Ross Ulbricht, founder of the infamous darknet marketplace Silk Road, recently marked a decade in prison, reigniting debates over the fairness of his double life sentence. Supporters argue that his punishment doesn't align with his crime, pointing out that individuals guilty of more serious offenses have had opportunities for redemption. Over 250 organizations advocate for Ulbricht's release, and he has gained backing from the crypto and Bitcoin communities, some of whom refer to him as a "Bitcoin political prisoner."

However, others argue that Ulbricht's prosecution involved allegations of hiring hitmen to commit murder, although he was not formally charged with these crimes. They also highlight the negative aspects of Silk Road, such as its involvement in sex trafficking and illegal drug trade. The controversy surrounding Ulbricht's case is intensified by comparisons to sentences given to others linked to Silk Road, with advocates for his freedom highlighting that the average sentence for those involved is about six years.