[Letter] Magistrate Moretti

[One_With_Nature]

Dear Magistrate,

I write to you for the purpose of record keeping and clarity regarding the conscription of 'Karim adh Ishal'

Please could you provide me with a copy of the exact sentencing he received by yourself and how his sentencing was overturned? It is important to keep record of such matter for precedent for future cases.

I appreciate your time in this matter.

Regards,

Witness Ekmel Fonzuvi of the Scribes

[Sunburst]

People of Ephia's Well, this is Magistrate Dante Moretti. Presented to me are many serious crimes, that the Janissaries contend were perpetrated by the war hero, Karim adh Ishal.

I have heard these charges. I am much appalled that a Voiced citizen would do such heinous things. Attacking our Janissaries? Kidnapping them? Spilling their blood upon this Ashling holy site? Fleeing arrest?

It is reprehensible.

I am told that he did these things to aid La Banda Rossa, free of charge. And so he will repent by aiding the Fourth Legion of the Sultan's Janissary, free of charge.

I conscript him indefinitely to the Sultan's Janissaries, to be a penal soldier until he is honorably discharged by a Sergeant of the Fourth Legion. Upon discharge, he may be promoted to a full Janissary, or released back into civilian life.

In this judgement, Karim was charged with Assault (Serious), Assault (Serious), Assault (Serious), Kidnapping (Serious), Kidnapping (Serious), Kidnapping (Serious), Theft (Serious), Offense Against the Mother (Serious), Unlawful Resistance (Serious), Arms Bearing (Minor).

He participated in the abduction and robbery of three Janissaries, taken from the Plaza and brought to the Krak des Roses.

The sentence requested by Janissary Naomhan Slanei was a fine of 10,000 dinars, which I declined to pursue.

During deliberation, I inquired whether the Fourth Legion would desire to conscript this man, confirmed this desire, highlighted the poetic justice of it, and then enacted this ironic punishment.

By the authority of Legate Argent Argyris, the penal conscript known as 'Karim adh Ishal' is granted clemency and his sentence is reduced to time served.

His discharge is to be processed by the officers of the Fourth Legion at their next convenience.

Amid challenges that the ongoing conscription of Karim was "slavery" and corrupt abuse of his person by the Janissaries of the Fourth Legion, it was decided by Legate Argent Argyris to show mercy to this criminal before his status could be used to further attack his loyal supporters among the Sultan's military.

Legates hold the right of clemency and pardon. They may lift exiles, recall prisoners from hard labor in Fort Ghulati, release convicts from the stockades, or even forgive a criminal on the execution block who is moments away from a painful death.

Of particular relevance to this case, I am a Magistrate of the Gold League, under the auspice of Legate Argent Argyris, and thus my authority and powers of judgement are borrowed from his. It could be considered discourteous to override the judgement of another Legate's magistrate, and even more so another Legate, but it is not unheard of. In all contested, the joint authority of the Legates favors inaction over action, and thus exoneration over condemnation.

Only the "Interregnum Magistrates," appointed directly by the Sultan's court after the sudden loss of both sitting Legates (see: Syter & Zarat), are fully separated from the reigning presidents. There is a small number of them, much less prominent, ordinarily judging low-profile cases or matters that more politically fluid officials simply do not have time for.

Best regards,

DANTE
MORETTI

[One_With_Nature]

*a note is sent in response*

Thank you Magistrate Moretti for your quick and detailed response, I appreciate your time and clarity in this matter.

Regards,

Witness Ekmel Fonzuvi of the Scribes