PEORIA -- The Peoria activist arrested on July 30 at the Peoria Civic Center while protesting government torture and other issues goes to court on Aug. 28.
Razia Ahmed is scheduled to face the judge at 9 a.m. in Room 321 of the Peoria County Courthouse.
That's a "cattle call" time where dozens of people are usually scheduled, so she may be left to wait around for quite a while.
In an e-mail she wrote: "I don't know what is going to happen and I don't have an attorney. I did talk to Jay Janssen though. His office handles accident/injury cases, I was hoping he could recommend some one. He didn't think I needed an attorney.
"His advice was simply to tell the judge what happened. So, that is what I am hoping to do.
"I am not afraid to face any one alone about what I did, but it would be nice to have some support in the court. I believe it also speaks well for the community. Those of you who can come are most welcome."
How sad that a Peoria activist does not have a pro-bono lawyer to represent her!
Activists arrested recently in Chicago for unfurling an anti-war banner on a freeway bridge quickly found volunteer lawyers to help them.
Razia was arrested in a building owned by the public. She was totally non-violent and non-confrontational.
Read her full story under the "law" category or click here.
--Elaine Hopkins
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