Clementi Family: Ravi Should be in Prison; His 'Apology' is a PR Tactic

As Dharun Ravi submitted himself to authorities to for spying on his Rutgers roommate, the roommate's family on Thursday said the sentence "disregarded" the and also questioned the sincerity of Ravi's apology.

Speaking for the first time since on May 21, the family of Tyler Clementi through their attorney expressed disappointment with the outcome of a case that has generated international notoriety.

"Although we do not question the sincerity of his feelings, and we have never sought harsh punishment, we are troubled by the Judge's failure to impose even a short jail sentence on the several charges of criminal invasion of Tyler's privacy and bias crimes," the family said in a written statement.

A computer whiz from Plainsboro, Ravi, 20 and Judge Berman has faced criticism over what some have said is far too light a punishment.

"We are concerned that the sentence of probation simply disregarded the unanimous verdicts of twelve jury members on these serious charges," the family said, adding the sentence "disregarded" applicable law and missed a "valuable opportunity" to create a deterrant to invasion of privacy.

A native of India, Ravi was convicted on 15 charges – including bias intimidation and invasion of privacy – for using a webcam to spy on Tyler Clementi and Clementi's lover, , on separate occasions in 2010. The trial revealed Ravi joked about Clementi's sexuality and subsequently attempted to hold a of him and M.B. having sex.

Days later Clementi , spurring massive attention and outcry to bullying, suicide and LGBT issues.

Superior Court Judge Glenn Berman – remarking he felt Ravi was "colossally insensitive" but not hateful – sentenced Ravi to 30 days in jail, three years probation, 300 hours of community service, counseling in "alternate lifestyles," and over $10,000 in court fees. He also chastized Ravi for not apologizing for his actions.

Ravi issued an apology through his attorney's office on Tuesday, saying his actions were "thoughtless, insensitive, immature, stupid and childish choices," but maintained they were not "motivated by hate, bigotry, prejudice or desire to hurt, humiliate or embarrass anyone."

The Clementi family, in their statement on Thursday, maintains it's not much of an apology.

"As to the so-called 'apology', it was, of course, no apology at all, but a public relations piece produced by Mr. Ravi's advisors only after Judge Berman scolded Mr. Ravi in open court for his failure to have expressed a word of remorse or apology," the family said.

"A sincere apology is personal. Many people convicted of crimes address the victims and their families in Court. Mr. Ravi was given the opportunity but chose to say nothing. His press release did not mention Tyler or our family, and it included no words of sincere remorse, compassion or responsibility for the pain he caused."

Prosecutors are appealing the sentence Judge Berman issued, recommending Ravi serve five years in prison. Should Berman's sentence hold, Ravi is likely to serve closer to 20 days in jail, under the presumption of good behavior.