Anti-Bush (Code Pink) Protester on Trial for RNC Convention Action

http://www.nynewsday.com/news/local/manhattan/nyc-rnc0622,0,5064978,print.story?coll=nyc-moreny-headlines

Published on Wednesday, June 22, 2005 by the Long Island, NY Newsday

Anti-Bush Protester on Trial for RNC Convention Action
by Daryl Kahn




NEW YORK — In her opening statements in jury room 5 of Manhattan Criminal Court Tuesday, Assistant District Attorney Jessica Troy said: "This is not a case about politics."

However, everything about the case suggested otherwise.

On one side of the courtroom sat protester June Brashares, 41, who unfurled an anti-Bush banner during his acceptance speech. Brashares is on trial for kicking two political operatives who dragged her out of Madison Square Garden, injuring one.

On the other were the two plaintiffs, Shaun Flanigan, 27, who works for a Republican assemblyman in California, and John Peschong, 43, who is employed by a public relations firm with close ties to the Republican Party and who himself was a former employee for the Republican National Committee.

On its face, it is a case about a handful of misdemeanors, a pair of shoes and an anti-Bush bedsheet. But for Brasheres' attorney Robert Gottlieb, it is a question of free speech. In his opening remarks, he said his client was targeted by political partisans for her message, and wrongfully removed from an event she was legitimately credentialed to attend.

He said despite all the other people "hooting and hollering" during the festivities that night, everyone was allowed to go home "happy."

"Except for one person," he added. "One person who left in shackles and handcuffs and is incredibly charged with a crime."
..more..



'BUSH LIES, PEOPLE DIE'
CODEPINK's June Brashares, 40, being hustled off the RNC convention floor by two political operatives. Associated Press photo by Ted S. Warren

she's on trial?

"Brashares is on trial for kicking two political operatives who dragged her out of Madison Square Garden, injuring one."

I guess all Blivet supporters automatically have the right to assault anyone they disagree with now?
And DEFENDING yourself against any Blivet-lovers is now a CRIME?

she was forcibly dragged out by two goons. It sounds like she was assaulted to me.

:kick:

http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/newyork/ny-bc-ny--rncprotesttrial0622jun22,0,3137924.story?coll=ny-region-apnewyork

California peace activist denies she kicked anyone

By SAMUEL MAULL
Associated Press Writer

June 22, 2005, 6:29 PM EDT


NEW YORK -- A California peace activist Wednesday denied she kicked anyone while being thrown out of Madison Square Garden after unfurling an anti-war banner she smuggled had into the Republican National Convention in her pantyhose.

<snip>
Brashares' lawyer, Robert C. Gottlieb, asked her, "As you were being led off the floor by these two guys, did you ever kick anyone?"

"No," she replied.

"Did you ever curse at anyone?"

"No."

"How did you leave the Garden?"

"In handcuffs," Brashares replied to Gottlieb.

Earlier in the day, Gottlieb called KGO-TV cameraman Michael Clark who testified, "I remember looking down and seeing her with no shoes." He said he saw her "with her bare feet on the chair."

Mark Matthews, reporter for San Francisco's KGO-TV, said he saw the men "yank her (Brashares) down from the chair," and heard her tell them "I'm not resisting."

<snip>

of Code Pink was kicked out if the DNC for a banner. However, she wasn't arrested. But anti-war people have not been treated too well in general.

If the men who attacked that woman think they were wronged, they should file a civil lawsuit, this shouldn't be in the criminal justice system.