[Imc] Fwd: [R2Klegal] RNC Felony Trials Begin with Kate Sorenesen of ACT UP!

[Peter Miller]

Things have been bubbling in Philadelphia since last summer, when the 
police arrested hundreds for speaking out against a corrupt political 
system.  The trial mentioned below is a big one--Kate Sorensen was charged 
with conspiracy and initially assigned a $1 million bail.
-Peter

>R2K LEGAL MEDIA ADVISORY
>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 2, 2001
>
>CONTACT:
>Kris Hermes, R2K Legal Collective (215) 925-6791
>Kate Sorensen, ACT UP Philadelphia (215) 476-3585
>Lawrence Krasner, R2K Lawyer (215) 636-9500
>http://www.r2kphilly.org
>
>FELONY TRIALS FOR GOP PROTESTERS BEGIN WITH KATE SORENSEN--ACCUSED 
>"RINGLEADER"
>
>Jury trial to begin Tuesday, March 6th at 9:00AM in Room 707 of the
>Criminal Justice Center (13th & Filbert Sts) is the first of nearly a dozen
>felony trials
>
>Kate Sorensen, of ACT UP Philadelphia, and a defendant from the GOP
>Convention protests, initially slapped with $1 million bail, will be going
>to trial Tuesday, March 6th through Thursday, March 8th.  Sorensen is
>defending herself against charges of "Riot," "Risking Catastrophe,"
>"Criminal Mischief," and "Conspiracy."  Sorensen, an accused protest
>"ringleader" was originally charged with ten felonies.
>
>
>WHO:  Kate Sorensen, a long-time organizer and member of the AIDS activist
>group, ACT UP Philadelphia, was arrested on August 1, 2000, held on $1
>million bail, later reduced to $100,000, and kept in jail for ten days.
>Sorensen was originally charged with ten misdemeanors and ten felonies.
>All of the misdemeanors and six felony charges were discharged in pretrial
>hearings.  She will stand trial this week on four felony charges: riot,
>risking catastrophe, criminal mischief, and conspiracy.
>
>WHAT:  Sorensen is utilizing her right to a jury trial with jury selection
>to happen on the first day.  Sorensen's defense will take place in the
>courtroom of Philadelphia Common Pleas Judge Pamela Dembe.  This trial is
>an example of how law enforcement has been attempting to suppress people's
>right to speak out and how activists are being targeted for their views and
>beliefs.
>
>WHEN:  Tuesday, March 6th at 9:00AM through Thursday, March 8th
>
>WHERE:  Room 707 of the Philadelphia Criminal Justice Center (CJC) at 13th
>and Filbert Streets
>
>WHY:  Due to the high level of Sorensen's bail, and claims by law
>enforcement that she was a "ringleader," her story is particularly
>compelling.  Her case is another form of over-reaction by law enforcement
>and the judicial system.  Sorensen's case is indicative of the
>over-prosecution of hundreds of activists that have already had over one
>thousand charges thrown out due to acquittal, dismissal, or withdrawal for
>lack of evidence.
>
>Allyson Collins of the Washington, DC-based group, Human Rights Watch,
>argues that the "allegations of excessively harsh treatment, including the
>high bail amounts set for many of those arrested, have a chilling effect on
>those who wish to express their views and exercise their right to free 
>speech"
>
>"This is a war on dissent," says Sorensen's lawyer, Lawrence Krasner.  "The
>District Attorney must produce evidence that directly points to my client
>committing a crime.  So far, the prosecution has only come up with false
>accusations and outlandish claims.  This case is a fraud and a disgrace to
>the people of this city"
>
>"Over ninety percent of the RNC cases have been dropped," exclaims felony
>defendant Kate Sorensen.  "The city of Philadelphia continues to ignore
>that they failed to handle the convention protests with integrity and
>honor.  In an effort to serve the interest of the sponsors of the RNC, the
>city committed itself to tactics of violence, intimidation, and civil
>rights violations."
>
>--030--
>
>
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