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January 7th Protest Against George Bush
Update on the Legal Situation of Chicago Protesters Against President Bush
On January 7th, four anti-war activists, Jeff Pickert, Buddy Bell, Kevin Clark and Andy Thayer, were arrested during the Chicago visit of President George Bush.
Deputy Chief James Keating, who charged Thayer with two felony counts of aggravated battery on a police officer (himself).
During his visit, Bush was greeted by Mayor Richard M. Daley, Cardinal George, and a coterie of wealthy businessmen at the exclusive Union League Club.
"Bush 4" defendants holding their banner.
It is a supreme irony that the four protesters were arrested, and Bush was not, despite the President's committing multiple war crimes by "preemptively" invading Iraq, signing off on torture of people arrested without charges, and violating laws against illegal surveillance. The fact that Bush, despite his demonstrable crimes, was protected, not arrested, by Chicago police and the city's elite, speaks to their own complicity in his crimes.
For their protest, Jeff, Buddy and Kevin are charged with disorderly conduct and will be going on trial at 1:30 PM, Friday, March 7 at the Branch 43 courthouse located at 3150 W. Flournoy (near Harrison and Kedzie). We ask that all people who can possibly attend the trial come to the courtroom and support them.
On January 25th, Andy was indicted by the Cook County Grand Jury on the felony charge of Aggravated Battery Against a Police Officer. The charge carries a penalty of up to 7 years in prison and $25,000 fine.
While his trial date has not yet been set, we ask that all who support him and the other "Bush 4" defendants give generously to their legal defense fund. To contribute to the fund, please make checks payable to the "8th Day Center for Justice" and write in the memo section "Bush Protesters Legal Defense" and mail to:
8th Day Center For Justice
Attn: Bush Protesters Legal Defense
205 W. Monroe Street, 5th floor
Chicago, IL 60606
Thank you for your support – we'll see you in the streets (and in the courts!).
Jeff Pickert
Buddy Bell
Kevin Clark
Andy Thayer
— The "Bush 4" Defendants
P.S. Please hold the date: Saturday night, March 22nd. At 8 PM that night there will be a fundraiser for the Bush 4 Defendants at Decima Musa, 1901 S. Loomis, Chicago. Pics and videos of this year's anti-war protests on the 5th anniversary of the Iraq invasion. $20 suggested donation; more if you can, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds.
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