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| A large crowd first demonstrated outside the courthouse, then queued up to enter the hearing room. (Photos: Scott Braley) |
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June 18-21: Motions to seal; bail hearings begin
A brief hearing was held June 21 on the issue of documents filed by the prosecution that contain statements prejudicial to defense arguments to lower bail. Some of these documents are under court seal already and others are being asked to be sealed because they are inaccurate and may not be admissible later as evidence. For updates, see bail news.
Shackled? Unshackled? A little bit shackled?
Court shackling issues remain to be addressed. When asked, the judge did have deputies partially unshackle the brothers so they could take notes during proceedings. Moscone indicated that they had rights to more room in which to work with their attorneys. If this is any indication of the judge's attitude, courtroom conditions could well improve instead of the current waist chains, hands cuffed to waist chains and legs cuffed to leg chains. The current conditions are the prosecutor's dream.
June 19: Motions to Seal Documents
Lawyers for the SF 8 argued to seal or suppress documents and statements filed by the prosecutors in opposition to bail reduction. The defense argued that the government wants to use statements made under torture and duress as well as criminal histories filled with factual inaccuracies dating back over 36 years to give the impression that these Black elders are a threat to public safety or are flight risks.
Prejudice
The government wanted to introduce documents that will not only prejudice bail arguments but will continue to criminalize these men to the media and public. Instead the defense lawyers raised strong challenges to statements made after people suffered electrocution, asphyxiation, sensory deprivation, and beatings. Lawyers will attempt to clarify which documents are at issue during hearings in September.
Protecting Constitutional rights
Attorney Daro Inouye was officially appointed to represent Jalil Muntaqim. He and Jalil joined in the defense motions regarding prejudicial documents, stating that some of the materials and old statements would violate Jalil's constitutional rights if introduced.
Committee for the Defense of Human Rights
P.O. Box 90221
Pasadena, CA 91109
(415) 226-1120
E-mail:
freethesf8 [at] riseup [dot] net
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