The NLG applauds the acquittal of 5 members of the ‘Seriously Pissed of Grannies’ by a jury of their peers in Multnomah County Circuit Court today.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 13, 2007



Contact:
Ashlee Albies, Portland National Lawyers Guild Chairperson: 503.963.3751



The National Lawyers Guild (NLG) applauds the acquittal of 5 members of the ‘Seriously Pissed of Grannies’ by a jury of their peers in Multnomah County Circuit Court today.



After a three day trial, jurors in Multnomah County Circuit Court acquitted the Grannies, also known as the Surge Protection Brigade, on charges of “unlawfully and knowingly causing substantial inconvenience to the United States” (also known as criminal mischief in the third degree). These charges arose from a silent vigil held by the Grannies on April 6, 2007 at the U.S. Army and Marine recruiting center on NE Broadway, where they placed bloody handprints on the windows of the recruiting center with water-soluble red tempera paint. The defendants pled “not guilty” to charges of criminal mischief, each testifying to their belief that their actions constituted a symbolic act of political speech at a government office and resulted in no damage to the property. The jurors wisely chose to protect free speech rights and acquit despite the outrageous closing argument of the Assistant District Attorney, which included references to suicide bombers, 9/11 hijackers, and pipe bombs.



“We applaud the Grannies, and their commitment to truth, justice, peace, and action,” said Portland NLG chair, Ashlee Albies. “They are truly an inspiration to us all; we can learn a great deal from our elders.”



“The Grannies are on the forefront of the political protest movement to raise awareness about the illegality of the Iraq war and to counter the recruitment efforts of the U.S. military. I completely agree with one juror, who voiced the opinion that these grandparents truly are ‘heroes,” said NLG attorney and defense attorney Thaddeus Betz.



The NLG also commends the hard work and skilled advocacy of their attorneys, Thad Betz, Sue Kohler, Lisa Ludwig, and Bob Callahan, and praises their efforts to protect the rights of the grandparents, and of all activists, in this case.



Founded in 1937 as the first integrated bar association, the National Lawyers Guild is the oldest and largest public interest/human rights bar organization in the United States, and is dedicated too providing effective legal support for progressive protest movements and demonstrators.

# # #