In Wednesday’s hearing, additional testimony and closing statements will likely focus on evidence that the defendants are being prosecuted because of their political beliefs. The testimony given in the May hearings failed to establish probable cause to substantiate the conspiracy charges levied against the defendants, supporters have argued.
Judge Teresa Warner recently issued a ruling stating that she would not compel the testimony of Andrew Darst, the FBI informant who infiltrated the Welcoming Committee. Darst did not appear to live at his address on record with his probation officer when the defense initially attempted to subpoena him.
Even though the FBI currently pays Darst $1,500 a month to be on call for the RNC 8 trial proceedings, all attempts to locate him have been unsuccessful. Other witnesses are expected to testify during the probable cause hearing and remaining motions tomorrow.
What: Evidentiary and motion hearings in the RNC 8 trial
When: Wednesday, June 9, beginning at 9 a.m.
Where: Ramsey County Courthouse, Courtroom 1080, 15 W. Kellogg Blvd, St. Paul
Supporters are expected to fill the courtroom to demonstrate the high level of community support for the dismissal of the politically motivated charges. Copies of the legal motions that will be heard during the May and June hearings are located at www.rnc8.org/info.
Background on the RNC 8 case
The RNC 8 were preemptively arrested before the 2008 Republican National Convention in St. Paul, some in raids by heavily armed SWAT teams. The criminal complaints are based on the allegations of “CRIs” (confidential reliable informants) and an undercover Ramsey County Sheriff’s deputy who infiltrated the RNC Welcoming Committee and conducted surveillance more than nine months before the convention.
On April 8, Ramsey County Attorney Susan Gaertner dismissed “terrorism” counts against the defendants, who still face felony charges of conspiracy to commit riot in the 2nd degree and conspiracy to commit criminal damage to property in the 1st degree. The continued prosecution of the RNC 8 represents the government’s attempt to criminalize dissent and scapegoat a group of dedicated political organizers for the abuses of the over-the-top security regime during the convention that made evident the police state in St. Paul.
The RNC 8 may be available for media interviews. All inquiries and requests can be sent to the contact information above. For more information, visit http://www.RNC8.org. For late-breaking news, follow us on twitter @defendthernc8.