Dharun Ravi, the former Rutgers student who was convicted of bias intimidation and invasion of privacy which lead to the suicide of Tyler Clementi, will be released from jail after serving only 20 days of his 30-day sentence. In accordance with state regulations, Ravi is being released because of his good behavior. Although the Indian-born Ravi, 20, won’t face deportation for his crimes, he must still turn in roughly 300 hours of community service.
“My behavior and actions, which at no time were motivated by hate, bigotry, prejudice or desire to hurt, humiliate or embarrass anyone, were nonetheless the wrong choices and decisions,” Ravi said in a statement issued on May 30th. “I apologize to everyone affected by those choices.”
In 2010, Ravi used a webcam to spy on his roommate, Clementi, who was in a sexual relationship with another man at the time. Ravi made light of the situation on Twitter, encouraging others to watch them on video chat. Humiliated by the whole exchange, Clementi jumped off New York’s George Washington Bridge, taking his own life in the process. Beforehand, he had announced his decision to end his life on Facebook.
Upon leaving Middlesex County Jail, Ravi made no comment to the media.
Twitter users have taken to the site this morning to discuss Dharun’s early release. You can find a small collection of their thoughts and feelings on the subject below.
#DharunRavi How do you serve only 20 days of a 30 day sentence then not get deported? Where’s the justice in that?
I hope #DharunRavi feels like such a piece of shit after he gets out of jail and suffers for the rest of his life #youdeservetheworst
Dharun Ravi’s ass needs to go to prison. Can’t believe how lenient they’re being w him.
Dharun Ravi will be released tomorrow after 20 days. Good.
I think the so-called Hot Dog Stripper spent more time in jail than Dharun Ravi.