Anti-war military veterans and other activists celebrated a
breakthrough victory today in DC Superior Court, when charges were
dropped, following arrests in front of the White House, on December 16,
2010.
Over 131 people were arrested in a major
veteran-led protest while participating in non-violent civil resistance in
a driving snowstorm. US Park Police charged all 131
protesters with “Failure to Obey a Lawful Order,” when they refused to
move. All remained fixed to the White House fence
demanding an end to the continuing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and
further US aggression in the region.
Among those arrested were members of the
leadership of the national organization Veterans for Peace ,
Pentagon Papers whistleblower Dr. Daniel Ellsberg; Pulitzer Prize-winning
journalist Chris Hedges; former senior CIA analyst Ray McGovern; and,
Dr. Margaret Flowers, advocate for single-payer health
care.
Forty-Two arrested opted to appear in court and go to trial with
the first group appearing in DC Superior Court on January 4,
2011. Prosecutors from the DC Attorney General’s office
stated that the Government “declined to file charges due to missing or
incomplete police paperwork.” Presiding Magistrate
Judge Richard Ringell confirmed that the cases were dropped and defendants
were free to leave.
Those who participated in this action make this
statement:
“This is clearly a victory for opposition to undeclared
wars which are illegal under international law, have led to the
destruction of societies in Iraq and Afghanistan, bled the US Treasury in
a time of recession, and caused human rights violations against civilians
and combatants. Many of us will return to
Washington, DC, to support an action on Tuesday, January
11, 2011 to protest the continued use of Guantanamo
detention facility, including torture of detainees in violation of
international law.”
The defendants were represented by
co-counsels Ann Wilcox, Esq. and Mark Goldstone, Esq.
Ms. Wilcox stated:
“Clearly the Government and
Police felt that these veterans and their supporters acted with the
courage of their convictions, and did not wish to spend the time and funds
necessary for a trial proceeding. This is a major
victory for the peace movement.”
