The “UN 16” have their day in court

photos courtesy of Derek Van Oss

The UN 16 went to court today for their act of civil disobedience on Sept. 19, the day Bush gave his speech to the UN justifying endless war on one country after another, with Iran being the latest target.  The civil disobedience was part of the “Bush Crimes Days”, which publicized the testimony and verdict from the Bush Crimes Commission and educated people about the scale and scope of this regime’s crimes.  The Commission found the Bush administration guilty of war crimes and crimes against humanity on five different counts.  The civil disobedience action was exactly what the times call for – with torture just being signed into law, a build-up for war on Iran, and a new study revealing that nearly 655,000 Iraqi people have been killed since the start of the war.



The defendents and over 20 supporters held an early morning rally and then went into the courtroom, many wearing orange in protest of the Military Commissions Act, which was signed by Bush into law at 9:35 AM that very morning.  In court, the government was not ready to prosecute the sixteen.  The government now has 90 days to pick a new court date, or the charges will be droppped.

Two of the sixteen, however, face more serious charges and still face court dates.  Episcopal Minister Father Luis Barrios, a member of the World Can’t Wait national steering committee, was charged with felony assault on a police officer, resisting arrest, and disorderly conduct.  Disabled Iraq war veteran Geoffrey Millard was charged with resisting arrest and disorderly conduct.  It is outrageous that a political act of civil disobedience would result in these serious and false charges.  Mallard’s court date is on Nov. 9th, and Barrios’ court date is Jan. 10.  The civil disobedience outside the UN Sept. 19 should serve as an inspiration and example to follow for everyone who doesn’t want to be complicit in the war crimes being committed by the Bush regime.  We cannot allow Barrios and Mallard to be punished for doing the right thing.  Check back here for more details on their court dates.

Demand the Charges be Dropped by calling or emailing:

Mayor Bloomberg: PHONE 311 (or 212-NEW-YORK outside NYC)/FAX (212) 788-2460; E-MAIL: http://www.nyc.gov/html/mail/html/mayor.html

Robert Morgenthau, Manhattan District Attorney: (212) 335-9000

Click here for a report and pictures on the protest and civil disobedience outside the UN Sept. 19.