BLOG #31; GoFundMe Rejected the Merits of my Case
I am very grateful for the effort that the National Center for Reason and Justice accomplished in seeking funds for my cause through the GoFundMe web site. On October 24, 2021, the GoFundMe Team informed the N.C.R.J.’s attorneys and their Executive Director that their account for my cause had been removed due to a violation of the GoFundMe Terms of Service Prohibited Conduct Section, which can be read at https://www.gofundme.com/terms (Ticket #9104209). In a nutshell, the GoFundMe Team relied on the following policy in support of their decision:
“PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES #9:
…the legal defense of alleged crimes associated with hate,
violence, harassment, bullying, discrimination, terrorism,
or intolerance of any kind relating to race, ethnicity, national
origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, sex, gender,
gender identity, gender expression, serious disabilities or
diseases, financial crimes or crimes of deception ….”
Needless to say that this very disappointing news caused me much distress. I have no problem understanding the logic behind the above quoted GoFundMe policy, when it is properly applied….. For example, to an applicable case that hasn’t gone to trial, like in the case of Mr. Kyle Rittenhouse. In my opinion, in the first place, the above quoted policy should not be arbitrarily applied systematically to cases claiming post conviction actual INNOCENCE. In the second place, I believe that the patrons of GoFundMe should be allowed to determine for themselves which cause is most deserving of their donations. Most rules are subject to one or more exceptions. I have been incarcerated on the basis of fabricated evidence since 1984 and without the necessary funds most likely I will have to remain illegally incarcerated until my body drops dead. Above all, the truth will be buried with my body, alone with the human rights violations that my cause is seeking to correct to some extent. GoFundMe has come to play a very important role in our society, serving as a vehicle through which the general public can contribute to the wellbeing of members of our society. Therefore, it is imperative to avoid arbitrary and systematic denials of financial help to meritorious appeals presented by reputable organizations, such as the National Center for Reason and Justice. Further, GoFundMe should provide a process to allow for the appeal of any such denial for financial contributions.
I still need your financial help for my cause. Just like GoFundMe, the National Center for Reason and Justice, which has been established as a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization for over 25 years, can provide you with tax deductible benefit for your donations if you request it. Indicate the purpose of your donations. In advance I most sincerely thank you for your donations in any amount.
Sincerely,
Francisco Fuster-Escalona, #821200
Graceville Correctional Facility
5168 Ezell Road
Graceville, Florida. 32440-2402
Copy of this email to:
Mr. Tim Cadogan, CEO
GoFundMe Headquarters
855 Jefferson Avenue
Redwood City, California. 94064