A-Infos (en) US, Los Angeles, CA. Court Solidarity for Rob Middaugh (aka Ruckus) 8/18

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Sender cabin_fevered-A-yahoo.com - Read more for latest charges filed against political prisoner, Robert Middaugh.
Show up to Rob Middaugh's (aka Ruckus) court date to show
support and protest against police repression and targeting of Southern California anarchists.
When: Monday, August 18, 2003 at 8:30 AM.
Where: Federal District Courthouse 255 E. Temple St., 3rd floor, Roybal Building
Read more about the case:
A Few Drops of Soda Can Be A Federal Offense! Just ask
Robert Middaugh, political prisoner & Chicano anti-racist
activist...

Robert Middaugh (aka Ruckus), was released from Avenal
State Prison two weeks ago, after serving two years for
trumped up charges stemming from his involvement in the now
infamous 2001 Long Beach May Day demonstration, which
resulted in over 100 arrests. The prosecutor wielded every
possible charge he could at Rob. He was finally charged with
assaulting an officer and resisting arrest. He was already on
parole due to an earlier incident that occurred with the LAPD,
which led to his first strike.

Rob was initially looking at 24-26 years in prison if found
guilty
for the May Day charges, so his only viable option was to
accept a plea bargain. He was sentenced to three years and
given his second strike.

Unfortunately, this is not the end of the police harassment.
After he was released from Avenal, U.S. Marshals came for
him. He is now being charged with assaulting a government
official, wearing a mask to conceal his identity, and
possession of a dagger.

The incident in question took place at a July 4th
demonstration
in 2000, at the Westwood Federal Building in Los Angeles.
An
anti-immigrant hate group rallied on the south side of Wilshire
Blvd. with a sound stage on the Federal Building lawn
(granted
by federal authorities). Meanwhile, anti-racist demonstrators
gathered on the north side of Wilshire Blvd. In response to
racial slurs and other taunts, a contingency of anti-racist
protesters crossed the street and conflict ensued. LAPD
officers swiftly intervened on behalf of the anti-immigrant
protesters (surprise!). During the scuffle, unknown person(s)
allegedly used unopened cans of soda as projectiles.
According to the prosecution's complaint, a can exploded and
splashed one of the officers with the carbonated contents.
The
officer (Thomas G. Goldsmith) proceeded to arrest Rob for
"assaulting an officer." In this case, BEING SPLASHED
WITH SODA supposedly constituted federal assault charges.

Furthermore, the officer alleged that he "...saw Middaugh with
a soda in his right hand throw the can at [him]." However,
ROB IS LEFT-HANDED. Why would a left-handed individual
hurl a projectile with his weaker hand?

Finally, the charges were initially filed on January 11, 2002.
Rob demanded a speedy trial, which should have taken place
180 days after the charges were filed. In August 2003, the
case is barely going to trial. This is an aberration that further
illustrates how the "justice" system is a farce and fails to
adhere to its own policies.

Rob has been active with several organizations and has
protested against various issues, such as police brutality,
racism, indigenous relocation, environmental destruction,
animal rights issues, and militarization of the Mexican border.
The disparity in this case between what occurred and the
charges filed against Rob is an outrage. Clearly, he was
targeted for his outspokenness and his political activities.
This
case is a travesty and a mockery of the justice system, and
illustrates how far the government will go to squash dissent.

Rob also needs help with his legal defense. For more
information, e-mail: cabin_fevered@yahoo.com


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