Dissident Veteran For Peace

Here's an update from the Committee to Defend Catherine Wilkerson via the group's announcement list. It's been slightly reformatted for readability.

First, apologies for getting this update out rather late. Preparing this report was delayed by the unexpected death of Dr. Wilkerson's father last Friday. You can read the obituary for James Arthur Creamer at <http://www.legacy.com/Link.asp?I=LS000091606300X>.

A hearing was held on July 24th on Dr. Wilkerson's motions to dismiss and for an evidentially hearing. Judge Pollard-Hines ruled against Dr. Wilkerson on both motions and trial was set for October 4, 2007. Although we had hoped for a different outcome, this result was not unexpected and Dr. Wilkerson, her attorneys, and Committee members remain undaunted in their efforts to secure justice and support freedom of expression. In her ruling, the judge left open the possibility that dismissal might be appropriate after evidence is presented at trial and Dr. Wilkerson's attorneys are preparing a defense, including expert testimony, aimed at that very outcome. Defense attorneys will also present evidence about the retaliatory nature of the charges against Dr. Wilkerson; this was bolstered by discrepancies in the remarks of the prosecutor at the recent hearing.

*On the Radio*

Dr. Wilkerson was interviewed by Robert Larson on LUCI radio in late June and that interview is now available online at <http://www.kuci.org/podcasts/?ShowID=668%20>. Also, defense attorney Buck Davis has been asked to speak about Dr Wilkerson's case on an upcoming edition of "Law and Disorder" which airs at 10 AM EDT on Pacifica radio station WBAI 99.5 FM on Mondays. We'll let you know when the recorded interview is available online.

*Keep those Calls and Letters Coming*

Just under two weeks ago we asked you to please call and write to Washtenaw County Prosecutor Brian L. Mackie to ask him to drop the charges against Dr. Wilkerson. Thanks to everyone who has done that and if you haven't gotten around to it yet then it's not too late to do it now. The case number is DR5-07-137 SM. Mr. Mackie's office phone number is 734-222-6620. For your convenience, we have prepared a sample letter below that people can use or alter as they wish.

Your Address
City, State, Zip

Today's Date

Brian L. Mackie,
Washtenaw County Prosecutor
P.O. Box 8645
Ann Arbor, MI 48107

Subj: Case DR5-07-137

Dear Mr. Mackie:

I am writing to urge you to drop your office's charges against Catherine Wilkerson, MD. The police record shows that Dr. Wilkerson did nothing except issue verbal medical directions and necessary criticisms to police and emergency medical personnel regarding the treatment of an arrestee who had become a patient in her care, as acknowledged by University of Michigan police officer West.

During Mr. Blaine Coleman's arrest, there were two instances when Dr. Wilkerson determined that the actions of police or emergency medical personnel placed Coleman in a life-threatening situation. As a physician and a conscientious human being, Dr. Wilkerson had an obligation to protest and advise. No good purpose can be served by prosecuting a medical doctor for doing her duty and nonviolently exercising her First Amendment rights. Please drop the charges.

Sincerely,
Your signature
Your Name

It is NO CRIME to protest against warmongers. It is NO CRIME to complain about police brutality. It is NO CRIME to complain about dangerous medical malpractice. Dr. Catherine Wilkerson will fight back. Will you stand with her?

Committee to Defend Catherine Wilkerson
defendwilkerson.org

Labels: Catherine Wilkerson, civil liberties, police repression