NEW: Federal prosecutors charged Therese Okoumou, who unfurled an 'Abolish ICE' banner at the base of the Statue of Liberty yesterday, with three counts that add up a possible 1.5-year sentence.
I will cover her hearing an hour.
I will cover her hearing an hour.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Berman slammed what he called a "dangerous stunt" in a statement.
In 10 years covering the courts, I have never seen such a strong statement from a U.S. Attorney directed against an activist engaged in civil disobedience.
Has anyone else?
In 10 years covering the courts, I have never seen such a strong statement from a U.S. Attorney directed against an activist engaged in civil disobedience.
Has anyone else?
This is usually the type of case that the U.S. Attorney lays low about while letting the assistants do the talking in court.
As a point of reference:
When Preet Bharara was U.S. Attorney for this district, a man phoned in a hoax bomb threat involving the Statue of Liberty, far more serious than peaceful direct action.
Preet made no statement on that case at all.
justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/m…
When Preet Bharara was U.S. Attorney for this district, a man phoned in a hoax bomb threat involving the Statue of Liberty, far more serious than peaceful direct action.
Preet made no statement on that case at all.
justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/m…
That comparison speaks volumes about what SDNY cared about under Preet’s watch and under Geoffrey Berman’s.
BREAKING: Okoumou pleads not guilty. Bailed on her own recognizance. Supporters break out into multiple rounds of applause for her. One shouts: “We love you!”
Press conference coming soon.
Observations:
1) Okoumou was brought into court through the custodial entrance for defendants taken from prison to court, unusual for low-level misdemeanor charges.
2) One AUSA on the case is Hadassa Waxman, who prosecuted "Cannibal Cop" case.
Observations:
1) Okoumou was brought into court through the custodial entrance for defendants taken from prison to court, unusual for low-level misdemeanor charges.
2) One AUSA on the case is Hadassa Waxman, who prosecuted "Cannibal Cop" case.
(That's a lot of legal firepower for a non-violent direct action case.)
3) No conditions on the bail, which is usual for a low-level misdemeanor case like this one.
4) Packed courtroom - largest room in the courthouse - filled with press, supporters, officers and attorneys.
3) No conditions on the bail, which is usual for a low-level misdemeanor case like this one.
4) Packed courtroom - largest room in the courthouse - filled with press, supporters, officers and attorneys.
5) Also, a handful of U.S. Park Police decked out in black flak vests. One sat at the prosecution table.
That's it for now. Heading to the presser. More soon, plus photos, maybe video and look out for an article. Preview on the @CourthouseNews site now.
That's it for now. Heading to the presser. More soon, plus photos, maybe video and look out for an article. Preview on the @CourthouseNews site now.
