Why is Abe Hamadeh defending the Tate brothers?

Independent Newsmedia/Charlene Bisson

What are your thoughts on recent comments by U.S. Rep. Abe Hamadeh of CD8 defending the Tate brothers? Tell us in 300 words or less at yourvalley.net/letters, or email your comments, name, address and contact number to AzOpinions@iniusa.org.

OPINION — U.S. Rep. Abe Hamadeh of Congressional District 8 has chosen an unusual cause: defending Andrew and Tristan Tate, dual United States-United Kingdom citizens who face 59 criminal charges in the U.K., including rape, sex trafficking, assault and offenses involving indecent images of children.

British authorities are seeking their extradition from the United States to the U.K. to stand trial there.

The Tate brothers deny all charges. They are entitled to due process. So are the alleged victims.

Instead, Congressman Hamadeh has publicly argued that the Tate brothers should not be extradited, portraying the prosecution as political persecution. Extradition is not a finding of guilt. It simply allows defendants to answer criminal charges where the alleged crimes occurred.

Congressman Hamadeh has previously supported legislation to restrict dual citizenship, yet he now publicly defends two dual U.S.-U.K. citizens. That inconsistency deserves an explanation.

Whether the Tate brothers are guilty or innocent is for the courts — not politicians — to decide.

The people of Arizona’s 8th Congressional District elected Congressman Hamadeh to fight for us, not to spend his time and political capital defending internet celebrities accused of heinous sexual crimes. The Tate brothers have lawyers. We have one congressman.

Abe Hamadeh’s choice of priorities raises legitimate questions about whether he is focused on the job Arizonans elected him to do.

This writer is using a pen name. Congressional District 8 includes parts of Glendale, Peoria, north Phoenix, Sun City, Sun City West and Surprise. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.