AP: White House demonstrators case dropped

[Eugene]

Wednesday, January 17, 2007 · Last updated 8:44 p.m. PT

White House demonstrators case dropped

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

WASHINGTON -- A judge dismissed charges Wednesday against 16 anti-torture
protesters who were arrested last year outside the White House.

The demonstrators were arrested Oct. 17 while attempting to present President Bush
with a petition opposing legislation he signed that day authorizing tough interrogation
and prosecution of terror suspects. The protesters contend the law authorizes torture.

The group was set to go on trial Wednesday on charges of interfering with agency
functions when U.S. District Court Judge Deborah Robinson dismissed the case, said
Mark Goldstone, the group's attorney-adviser.

They could have faced up to six months in jail had they been convicted.

The demonstrators were from groups including the Washington Region Religious Campaign
Against Torture, the National Religious Campaign Against Torture, Dorothy Day Catholic
Worker, D.C. Anti-War Network, Witness Against Torture, and PeaceAction Montgomery.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/1110AP_BRF_White_House_Arrests.html

[Ecumenist]

1. Hmm, this bunch seems to be backing up at light speed

to disavow the criminal acts they've committed against the American citizen.