DeMott Refuses to Divulge Blood Details Cited for Contempt-St. Patrick's 4

[buzzsaw_23]

De Mott refuses to divulge blood details, cited for contempt


By NANCY DOOLING
Gannett News Service

BINGHAMTON — A judge held a protester now on trial in contempt of court after he refused to say who drew the blood that was splashed or poured in a Lansing recruiting center on March 17, 2003.

Peter De Mott, 58, declined to say how the blood was obtained or who drew the blood while he was being cross-examined Wednesday by Assistant U.S. Attorney Miroslav Lovric. Judge Thomas J. McAvoy said De Mott would be found in contempt if he didn't answer the question. “I am so found,” De Mott replied.

McAvoy said he'd decide on De Mott's penalty, which could include a fine and possible jail time, at a later time. The four protesters are representing themselves in federal court. They are charged with conspiring to impede government officials and with damaging or injuring government property.

The trial of De Mott, Teresa Grady, Clare Grady and Daniel Burns on charges they violated federal laws when they threw or poured about 2 cups of their own blood inside a military recruiting office continued into its third day, with Lovric ending his case after calling only four witnesses, including the U.S. Army recruiter who was present during the protest and three police officers who responded.

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050922/NEWS01/509220359/1002

[curt_b]

1. More ST Patricks Four coverage

Hey buzzsaw,

There is an excellent article in The NewStandard concerning the case.

Titled: Civil Disobedience Against War Gets Day in Federal Court
by Catherine Komp, it is a comprehensive review of their action, trials and perspective:
http://newstandardnews.net/content/index.cfm/items/2384


<snip>

"In interviews with The NewStandard, lawyers familiar with the case questioned the government’s motives for such an aggressive prosecution of the four protesters and speculated that the Bush administration is trying to quell dissent against its policies."

</snip>

<snip>

Others familiar with the case believe it is an outright attempt by the federal government to silence dissent. The American Civil Liberties Union told TNS the fact that the US Attorneys office initiated a separate federal prosecution for a "clearly nonviolent protest suggests that the government may be more motivated by the message than by the conduct of the defendants."


</snip>

[buzzsaw_23]

2. Thanks for that article

If you see my post from yesterday about the trial and read some of the comments you might wish to pass snips from this article to some of the respondents.

I was a little surprised at how many in the htread seemed to be offended by the use of real blood. The overall tone of many of the posts almost seemed dismissive of the protesters or in some cases calling them "nut cases".

Again thanks for the read.

[texpatriot2004]

3. What's the latest with this witch hunt? n/t

[buzzsaw_23]

4. The latest

Many of the folks on the bus which I rode down to DC were at the trial for some or all of the time. At the moment the jury is out after 5 hours of deliberation. that is a good sign for the St. Pat's 4.

The jury will reconvene Monday at 9:30.

We discussed the trial at length and there seemed to be a consensus that it was impossible to read the jury. There were mixed opinions on McEvoy, the judge. Most seemed to think that he was light-hearted and prone not to be too harsh. Most seemed to think the young prosecutor was not too rabid or interested in pursuing this case in a vicious fashion.

All in all it is of course unpredictable what the outcome will be but most seemed to think that a small amount of jail time, 4 or 5 months, was assured and community service as a substitute for a fine. As these people's lives are dedicated to community service that part will not be considered a punishment. And the jail time if 6 months or less would be little more than a blip for some of these folks. However a two year or more sentencing would be difficult for Danny as he has two small children. But, as he says, it is far more difficult for the children and parents of the Iraqis who are imprisoned (and have been) by the occupiers every day for the last few decades with bombs a daily occurence.

More to be posted in the AM.

If you want more details send me a PM

[texpatriot2004]

5. Thank you for this information about the trial. n/t

[OldLeftieLawyer]

6. Shades of the Berrigan brothers ..........

They poured pig's blood - much smarter, much easier to obtain, much less tiring, and much more appropriate - on draft records and warheads.

Daniel is still one of my favorite people. And he hates GWB.