebrating a murderer getting off.

Womencanlift · 20/09/2022 12:39

Naunet · 20/09/2022 12:33

Why would you celebrate that? Do you know for an absolute fact he didn’t do it? If not, you’re potentially celebrating a murderer getting off.

And do you know if an absolute fact that he did?

Anyway it looks like there will be a new trial, it’s not a full release he is on home detention. So if it is a new trial then I guess it’s back to innocent until proven guilty

Seaography · 20/09/2022 12:54

While I lean toward him being guilty, the conviction was not a sound one and therefore he should be released and retried.

It wasn't a good investigation. In my opinion they made the evidence fit the suspect rather than the suspect fit the evidence.

Hae Min Lee and her family deserve the perpetrator to be brought to justice. Not just sticking anyone in prison and saying job done.

WhisperGold · 20/09/2022 13:01

Always felt Adnan did it but that it was not proved.
Similar to Steven Avery.
But Brendan - that seemed a disgraceful verdict!

Tabbouleh · 20/09/2022 13:13

Am a crime podcast fan and this has reminded me of the West Memphis Five. Look them up if interested. A trio of boys convicted of the satanic killing of another trio of young boys, sentenced to life, then released after 18 years because of public outcry and supported by Peter Jackson and Johnny Depp. I am still convinced they are guilty but again, the police botched it up.

Tomatopasta · 20/09/2022 13:15

The fact that there was evidence of two alternative suspects that was never disclosed to the defence, and could have possibly changed the outcome of the trial is massive.

One of these suspects had a history of violence and attacking women, and had a relative living near where the victim’s car was found (and apparently the suspect also lived there himself at one time).

It means that somebody else could have done it, and they didn’t hand this information to the defence.

He has lost the majority of life in a prison. Hae Min’s family deserve justice, and I sincerely hope something comes of this ongoing investigation into the new suspects.

For those who are interested, and have only listened to the Serial podcast, listen to the Undisclosed podcast and the HBO Documentary ‘The Case Against Adnan Syed’. Might change your opinion…

risefromyourgrave · 20/09/2022 13:23

Tomatopasta · 20/09/2022 13:15

The fact that there was evidence of two alternative suspects that was never disclosed to the defence, and could have possibly changed the outcome of the trial is massive.

One of these suspects had a history of violence and attacking women, and had a relative living near where the victim’s car was found (and apparently the suspect also lived there himself at one time).

It means that somebody else could have done it, and they didn’t hand this information to the defence.

He has lost the majority of life in a prison. Hae Min’s family deserve justice, and I sincerely hope something comes of this ongoing investigation into the new suspects.

For those who are interested, and have only listened to the Serial podcast, listen to the Undisclosed podcast and the HBO Documentary ‘The Case Against Adnan Syed’. Might change your opinion…

Definitely listen to the Undisclosed podcast. Although it was started by a close friend of Adnan’s family it is very good at looking at all the evidence and certainly swayed me more to believing in his innocence.

GlitterB0mb · 20/09/2022 13:24

I don't think it's fair to judge Adnan's guilt on Serial. There's stuff Koenig left out and more evidence that was found afterwards.

Tabbouleh · 20/09/2022 13:26

risefromyourgrave · 20/09/2022 13:23

Definitely listen to the Undisclosed podcast. Although it was started by a close friend of Adnan’s family it is very good at looking at all the evidence and certainly swayed me more to believing in his innocence.

Show quote history

That is the one by Rabia Choudhury, right?

KassandraOfSparta · 20/09/2022 13:27

It's been a good couple of weeks for podcast justice. First the conviction of Chris Dawson, now the freeing of Adnan Syed.

risefromyourgrave · 20/09/2022 13:35

Tabbouleh · 20/09/2022 13:26

That is the one by Rabia Choudhury, right?

Show quote history

Yep, that’s the one.