FreeTonyViola.com Joins Forces for Fifth Annual Wrongful Conviction Rally

On October 2nd, 2025, the fifth annual Wrongful Conviction Rally will take place at the Cuyahoga County Justice Center. The event will spotlight the impact of wrongful convictions and promote efforts toward improving the justice system. As a proud co-sponsor, FreeTonyViola.com is helping amplify the voices of exonerees and advocates working toward positive change.

The Power of Community and Justice

The Wrongful Conviction Rally is more than an event — it’s a platform for education and awareness. Spearheaded by EPIC (Ensuring Parole for Incarcerated Citizens), the rally will bring together exonerees, legal professionals, and advocates to address the widespread issue of wrongful convictions.

According to the National Registry of Exonerations, more than 3,700 individuals have been judicially exonerated since 1989, representing over 35,000 years lost. Cuyahoga County has had a significant number of exonerations, underscoring the importance of continued reform and review within the justice process.

Wrongful Conviction Day is a national initiative led by the Innocence Network, aimed at educating the public on the causes of wrongful convictions and the challenges faced by those affected. This year’s rally is expected to be among the most impactful yet, drawing attention to ongoing reform efforts.

Keynote Speakers and Notable Participants

This year’s event will feature prominent speakers such as former Ohio Supreme Court Justice Michael P. Donnelly, who will share his insights on the importance of both preventing wrongful convictions and reforming post-conviction processes. In his own words, Donnelly states:

“A wrongful conviction is the worst form of injustice that can occur in our system, and we should do everything we can to prevent it from happening, while also taking steps to remedy it as soon as possible.”

Attorney Kim Corral, a seasoned expert in post-conviction litigation, will deliver the keynote address, emphasizing the importance of awareness and continued advocacy.

“It is crucially important to remind those harmed by wrongful convictions that they are not forgotten, that we have not tired in their fight for justice,” Corral said. “This event offers an important opportunity for the community to stand together and call for change.”

The event will also feature speeches from exonerees and government officials, sharing firsthand experiences and perspectives.

A Grassroots Movement for Justice

Tony Viola, founder of FreeTonyViola.com, is proud to stand alongside other co-sponsors in support of the Wrongful Conviction Rally. After his own exoneration, Tony founded FreeTonyViola.com to provide resources and raise awareness about wrongful convictions. His website offers information on accessing public records, investigating cases, and supporting exonerees.

“We are delighted to sponsor this important event,” said Tony Viola. “I am grateful to the other co-sponsors and Innocence Projects that advocate for the fair administration of justice. Together, we can help bring attention to those who have been affected by wrongful convictions.”

The Wrongful Conviction Rally provides an opportunity for the community to come together, learn more about reform initiatives, and support ongoing efforts to improve the justice system.

Event Details

• Date: Thursday, October 2nd, 2025

• Time: 12:00 PM

• Location: Cuyahoga County Justice Center, West 3rd and Lakeside Ave., Cleveland, Ohio
  Livestream: Facebook Livestream Link

For more information or to register as a speaker, contact Event Organizer Jeanna Kenney at Epicxteam2020@gmail.com.

To learn more about wrongful convictions and how you can support these efforts, visit www.FreeTonyViola.com.