Hopefully we'll be circulating an e-mail soon. Please contact Morgenthau's office to complain about this two-faced justice. There have been questions about the 8 people still facing charges over Diallo-related civil disobedience, so here are some answers. If we went to trial, we would probably be convicted, which would make it very hard for us ever to get an ACD again. First, eight activists with 3 years probation is a loss to the community, and that would suit Giuliani very nicely.
Civil disobedience is one of very few tools left for bringing public attention to an issue.
Second, this case is a relatively easy way to keep police brutality in the news. It's also a good way to keep up the multi-community coalition that formed around the Diallo killing, by having people speak out together, and to help it stay in view. It's kind of surprising that these questions were asked. And we should use whatever methods we have to keep the media focused on what's important, from police brutality to punitive prosecution. This is a free speech issue.