October 10, 2014
Cecily McMillan—Not Guilty!
October 10, 2014 | Revolution Newspaper | revcom.us
Revolution/revcom.us received the following press release from the Justice for Cecily Committee—which also calls on people to support Noche Diaz at his upcoming October 14 court appearance:
Cecily was found not guilty!
The jury returned their verdict around noon, finding that Cecily had not committed Obstruction of Government Administration. The charge carried a maximum sentence of one year in Rikers, the infamous jail complex where Cecily served fifty-eight days over the summer.
In the courtroom, we breathed a collective sigh of relief as the jury foreman read the verdict, in surprise that the police and prosecution's efforts were thwarted by members of the public. We hope our success today sets a precedent for solidarity efforts with activists facing criminal charges.
Cecily participated in a press conference with Green Party candidate for Governor Howie Hawkins shortly before the verdict was read. Mr. Hawkins pledges to exonerate and expunge records for all nonviolent drug offenders, and has supported Cecily since her felony trial.
After the verdict was announced, Cecily spoke outside the courtroom along with defense attorney Marty Stolar, reiterating the need to film police and fight retaliatory charges in court.
Thanks to everyone who came to court and supported Cecily! We emphasize that most people who film police are harassed, abused, and convicted with impunity. Now more than ever, it is necessary for us to support one another in the struggle for justice for all.
We ask our allies to stand with Noche Diaz as he appears in court on Tuesday, October 14 on six misdemeanor charges related to his participation in a Ferguson solidarity demonstration. We will be holding a rally outside the courthouse at 100 Centre Street in Manhattan at 9:00am on Tuesday, October 14. Please RSVP on Facebook here to support Noche and the right to protest!
Love and solidarity,
Paul Funkhouser
justiceforcecily.com
For more on Cecily McMillan, see:
- "Activist Cecily McMillan Back in Court for Videotaping Police Officers"
- "Cecily McMillan: 'Bring voice back to those who have had their voices taken away'"
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