'Dharun has too much burden for the rest of his life'

It was an emotional day at the Middlesex court on Monday as the parents of Dharun Ravi, convicted on webcam spying of his roommate Tyler Clementi, who committed suicide, and the latter's parents, took the stand before the judge sentenced Ravi to 30 days in prison. Suman Mozumder reports

The mothers of both Clementi and Ravi broke down in tears as they narrated the stories of their personal tragedies.

But their emotional outbursts were for different reasons -- one for Clementi's suicide for which her mom indirectly held Ravi responsible, and Ravi's mom who felt that her son's life would be fruitless because all his dreams have been shattered thanks to the adverse media campaign for the past several months.

"We had lot of hopes and dreams for Dharun when he came here at age 5 from India ever since this thing started. He has not been eating even one proper meal a day. And he has lost 25 pounds," she said.

She said that her son has suffered enough for the past two years 'because of the media that has portrayed him a demon' which he is not.

...

"This case is devastating. My son has too much burden to face for the rest of his life. It is hard for me to say -- my son is sitting here physically alive in front of you while I am suffering pain. (I hope) that the judge will give him a chance to try his best to lead a normal life," she said breaking down in tears occasionally and speaking in a choked voice.

Court officers provide her drinking water so she could finish her brief address ahead of the sentencing.

Dharun Ravi, who has been portrayed by the mainstream media as a person who has not show any emotion in the courtroom during the trial, could not control himself as his mother sitting next to her hugged him for what she probably thought before a 10-year-jail term.

"I love you my son and I miss you," she said crying uncontrollably before the court officers took her to her seat next to her husband's.

Dharun took a tissue to wipe tears rolling down his eyes. He was dressed in a pink shirt and blue jacket and blue tie. Dharun has not been charged with the suicide of Tyler. Dharun's father, who spoke earlier, pleaded with the judge not to force the family to go back.

...

"This is my country. For the past several months we have suffered. Today is the last chapter. We have seen several chapters of vengeful, malicious and selective prosecution in the court room," he said.

He urged the judge to make sure that the last chapter is concluded with justice and fair play.

"Honourable judge, please show that the last chapter concludes with justice. Please see that this final chapter of this sad story ends on a good note. Rest in peace Tyler. He will always be in our thoughts and prayers till our last breath," he said.

He said that he might look different and speak in a different ac#162 but he is a father like any father. "I am a parent first and no different from any other parent," he said.

But his complaint was that the true side of the story in the case involving his son has not been published in the media. It was one-sided because it was not sensational, for the media, and would not help ratings, and would not help lobbying groups.

"Even the fundamental right of presumption of innocence was denied to him. As they say, a lie gets halfway around the world before truth gets a chance. This has become so true in the case of Dharun who has been described as 'a monster and a ruthless bully' among others," he said.

He said that contrary to media reporting, his family has not been a homophobic one.

"Dharun did not grow up in such an environment. But media has ripped him apart. The actual reason for the suicide should have been disclosed before the trial," Ravi's father said.

...