Arrested Iraq war protester's case is gaining support

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http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060727/NEWS05/607270432/1007/NEWS

For more than two years, Victor Kittila stood on a Ferndale corner and peacefully protested the war in Iraq by waving a sign that read "Honk For Peace."

But after he was arrested for demonstrating earlier this month, his message has gotten more notice than ever.

It's capturing the attention of local activist groups and even filmmaker Michael Moore and antiwar activist Tom Hayden, who Kittila said recently called to hail him as a hero. It also has gotten attention from groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union, which is keeping an eye on the case because it has First Amendment implications.

Kittila pleaded not guilty Wednesday to a charge of disorderly conduct at his arraignment in 43rd District Court, which was packed with dozens of metro Detroit supporters who said that they believe Kittila's July 3 arrest was unjust and a violation of his First Amendment right to free speech.

"It's outrageous," said Kathleen Parker, 46, of Harrison Township.

[livvy]

1. I was at the arraignment.

There were probably 25-30 supporters, including a group of Raging Grannies. It was very brief. Victor entered his plea of "not guilty", the judge set a pretrial hearing date, and Victor was able to get his bond money back.
Victor was walking away from the protest site when he was stopped by the police. He was heading to an ice cream store with his wife and daughter. Victor protested when the officer tried to take away his sign. The officer threatened to taser him, and put him under arrest.
The whole thing "is outrageous". I'm glad to see he is getting support.