Charges were dropped Friday, September 7 against five anti-war protesters arrested 17 months ago in East Hampton, New York. The five were charged with obstructing pedestrian traffic on April 15, 2006. They walked along Main Street in East Hampton Village carrying signs with pictures of US troops killed in Afghanistan and Iraq. A similar demonstration was held last month without arrests.
Outside of East Hampton Jusice Court the five gathered displaying pictures of 144 of the war dead. One of the defendants is Kathy Engel of Sagaponack.
Ms. Engel said "What we did on April 15, 2006; that's not only our right but it's our obligation",
Dan Steiger of Sag Harbor, another of the five, spoke about protests to come:
"I hope you'll help us end this war. We have lots of plans in terms of direct action. Civil disobedience is on the table and massive protest on the east end."
The five protesters were represented pro bono by attorneys Jim Henry, Josepth Giannini and Steven Grossman.
The photos of the dead displayed at the Court and carried by demonstrators were prepared by members of the Southold Town based North Fork People of Conscience. The photos are mounted on panels with 18 photos each. Some of these were held as evidence by the East Hampton Village Police. It is presumed they will be returned soon. Other photos have been on display recently in the windows of Bookhampton, Main Street in East Hampton.
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Adapted from a report heard on WPKN/WPKM News - heard Monday-Friday at 6:30 pm
following Free Speech Radio News on WPKM 88.7 Montauk and WPKN 89.5 Bridgeport and
wpkn.org
