Protect Free Speech, Free Jeff & Sarah - the DuPage Duo!
DuPage County State's Attorney Joe Birkett, a Republican, is using your tax dollars and your county judicial system to harrass two DuPage County peace activists, Jeff Zurawski and Sarah Hartfield.
The two are charged with holding a sign calling for the impeachment of Republican President Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney and for holding an American flag upside down, a sign of a nation in distress. If convicted, the two could face 1 year in jail.
The charges also claim that Jeff and Sarah were throwing objects onto an interstate highway. These charges are baseless and as of today no witness or motorist has come forth claiming they saw anyone throwing any objects onto the interstate.
It is very troubling that a local official would use the legal system for partisan purposes, and to silence citizens of the 13th district because they were exercising their constitutional right to voice their dissent.
However, this incident is not too surprising in today's authoritarian political climate created by the President and Congress. Even so-called moderates like my opponent, Rep. Judy Biggert, have voting records alarmingly supportive of an authoritarian state. She has contributed to a climate where local law enforcement feel they can trample local citizen's rights - especially citizens who dissent against pro authoritarian laws and the illegal invasion, occupancy, and pillaging of countries that pose no threat to the U.S., like Iraq.
We cannot allow even one case of Constitutional Rights abuse to take place. Stand up for the Free Speech rights of Jeff and Sarah. Write a letter to your local newspaper. Attend a Jeff & Sarah protest (see below). And most importantly, use the power of your vote to restore democracy!
Those who would like to express their opinions regarding the case may wish to contact the DuPage County State’s Attorney:
Joseph Birkett, State’s Attorney
503 N. County Farm Rd. Wheaton, IL 60187
(630) 407-8000
630-407-8151 (fax)
stsattn@dupageco.org
CASE CHRONOLOGY
- April 10, 2008 - Judge allows case against protesters to go to trial
- June 13, 2008 - From Jeff's Blog: The trial has been postponed again. We were in court on Monday, ready to proceed, but a case ahead of ours went to trial. Since there wasn't enough time for two trials in one day, ours was bumped off the list. The judge set a new date for August 20 @ 09:30. He said it was "firm", so we shouldn't get bumped again.
August 20, 2008 - Jeff and Sarah are scheduled to have a trial on this date. Please plan to attend to show support for Jeff and Sarah and the First Amendment. Remember, no camera phones and get there early for parking and to get through security. Location: 505 N. County Farm Rd, Room 4007, Wheaton IL 60187, Time: 9:30am.
MORE INFORMATION
