This was the Roman Governor of Judaea, Pontius Pilate.He did so reluctantly, however, because he saw no wrong in Jesus. He tried every tactic to persuade the Jewish Authorities who wanted to be rid of Jesus to see sense, but to no avail. It was only when they threatened that word would get to Caesar about him that he allowed a 'traitor to Rome' go free that he felt backed into a corner and passed sentence.