In this edition of Progressive Radio Network's "ThisCantBeHappening" radio program, host Dave Lindorff, focuses on the case of Occupy Movement activist Cecily McMillan, currently jailed at Riker's Island without bail while awaiting sentencing on a conviction of felony assault of a police officer.
With a sentencing hearing set for next Tuesday which could result in a jail term of up to seven years, Lindorff discusses this case with McMillan's attorney, Martin Stolar, and Lucy Parks, a member of her support team at JusticeforCecily.com. Stolar explains how the New York state judge hearing the case prevented McMillan's defense from making their case to the jury that she had not assaulted police officer, but had in fact been the victim of assault when the officer grabbed her right breast from behind her, causing her instinctively to throw up her arms, hitting him in the eye with an elbow.
Both Stolar and Parks say the heavy charge of assault against a police officer leveled against McMillan by Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance, Jr.,, and the Judge's blatantly prejudicial handling of the case, including his refusal to grant bail pending the sentencing hearing, demonstrate that it's really all about sending a message that protest in New York City, especially against the banking industry, won't be tolerated.
To hear this broadcast, and also read a statement from Rikers Island by Cecily McMillan herself, please go to: www.thiscantbehappening.net/node/2319
