New York, NY, January 7, 2002 ... The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today expressed disappointment in a federal appeals court decision overturning the convictions of two men in the brutal 1991 murder of Yankel Rosenbaum in Crown Heights, Brooklyn.

Joel J. Levy, ADL New York Regional Director, issued the following statement:

We are disappointed by today's appellate court decision overturning the convictions of Lemrick Nelson and Charles Price for the brutal murder of Yankel Rosenbaum. We continue to believe that the government has a strong case and that these men will eventually be brought to justice.

While we respect the court's conclusion that the judge's conduct of the trial was constitutionally flawed, we believe any constitutional defects in the case can be remedied, and that the evidence is as strong as ever. We are confident that the government will prevail once again in a new trial.

It is unfortunate that Yankel Rosenbaum's family, friends, and many supporters have to endure further delays in seeing this case to its conclusion, but in the end, the interests of justice will be served.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.