Philadelphia mayor backs Meek Mill’s release

Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney has called for Meek Mill's release from prison, NBC10 reports. The rapper, whose real name is Robert Rihmeek Williams, is currently serving two to four years in prison on probation violations stemming from 2007 drugs and weapons charges.

Kenney visited the rapper for about an hour on Wednesday, and came at the invitation of Meek Mill's friend, billionaire Mike Rubin. The mayor's spokeswoman Ajeenah Amir confirmed the visit in an emailed statement to NBC10: "The mayor, like Mike, believes that Robert would better serve the community outside of prison, and that his case makes clear and urgent the desperate need to continue working with our partners to reform our criminal justice system."

Kenney joins Philly District Attorney Larry Krasner and Pennsylvania governor Tom Wolf, who have both backed Meek's release. Krasner's office filed a motion in March saying there was a “strong likelihood” Meek Mill's 2007 conviction would be reversed after his arresting officer Reginald Graham was named on a secret list of "tainted" police officers. These cops were identified by the D.A.'s office as having "a history of lying, racial bias, or brutality," and discouraged from testifying.

Judge Genece E. Brinkley, who has overseen Meek Mill's case since 2007, has ignored the growing calls for Meek Mill's release. Meek Mill's legal team is currently pursuing the case in the state supreme court, and has filed a second motion for Brinkley's recusal, citing allegations of inappropriate behaviour.