Judge in J20 protester trial: "No, wearing all black isn't inciting a riot"

[bigtree]

Unicorn Riot? @UR_Ninja
#BREAKING: Judge Leibovitz just threw out the felony charge of inciting a riot against all 6 current #J20 defendants. Motions to acquit on other counts now being considered as well. #J20trials

Democracy Now:

D.C. Judge Throws Out One of Felony Charges for Six #J20 Protesters

In Washington, D.C., a Superior Court judge has thrown out the felony charge of inciting a riot for six people who were arrested during protests at President Trump’s inauguration. The six still face other serious charges, including conspiracy charges and charges of destruction of property. The six are the first of more than 150 people slated to go on trial over the Inauguration Day protests. They have each faced up to 60 years in prison.

Think Progress:

On Wednesday morning, lawyers for the six won Judge Lynn Leibovitz over to their argument that government prosecutors have failed to offer sufficient evidence to support one of the eight separate charges in the case.

Calling the government’s argument for keeping the incitement charges “utterly circular,” Leibovitz struck them from the case. The decision still left seven other charges in place for each defendant, including multiple other felony counts. But in striking the felony incitement charge over Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Kerkhoff’s objections, the judge significantly reduced the maximum penalties each defendant faces should jurors find them guilty.

[moriah]

1. Goths all over will rejoice. Good on that judge. Nt

[Yonnie3]

2. Whew!

I wear all black when working band gigs in D. C. I'm glad I am not inciting riots. I am seen on the street in the wee hours. I add reflective arm bands and cap when going to fetch the van because of the D C drivers. Maybe that has saved me from arrest.

[gopiscrap]

3. sometimes I am required to wear all

black (black suit and tie) when performing

[Yonnie3]

4. That's my DC gig attire.

Wedding parties mostly.

[Gothmog]

5. This is a witch trial and should never get to a jury