FIJA activist arrested for videotaping

[tremendoustie]

A jury rights activist named George donnelly was recently arrrested. Here's a video of a prior event: YouTube - Despite Threats, Activists Hand Out Jury Rights Pamphlets in Philadelphia (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4KoXbsPX7I). Here's an account of the arrest: http://www.examiner.com/x-26370-Libertarian-News-Examiner~y2010m5d12-Fed-Marshals-violently-arrest-FIJA-activist-violate-DHS-policy?cid=exami...ner-email
(http://www.examiner.com/x-26370-Libertarian-News-Examiner%7Ey2010m5d12-Fed-Marshals-violently-arrest-FIJA-activist-violate-DHS-policy?cid=exami...ner-email)
Unfortunately, his camera was taken from him, so no video currently exists. Anyone who knows George, or his work, knows that he has a track record of being a completely peaceful person, even when threatened -- yet he is being charged with "resisting arrest", which carries a maximum penalty of eight years in prison -- all this, not for harming anyone, but for videotaping. Here's an account of the legal situation: http://carlosmiller.com/2010/05/17/pennsylvania-activist-facing-eight-years-in-prison-after-videotaping-guards-outside-courthouse/

(http://carlosmiller.com/2010/05/17/pennsylvania-activist-facing-eight-years-in-prison-after-videotaping-guards-outside-courthouse/) He's the plaintiff in an ACLU case from an earlier event, but there's no indication that the ALCU will necessarily assist in defense for this case. Here's his site, which includes a chipin: http://georgedonnelly.com/. If you have a couple bucks to throw his way, I know it'd be appreciated.

The right to record is one of the most vital tools we have to hold government officials accountable -- and jury nullification is one of the most vital tools for protecting people from unjust actions by government officials.

[BuddyRey]

Informing citizens of their jury rights is now a crime in the new Amerika.

[tremendoustie]

Also, if people have questions, they might want to talk to the Allentown marshals office: (610) 433-4307

[tremendoustie]

In addition, one can join "Friends of George Donnelly" on facebook, and consider calling Senators Specter and Casey at 202-224-3121

[idirtify]

George (if you are reading this),

I’d be surprised if they file charges or try to prosecute you. Even if they want to charge you with resisting arrest, they would risk having to face a JURY trial and having the FIJA information introduced as evidence (and SHOWN TO THE JURY). That’s the last thing they want. And if such a trial were to become high profile, your jury education efforts would instantly become infinitely successful. I suspect that’s why they tackled you and the camera; because they knew they didn’t have to worry about doing things properly. IMO they never intended to actually charge you with anything, but were only trying to bluff and intimidate. If they do actually charge you, make it as clear as possible (as soon as possible) that you will not plea bargain and that you want a jury trial.

Anyway, the actions of the goons indicate you are really on to something big; and the ramifications of this incident might fuel a trend. I see cameras and FIJA brochures/info as a perfect marriage. Videotaping the information distribution is the perfect setup for a reverse sting operation. If you’ve always wanted to get police brutality on camera, why not create an environment that’s conducive? You have them between a rock and a hard place; they passionately want to stop you, but they can not risk arresting/charging you.

But obviously if such reverse stings become popular, the cameras must be somehow backed up or made redundant. There are many good ways to do that.

Beyond that, I would resist the temptation to engage in ANY dialogue with the authorities – besides asking for their names and badge numbers.

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Every American juror has a Constitutional right to acquit all defendants of “consensual crimes” based on nothing more than a disagreement with the law, no matter the evidence - despite the judge's false instructions to the contrary. There is no legal obligation to vote "guilty" to arrive at a unanimous verdict, but there are many good reasons to vote “not guilty”. So do your patriotic duty and preserve individual liberty at the same time by getting on a jury, standing your ground against intimidating judges and “bully jurors”, fulfilling the jury’s original purpose (to counteract big abusive government), and stop convicting non-violent people of non-crimes. IT ONLY TAKES ONE JUROR!
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