We received this from the AD HOC COMMITTE FOR REASONFREE GREGORY KOGER: WED 9/22 Bond Hearing
"I am astonished by the extreme measures taken against Gregory Koger, all for misdemeanor charges. This is not justice, especially for a person of his moral standing."
Fr. Robert Bossie, SCJ "The amount of work and dedication that Gregory has invested in this school and the work he has done with the inner city youth... is beyond measure."
Chicago inner city high school principal, on behalf of teachers, staff and studentsOn September 8, Gregory Koger was sentenced to 300 days in jail for videotaping a brief political statement at a public event in Skokie, IL. When Gregory was asked to stop, he put down his video camera. Trespass charges were brought because he started filming with his iPhone. But videotaping is not a crime! Filming has nothing to do with the legal definition of trespass. The trespass law states that you must be ordered to leave, and then show that you intend to remain after you have been given notice to leave. Testimony in court made it clear that Gregory was not ordered to leave until the police were already dragging him out of the auditorium.
Gregory Koger was the only person harmed in this whole episode. He was assaulted and injured by police and then charged - as is often the case for victims of police brutality - with resisting arrest and simple battery. An important issue brief from The American Constitution Society calls these "cover charges" because they are so often used to "cover up" police misconduct. Gregory has maintained his innocence and is appealing his conviction. (read more...)
Read Gregory's own words here. |
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All Out to court September, 22 9:30amfor the appeal of the sentence and reinstating bond.
Cook County Courthouse,
5600 W Old Orchard Road,
Skokie, IL
Call 773.489.0930 to arrange a ride to Skokie Courthouse on Wed. morning. |
Sign the petition to urge that Gregory Koger be immediately released from jail.
Below are some of the people who have signed the petition
August Berkshire, President of the Minnesota Atheists*
Father Bob Bossie, SCJ
Pat Hill, Exec. Director, African-American Police League*
Prof. Theodore Jennings, Chicago Theological Seminary*
H. Candace Gorman, Attorney for Guantanamo detainees
Cynthia McKinney
Michael Radzilowsky, Attorney
Joann Shapiro
Cindy Sheehan
David Swanson
Debra Sweet
Sunsara Taylor
Matthis Chiroux, The Disobedient
*For identification purposes only
Donate to Gregory's legal defense (online through PayPal) or checks can be made out to "Gregory Koger Fund" and mailed to: Ad Hoc Committee, 1055 W. Bryn Mawr, #226, Chicago, IL 60660 Michael Slate Show, KPFK 90.7 FM Los Angeles (audio interview September 3, 2010) Mitchell Szczepanczyk show, The Ministry of Truth, WHPK 88.5 FM Chicago(audio interview August 31, 2010)
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