[UPDATE: Oral Arguments for Alex’s appeal were held on November 18, 2024 at the State of New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division Third Judicial Department. A decision is expected to be made in 4 to 8 weeks.]

Alexander Stokes Contompasis is a Jewish independent journalist and artist from Albany, NY. He is currently serving a draconian 20 year sentence for defending himself and three others against an attack by Proud Boys and Oath Keepers on January 6, 2021 at the New York State Capitol.

We are asking to please share this story. Alex’s rights were violated in several ways: nearly two years of waiting to go to trial, a rushed three day trial, and denial of an adequate defense. Alex’s experience as a journalist was not presented to the jury. His family, friends and supporters maintain that he is not a danger to society and his sentence is a miscarriage of justice. He is currently appealing his conviction.