SENTENCING UPDATE: This morning, the court rejected the prosecution's demand for 5 years in prison, and sentenced Michael Williams to 90 days jail, which translates into an actual term of 60 days. Defense counsel Lamis Deek is already seeking Michael's release pending appeal.
Thanks to more than 30 people who turned out for this hearing, and to everyone else who has come to Michael's defense. Your support made a real difference today in court.
This fight is far from over, and further details will be forthcoming about how to support Michael in jail, raise funds for appeal, generate press coverage and other ways to win justice in this case.
- On January 9th, 2011, Michael Williams, a union drywall taper, defended a group of young Muslim girls who were harassed by a bigot named Joe Kenny while waiting for pizza.
- Michael, a passionate believer in human rights, traveled from his home near Boston to take part in a rally commemorating the massacre in Gaza. He had a bullhorn. When he heard the bigot harassing the young women Michael stood up for their rights using the bullhorn.The outraged bigot then followed Michael in the street, physically assaulted Michael (upon which Michael defended himself) and left with Michael's bullhorn.
- Michael has been convicted with second degree assault, for which he faces seven years in prison. Michael's conviction despite unchallenged evidence of self-defense, reflects the prosecution's orchestrated campaign to punish and intimidate those who stand up against Anti-Muslim Bigotry.
- Michael Williams is being used as a message to all people who stand up for their right to protest and who stand up against Anti-Muslim bigotry!!!
- Support Michael at his sentencing this Friday, August, 10th 2012 9:30 A.M., 111 Centre St., Room 631, part 48!!
