July 24, 2025
Two years ago, Janis Mensah, a leader on the City’s jail oversight board, went to the jail to investigate the reported death of Terrance Smith. Police brutally arrested Janis, and for two years, the City has chosen to prosecute them. Today, in front of a judge and a jury, Janis finally had their day in court. And the good news? Janis was acquitted. Meaning, we’ve won. This case we’ve been fighting alongside Janis for two years is done.
Our official statement is below:
“While we are happy for our client, we want to call attention to the two years during which the city chose to continue prosecuting our client, who was in a designated city role to increase transparency and accountability for the deadly operations at the City Justice Center. The city dedicated resources to criminalize our client, who was attempting to fulfill their role as vice chair of the city’s own jail oversight board. This began with the previous administration and has continued with this administration, both of which had every opportunity to change course. Now Janis has been acquitted, but people continue to suffer and die in the jail. We are glad to stand with Janis and anyone else holding the city and its dangerous jail to account.”
Photo above is of Janis Mensah speaking at a press conference after being acquitted at trial.
Photo above is of Maureen Hanlon speaking at the press conference following the trial of Janis Mensah (pictured to the left of Maureen).