Today in Detroit's 36th District Court, Michigan Citizen freelance reporter Diane Bukowski's five felony counts were reduced to two in a preliminary hearing. She is charged with obstruction and police assault while covering a deadly accident on election day. Yesterday, grassroots activists, community residents, and union members attended a rally in support of Diane's legal challenge, and today they packed the courthouse. Like Ms. Bukowski, we believe that she is being targeted by the police because of questionable circumstances around the deadly accident, and her history of reporting on police brutality cases in southeast Michigan. Another court date is set for her on December 23, 2008.
Meanwhile in western Michigan, Rev. Pinkney is set for a bond hearing in Benton Harbor on December 18, 2008 following the ACLU's successful bond appeal before the Michigan Court of Appeals. However, it turns out Rev. Pinkney is going before Judge Wiley--the same official who sent him to prison for quoting Deuteronomy!Please help us pack Berrien County Courthouse this Thursday, 12/18 at 10am in support of Rev. Pinkney's bond hearing and release. (Directions: In Michigan, take I-84, exit 33 toward Benton Harbor/St Joseph, and cross over the bridge to the courthouse.)
Also, please contact The Clemency Advisory Council (listed below) that makes recommendations to the Governor. Their recommendation of clemency for Rev. Pinkney will carry a great deal of weight when she makes her decision on his application.
Dr. Charles G. Adams of Detroit, pastor of Hartford Memorial Baptist Church, 19472 Suffolk Dr., Highland Park, MI 48203, 313-368-0210, appointed to represent the general public.
Ms. Gloria L. Baker of Roseville, accountant with Urban Science, 200 Renaissance Ctr. #18100, Detroit, MI 48243, 313-259-9900, appointed to represent crime victims or their families.
Ms. Joyce M. Braithwaite-Brickley of Traverse City, retired, appointed to represent the general public. Info. not located.
Ms. Mary Beth Kur, private practice: 523 Mitchell St., Petoskey, MI 49770, mbkur@sbcglobal.net
Rabbi David A. Nelson, Beth Shalom, 14601 W. Lincoln Rd., Oak Park, MI 48237, cbs@congbethshalom.org
Ms. Janette L. Price of Eaton Rapids, former warden for the Michigan Department of Corrections, now retired, appointed to represent the general public. Info. not located.
The Honorable Rudolph A. Serra, private practice: 18953 Mallina St., Grosse Pointe, MI 48236, 313-331-7839, former judge of the 36th District Court, appointed to represent law enforcement and designated chair of the council for a term expiring at the pleasure of the governor.
Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm, P.O. Box 30013, Lansing, Michigan 48909 517-335-7858
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