Two more (de)Occupy protesters sentenced to prison

[Joe Shlabotnik]

Two more (de)Occupy Honolulu protesters went to jail Monday for interfereing with city crews attempting to remove tents at Thomas Square.

Catherine C. Russell was sentenced in state court this afternoon to 60 days in jail and Blade Michael Walsh to 45 days for obstructing government operations in connection with the city's enforcement of the stored property ordinance.

Madori Rumpungworn is already serving a 30-day jail term.

http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/breaking/20131028_Two_more_deOccupy_Honolulu_protesters_get_jail_time.html?id=229624191


From http://www.kitv.com/news/hawaii/2-deoccupy-protesters-sentenced-to-prison/-/8905354/22684190/-/6o7y6tz/-/index.html?absolute=true :

"My father would be proud to have me protecting people," said Russell. "He instilled integrity, charity and standing up for those who need help. I am pono. Blade is pono. Madori is pono and (de)Occupy Honolulu is pono." Russell describes herself as a "protesting houseless advocate."

"Someone exercising her right of free speech and for her saying you cannot steal from the houseless population of the island any longer, 60 days is a lot," said Russell's lawyer Iokona Baker. "She doesn't have a prior criminal record here. I think it's too much."

"I stand by what I did. I was there to help defend free speech and my friends' property," said Walsh.

"Really, the facts of the case that came out, even in the trial, that were documented on the video tapes produced in evidence shows my client really sitting down cross-legged inside of a tent," said Walsh's lawyer Andrew Park. "For that now, he's been sentenced to 45 days so I am a little disappointed with the sentencing."

Both plan to appeal.

This is absolutely sickening.

[rhett o rick]

1. Go Occupy. Thanks for posting. nm

[Earth_First]

2. Solidarity Forever! nt

[Enthusiast]

3. Justice is a thing of the past.