I agree with you, most people only go by what they see in the media about this guy, if you look into the case, you learn he never hired hitmen and no one was murdered.
He deserves to spend time in prison, but life without parole is way beyond the punishment he deserves. IMO, the reason the government gave him life without parole is he embarrassed them and once politicians got involved and wanted answers, his days were numbered.
The judge went above and beyond what even prosecutors asked.
And now no judge will hear the appeal.
So he’s stuck.
This is why the president has the power to make a remedy and this is a ripe case.
Please note: No one is asking for a pardon but to lessen the sentence to time served
He will still have his conviction for the rest of his life for his idealistic actions but he’s no danger to society and does not deserve to rot in prison