Protesters who shouted politican slogans in front of fur store are to be sentenced 7/14 at 8:15am

[annm4peace]

Friends and Courtwatchers,

An unusual case played out recently in Minneapolis -- a judge found two protesters guilty of Disorderly Conduct because the owner of the business they were picketing found their protests "annoying."

Normally, shouting political slogans is protected as free speech. In the past, these same protesters were not arrested for doing the same thing. This time, however, the prosecutor cited a case called "The State vs. T.L.S." in which a middle school student shrieked at the top of her lungs at a school administrator.

The defense lawyer argued that shrieking and shouting out a political message are inherently different, because the latter is protected by the first amendment. He further argued that the case should be dismissed on the grounds of unconstitutionality.

Unfortunately, the judge ruled against them, and protesters Isaac and Michael are due
to be sentenced on Wednesday, July 14th at 8:15 AM on the 14th floor of the Hennepin County Government Center.

The people involved put their heads together to decide whether a large court presence might "annoy" the judge and thus get them a heavier sentence, but decided to ask for court support anyway. They are taking a risk in asking you to come, but they are asking you to come anyway.

The punishment is expected to be fairly minor -- it's a misdemeanor, after all. (it still will cost money and go on their record) That is not the point. The point is that if protesters can be arrested for being "annoying" we are going to have serious problems exercising our First Amendment rights.

I hope that as many people as can manage it will come to the sentencing of these two activists and remember -- in Minnesota, judges are elected.

For those of you who can't make it, a protest is being called at 4:30 PM on the same day in front of Ribnick Furs (the business originally being picketed), 224 !st Street North, Minneapolis. Please try to attend one or the other.

For more information, see the website: http://deathtrade.wordpress.com/

Thank you for your patience and indulgence,

[Angry Dragon]

1. Does that mean when a politican says something

that annoys me I can have them arrested??

[annm4peace]

2. I would say Yes. maybe email the judge who is sentencing the

protesters.