SOA Watch Activists Reject "Plea Bargain" and Demand a Trial

On Saturday, September 16th at 9 AM the SOA Watch activists who were arrested at the Republican National Convention (RNC) in Philadelphia had their first court appearance. They were facing two to five misdemeanors each for their acts of civil disobedience on July 31st. The charges included: obstruction of justice, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest (for going limp), obstruction of highway, and conspiracy to obstruct a highway. The charges were levied against the 8 for reenacting a massacre of Latin American campesinos by soldiers from the School of the Americas. The timing of this action on the first day of the RNC was to bring attention to the Congressional refusal to acknowledge the horrific crimes that have been perpetrated by graduates from the SOA on the poor and indigenous peoples of Latin America, as well as to throw shame upon those in Congress who voted against the closing of the School.

Outside of the courthouse dozens of other SOA Watch activists gathered for hours in support for their accused sisters and brothers, who were inside learning what the next step of their legal battle was to be. Musicians and puppeteers joined the many others in solidarity as the streets were lined with banners and signs calling for the closure of the SOA.

After promises from Philadelphia's Mayor John Street to prosecute the activists to the fullest extent of the law, the City offered a "plea bargain" of 6 months probation and a $300.00 fine to the majority of the 400+ protesters who were arrested during the RNC. The protesters have until September 30th to let the City know if they intend to accepted their offer.

Five of the SOAW activists arrested have decided to reject the offer and demand a trial (scheduled for December 19). Shane Creamer, former Attorney General of PA and committed opponent of the SOA, is defending the five: Alison Styan (17, PA), Bill Brown (31, PA); Becky Johnson (21, Ohio); Laurel Paget-Seekins (20, CA); Linda Panetta (34, PA) -- Although Linda Panetta, Director of SOA Watch/NE, was not directly involved in the action, her arrest was ordered because of her refusal to order the participants to clear the streets. The other participants include: Darren Alexander (24, VA); Sebastian Petsu, (20, NJ); and Maureen Doyle (47, MO).

To View Photos of the Action Click Here!
Court Date Set/ More Info
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