Colorado Governor Jared Polis has dismissed two members of the state’s clemency board after they publicly criticized his decision to grant clemency to Tina Peters, a former county clerk convicted in connection with election-related offenses.

The two board members, Azra Taslimi and Hannah Seigel Proff, said they were removed after they spoke to the media about internal deliberations and expressed concerns about the governor’s decision to reduce Peters’ sentence.They had previously revealed that the board had twice unanimously recommended against granting early release during closed-door votes.

Governor Polis justified the firings by stating that the board members violated confidentiality rules by disclosing internal voting details and deliberations that are required to remain private under the board’s governing policies.

His administration argued that such disclosures undermine the integrity of the clemency process and could discourage candid discussions among board members in future cases.

The controversy centers on Polis’ decision in May to commute part of Tina Peters’ sentence, a move that came after significant political pressure, including advocacy from supporters of former President Donald Trump.

Peters, described as a controversial figure due to her role in election denial claims following the 2020 election, was released from prison in June after her sentence was reduced.

The dismissed board members argued that their public statements were made to highlight concerns about transparency and political influence in the clemency process.They suggested that external political pressure played a role in the governor’s decision to override the board’s unanimous recommendation.One of the members also emphasized that confidentiality rules should primarily protect applicants rather than shield executive decision-making.

The dispute has raised broader questions about transparency, accountability, and the independence of clemency boards, particularly when their recommendations conflict with executive decisions.

Critics and former members warn that the firings could discourage future members from speaking openly about internal processes, potentially weakening oversight of clemency decisions in Colorado.