Additional Felony Charges Against 8 Arrested Protesting Republicans in St. Paul

Posted on December 17, 2008
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Lawyers for 8 people arrested at the Republican National Convention last September were recently informed that the Ramsey County (Minnesota) District Attorney’s office has added three additional felony charges to the case. The amended charges brought by D.S. Susan Gaertner contain 4 felony counts of conspiracy: conspiracy to riot in the second degree in furtherance of terrorism (the original charge); conspiracy to riot in the second degree (without terrorism enhancement); conspiracy to damage property in furtherance of terrorism: conspiracy to damage property (without terrorism enhancement).
 
If convicted, the 8 people face over 2 decades in prison.
 

 

A basic reality check is in order here. The thousands of young people and others were right to gather in St. Paul to protest the criminal policies of the Bush Regime; they were savagely, preemptively,and repeatedly assaulted from before the convention even began by heavily armed police to try to prevent affective protest from even being called for much less happening; the charges they face are intended both to punish some of their leaders and representatives severely, and to send a pointed message to all others who despise the wars, torture, and spying that have become a deep part of the political and cultural environment in this country.
 
They must be supported by anyone who opposes injustice.

A recent press release from a defense committee for the people known as the RNC 8 said that “this shameful development is intended to instill fear, scaring the defense out of exercising our right to a jury trial and into the trappings of an unjust and inaccurate plea deal, while simultaneously casting the illusion of guilt around the case in hopes of undermining our popular support”.
 

Oppose the charges being brought against the RNC 8 :
Call: (651)266-3222 or e-mail RCA@co.ramsey.mn.us (cc: info@rnc8.org) and demand ALL CHARGES DROPPED!

 

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