Vitalik Buterin vs Elon Musk: A Divide on Roger Ver’s Release

Roger Ver, also known as “Bitcoin Jesus,” has been at the center of a high-profile case, with many calling for his pardon. In a recent development, Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin expressed support for Ver, urging the government for his release.

However, DOGE agency’s Elon Musk has reversed his stance on Roger Ver’s pardon. He argued that Ver is no longer eligible for a presidential pardon since he renounced his US citizenship.

Vitalik Buterin Supports Bitcoin Jesus, Calls for Pardon

Notably, Vitalik Buterin, the Ethereum blockchain’s co-founder, is raising concerns over Roger Ver’s politically motivated prison sentence. In his latest X post, Vitalik Buterin speaks out against the injustice against Ver, who is currently facing life imprisonment for non-violent tax offenses. Buterin thinks the case is driven by political agendas, drawing parallels with Ross Ulbricht’s case, which highlights inconsistent sentencing practices.

In addition, Vitalik Buterin stated that Roger Ver’s outspoken advocacy for freedom and his rejection of coercive state power may have made him a target for selective prosecution. The Ethereum founder argued that this is a tactic used to undermine constitutional protections like the First Amendment, which guarantees free speech.

Harsh Tax Regime: Ethereum Founder Demands Fundamental Rights Protection

Furthermore, Vitalik Buterin criticized the US tax regime. He stated that the tax-by-citizenship and exit tax system are extreme compared to other countries. The United Kingdom, for example, only charges capital gains if an individual returns within five years.

Notably, the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) accused Ver of evading $48 million in taxes in April 2024. Subsequently, he was arrested in Spain. He is currently in Spain and may soon be extradited to the US for a possible sentence of 109 years.

Addressing these concerns, Vitalik Buterin prioritized the need to oppose such practices as they erode fundamental rights. He advocated for treating “genuine good faith mistakes” like Roger Ver’s with penalties and similar measures, rather than prosecuting them.

The Ethereum founder is notably a proponent of security and user protection. Recently, Buterin highlighted the significance of tackling crypto losses caused by non-thefts.

Elon Musk Denies Support for Roger Ver’s Pardon

In contrast to Vitalik Buterin’s support for Ver, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Chief Elon Musk has refused to back him. Citing Ver’s renunciation of US citizenship as the reason, Musk stated that he is now not eligible for a presidential pardon. Musk implies that Ver has relinquished his eligibility for a presidential pardon, along with other privileges and protections afforded to US citizens.

Elon Musk’s recent statement contrasts with his previous support for Ver. Previously, Elon Musk endorsed a pardon for Ver, ahead of Ross Ulbricht’s release. His views reignited the discussion on fair treatment for crypto innovators, drawing comparisons to his own experiences challenging regulatory frameworks.