Motion for pretrial release previews Bundys' defense
By Maxine Bernstein | The Oregonian/OregonLive
on July 17, 2016 at 5:00 AM, updated July 17, 2016 at 10:30 AM
... "The specific steps and lengths to which these defendants endeavored, including the establishment of a perimeter, the changing of the sign and renaming of the facility, the taking over of routine maintenance and cleaning, and the managing and control of the property all show that this was no random or spontaneous act of dangerousness or recklessness, but that it was a careful attempt by citizens acting in good faith... and in lawful protest of their government's actions,'' the attorney wrote ...
Attached to the brief is 58 pages of statements from ... a Burns bartender who said business was good in town during the refuge takeover; a fifth-generation Harney County rancher who visited the refuge and said he heard Ammon Bundy lead prayer services, even calling for the safety of FBI agents and other federal officers; and the former Harney County fire chief who resigned during the occupation and stood in support of the Bundys ...
The Bundys' "lawful exercise of constitutional and statutory rights'' cannot be an unlawful conspiracy, Mumford wrote, as they were exercising their rights to free speech, assembly, and the right to bear arms ...
The Bundys were attempting what's called an "adverse possession claim'' to the refuge - the occupation of land to which another person has title with the intention of possessing it as one's own, the motion said ...
http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2016/07/ammon_bundys_motion_for_pretri.html
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