Meek Mill Released From Prison By Order Of PA Supreme Court

PHILADELPHIA – Philadelphia rapper Meek Mill was ordered to be released from prison immediately by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court Tuesday.

CBS Philadelphia said the court ordered the rapper, who has since his arrest become a figurehead for justice reform, to be released on bail in a major turn of events regarding his controversial case.

Meek Mill, born Robert Rihmeek Williams, was sentenced to two to four years imprisonment in November after violating his probation that was set in a 10-year-old drug and gun case by Common Pleas Judge Genece Brinkley.

"I’d like to thank God, my family, and all my public advocates for their love, support and encouragement during this difficult time," a statement on Mill's Twitter account says. "While the past five months have been a nightmare, the prayers, visits, calls, letters and rallies have helped me stay positive."

"We are thrilled that the Pennsylvania Supreme Court has directed Judge Brinkley to immediately issue an order releasing Meek on bail," his lawyer Joe Tacopina said, according to NBC10. "As we have said all along, Meek was unjustly convicted and should not have spent a single day in jail."

His case garnered national attention from the political, athletic, and entertainment industry in addition to criminal justice reform advocates. Comedian and Philadelphia native Kevin Hart was in Chester to visit Mill Tuesday, as well, CBS Philadelphia reports.

Mill's arresting officer was included on a list of unreliable officers issued by Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner's office recently, which the state Supreme Court cited in its decision, NBC10 reports.

"To the Philly District Attorney’s office, I’m grateful for your commitment to justice," Mill's Twitter statement reads. "I understand that many people of color across the country don’t have that luxury and I plan to use my platform to shine alight on those issues."

Mill is expected to attend the Philadelphia 76ers playoff game against the Miami Heat Tuesday night and ring the ceremonial bell before the game.

Just spoke to Sixers co-owner Michael Rubin. He said it’s “more likely than not” Meek Mill will attend Game 5 tonight, and he’ll ring the ceremonial bell pre-game if he can get there in time.
— Daniel Victor (@bydanielvictor) April 24, 2018

Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images