Activists Face Six Months in Prison for Putting Up Anti-War Poster

[babylonsister]

Activists Face Six Months in Prison for Putting Up Anti-War Poster
Submitted by davidswanson on Fri, 2007-10-05 22:55. Media


Washington, D.C.-- Three activists who were arrested at a press conference near Lafayette Park appeared in Washington D.C. Superior Court yesterday where they were given a trial date of January 3, 2008, and face a six-month prison sentence.

Adam Kokesh of Iraq Veterans Against the War, Tina Richards of Grassroots America, and Ian Thompson of the A.N.S.W.E.R. (Act Now to Stop War and End Racism) Coalition where arrested during a press conference near Lafayette Park where the National Park Service deployed mounted police and a SWAT team to disrupt it. (See URL for video below.) The press conference was called to display the lawful way to apply posters in response to almost $40,000 in postering fines levied against the ANSWER Coalition.

The posters advertised the September 15 March on Washington and Die-In led by Iraq War Veterans that was attended by 100,000 people. Police arrested 200 people at the Die-In on the steps of the Capitol.

"The Constitution gives me the right to freedom of speech," said Tina Richards. "We lawfully applied the posters and we have the right to freedom of speech."

Adam Kokesh stated, "That the government has chosen to pursue these charges is indicative of at least the consent if not co-conspiracy of the Justice Department to the brutal actions taken by the police to silence war critics."

"This prosecution is not only a waste of time, but also of taxpayer dollars," said Ian Thompson. "It is part of the Bush administration's plan to criminalize dissent and curtail the constitutional rights of people who speak out against the illegal war on Iraq."

more...

http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/?q=node/27485

[LakeSamish706]

1. The Fascism is not only started... It is long under way.... Look out

Americans and for that matter anyone who visits the US better be well advised of their "Lack" of rights.

[bperci108]

2. Looks like the Powers That Be are getting a little concerned....

...that folks like these are gaining too much traction with the public.


Time for a good old draconian crackdown.....

[tom_paine]

10. Oh my yes, they are concerned, and their transformation from Liberty to Tyranny

is already at least 40% complete.

[madrchsod]

3. mr peabody can we go back to the 60`s?

yes we can sherman.....

[Rage for Order]

4. What's next?

Will bush and his cronies bring in Burmese consultants to instruct them on the most effective ways of dealing with a dissenting populace?

[babylonsister]

5. He doesn't have to do that; he can hire Blackwater! And we can pay for them! nt

[RufusEarl]

6. A long as just a few people have the nerve to face this administration,

it's going to continue. We need to be in the streets in force, thousands of peace activist and citizens needs to start walking. Vote with your feet, get a friend and take to the streets.

This is sad, this happens in third world countries not in the good ole USofA, but here it is, two peace activist were not allowed to enter Canada recently because they were on an FBI list for being arrested for peaceful demonstrations.

It's going to get worst if we don't stand in large numbers, and say enough already. unfortunately i don't see happening we're to busy at our computers myself included to take to the streets. Goodbye america, it was great while it lasted!

Peace!

[mark414]

7. everyone's too busy watching dancing with the stars

[emsimon33]

8. Bless them for standing up and fighting.

We all need to take to the streets. These are the true patriots!

[VP505]

9. I think a proper

response would be to get as many people as possible to go to D.C and paper that town from one end to the other, hang a poster on every traffic control box in sight and see what the Police will do about it.