RNC Aftermath Roundup: Reports and Courts

Commission report: The Heffelfinger/Luger commission released its nonbinding report before the St. Paul City Council last Wednesday to jeers, derision and laughter from the audience. The commission consisted mostly of ex-police and politicians, all of whom had to agree on including an item in the report, thus silencing dissenting opinions even within the commission itself. The report, available here, claimed "violent anarchists" made police attacks justifiable, but also raised concerns about the September 4 mass arrest. Read: Top 9 Myths of the RNC by Friends of the RNC 8 | Intial Reactions by Nigel Parry

In the courts: Susan Gaertner's office levied three more felony charges last Friday; funds are urgently needed for two Milwaukee-area activists now jailed. | The trial of seven northeast activists arrested at 7th and Wall is expected to begin this Tuesday, January 20, and they've requested strong court solidarity. | Earlier this month, Judge Salvador Rosas recused himself from the RNC 8 case, leaving their January 26th court date canceled. | However, several other activists are in court on the 26th, including David McKay of the "Texas 2"; reportedly, FBI informant Brandon Darby is being flown to Minneapolis to testify. | Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign organizer Cheri Honkala went to trial this week; UPDATE 1/21 City Attorney John Choi dropped the charges!. Yay!

Upcoming Events: Wed. Jan. 21: RNC 8 benefit w/ Junkyard Empire at Black Dog Cafe, Lowertown | Sun. Jan. 25: Defend the RNC 8 Town Hall at Walker Church, MPLS