BOSTON (AP) – Former Massachusetts Gov. Michael Dukakis has written a letter of support for a friend of Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev as a judge prepares to sentence him for lying to the FBI days after the 2013 bombings.
Robel Phillipos is one of two Tsarnaev friends scheduled to be sentenced Friday.
Dukakis, a friend of Phillipos’ family, testified during his trial. In a letter to Judge Douglas Woodlock, Dukakis said he “can’t understand why justice would be served by incarcerating him.”
Azamat Tazhayakov also faces sentencing Friday. Tazhayakov was convicted of obstruction of justice and conspiracy for removing Tsarnaev’s backpack and laptop computer from his dorm room with another friend.
Prosecutors have recommended a 4-year sentence for Tazhayakov. They haven’t said what kind of sentence they’re seeking for Phillipos.
