Columbus Day Protests: mixed verdict
January 27, 2008 on 6:54 pm | In ContextDuring the first trial of the 2007 Transform Columbus Day protesters, the judge refused to allow the defenders to talk about previous Columbus Day Parades, and cut short their explanations concerning their motivations and their arguments under international law. It was, therefore, almost impossible for them to explain to the jury why they believed it necessary to protest Denver’s annual celebration of Columbus’ legacy of slavery and genocide.
Nonetheless, the jury returned split and somewhat contradictory verdicts in the first three cases: Glenn Morris was found guilty of one charge of disrupting a lawful assembly, and not guilty of obstructing a passage and interference. Koreena Montoya was found guilty of obstructing and resistance, not guilty of disruption and interference. Rev. Julie Todd was found guilty of obstructing, not guilty of disrupting and interference.
In sentencing, the city prosecutor asked the court to “deter” people planning to demonstrate at the DNC by imposing a $999 fine and a year in jail on each of the TCD defenders. Judge Jordan instead fined Glenn Morris and Koreena Montoya $200 and court costs, with no jail time; Julie Todd received a $100 fine (with $50 suspended). Glenn Morris was also ordered to pay the city $325 restitution for the hazmat response to the fake blood that was poured into the street.
About 70 other Columbus Day defenders await trial.
