LEGAL UPDATE FROM JASON ROBBINS' SUPPORT COMMITTEE
THE STATE TURNS UP THE HEAT ON PRO-QUEER, PRO-CHOICE ACTIVISTS
As has been highly publicized both in mainstream and progressive media
outlets, on December 4, Jason Robbins and two other activists were
arrested in East Pikeland Township, PA following a peaceful
demonstration in support of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender
(GLBT) rights and reproductive freedom.
Since being released from police custody, Jason has seen East Pikeland
Township officials begin to wage a campaign of intimidation and
harassment against the witnesses in his case. The other two arrestees,
originally charged with disorderly conduct and assessed a $50 fine,
have seen these charges nullified, only to receive two additional
notices in the mail recharging them with disorderly conduct, but
setting the maximum penalty of a $300 fine. In addition, they are now
also being charged with harassment. In total, these activists are
facing upwards of $800 in fines, plus court costs and legal fees - all
for participation in a peaceful and legal demonstration.
Further evidence of this campaign of intimidation and harassment
arrived in the mail yesterday. Brian Leach, a participant in the
demonstration and the person who police on the scene decided was the
"leader," received charges of harassment - a summary offense - and
also of making terroristic threats - a misdemeanor. For some reason,
Jason's arresting officer thought waiting ten days to even ask for
charges to be filed against Brian was a good idea, and then he took
statements that have been contradicted by the same witnesses in court
and used them to lodge these false and trumped up charges. Not only
that, but the police affidavits against Brian and Jason - both by the
same officer - contradict each other, and contradict the testimony
given by that officer at Jason's preliminary hearing. At this point in
time, the other three witnesses to Jason's case are attempting to find
out if they also have pending charges. They are operating under the
assumption that they will also eventually have charges handed down,
but nothing is confirmed as of yet.
It is obvious to us that the State has decided to turn up the heat
against pro-queer and pro-choice activists in Chester County. They are
attempting to make an example not only out of Jason, but of all the
activists associated with his case and the campaign against Repent
America and other right-wing ideologues. East Pikeland Township and
Chester County are attempting to criminalize dissent, a trend that has
been happening across the country under the Bush administration. They
are telling people that nothing but conservative, right-wing politics
are acceptable discourse.
On a positive note, Jason is in discussion with new counsel for his
case. This attorney has experience in the activist community and in
cases that are politically motivated, like Jason's. He has also
expressed interest in working as a team with the attorneys defending
the other GLBT and pro-choice activists facing charges stemming from
the same demonstration. In addition, if retained, Jason's new attorney
is asking for half of what his original attorney wanted for the case.
We are hoping that with this new addition to the case and the reduced
fee, people will be able to help Jason pay for his legal defense.
Right now, Jason needs $3000 to secure new counsel and an
investigator. For information on how to donate, please visit
www.freejasonrobbins.com and click on "What You Can Do." Any help - in
any amount will be greatly appreciated.
Also, Jason would love to hear from any and all supporters, so whether
or not you can send a financial donation, please drop Jason a line and
let him know that you support him and the work he is doing.
At a time when the police in Eastern Pennsylvania, along with law
enforcement agencies all across the country are engaging in acts of
political repression and harassment against anyone attempting to
change the status quo in this country from anti-war and animal rights
activists, to anti-fascists and environmentalists - we need your help
more than ever. Even in the face of this overwhelming campaign of
intimidation the activist community will not be intimidated and will
never give up!
For more information and further updates, please contact The Jason
Robbins Support Committee at or visit
www.freejasonrobbins.com.
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Read about Jason's case in the Philadelphia Inquirer:
http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/news/local/states/pennsylvania/13344995.htm
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Support Jason Robbins!
www.freejasonrobbins.com
P - a - y - p - a - l donations to
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