A petition launched by freedom advocate Aaron Day is calling for the immediate release and unconditional pardon of Roger Ver, the founder of Bitcoin.com and a longtime early cryptocurrency evangelist. According to the petition page, it has gathered 245 signatures so far, with a stated goal of 500. The campaign argues that Ver is being unfairly targeted as U.S. authorities seek to extradite him on tax-evasion charges.
Petition challenges extradition case
The petition describes Ver, often known in crypto circles as “Bitcoin Jesus,” as a public advocate for freedom, privacy, and cryptocurrency adoption. It says he is currently being held in Spain, a country where, according to the petition, he neither resides nor speaks the language, while the U.S. government attempts to bring him back for prosecution.
Day argues that the case stems from Ver’s 2014 expatriation from the United States and that the allegations are unjustified and unsupported by sufficient evidence. The petition also points to Ver’s early role in the industry, highlighting investments tied to Bitcoin.com, Ripple, and Kraken. Supporters say he acted in good faith to comply with tax rules at a time when the legal and tax treatment of cryptocurrency was far less defined.
Backers warn of broader precedent
Crypto supporter David Shares said the case is riddled with weaknesses and failures on the part of the U.S. government, including the IRS. He further argued that Ver’s anti-government views and outspoken defense of liberty have made him a symbolic target, especially given his high-profile reputation in the digital asset space.
The petition calls for all charges to be dropped and for Ver to receive a full pardon. Its supporters argue that prosecuting a prominent figure from the early crypto era could set a troubling precedent for innovators working in emerging industries. For now, the claims being circulated largely reflect the views of the petition’s organizers and backers, while the dispute itself continues to center on extradition, tax compliance, and the uncertain regulatory environment that surrounded cryptocurrency in its earlier years.