Anti-torture activists arrested at US Capitol acquitted at trial; wanted Guantanamo to close
By APMonday, June 14, 2010
Torture activists arrested at US Capitol acquitted
WASHINGTON — A judge has acquitted two dozen anti-torture activists who were arrested at the U.S. Capitol.
Members of Witness Against Torture were arrested at the Capitol on Jan. 21 as they called on President Barack Obama to shut down the Guantanamo Bay prison.
Their trial on unlawful entry charges was held Monday in D.C. Superior Court. Most of the activists wore black shirts as they sat in the courtroom for their bench trial.
Judge Russell Canan granted a motion for judgment of acquittal, dropping charges against all 24 defendants after federal prosecutors presented their case.
Jeremy Varon, a spokesman for the group, said they consider it a victory for free speech.
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