Bari v FBI: witnesses to take the stand 4/10

JUDI BARI vs. THE FBI

April 9, 2002

CONTACT: Jean Eisenhower, Steve Christianson, Kathy Glass, or Tracy Katelman: 510/663-6330 Or Tracy at 707-292-7442 (cell, if above number doesn't answer)

Oakland, CA- The defendants in Judi Bari and Darryl Cherney's historic civil rights lawsuit against the FBI and Oakland Police Department will present their opening remarks this Wednesday morning. The first witnesses will be called to take the stand immediately following, allowing the plaintiffs to commence presenting their side of the case. Wednesday's witnesses will include the first responders to the bombing scene, as well as fellow activists of Bari and Cherney, who showed up at the hospital or otherwise took the initial impact of the police investigation against members of the environmental movement associated with the victims. The witnesses will be examined by Dennis Cunningham and Tony Serra, and will appear as follows (time permitted):

- Tom Viers, the fireman who helped remove Judi from the car; - T.J. Roumph of the Alameda Bomb Squad;

- Shannon Marr, Seeds of Peace member, who was driving in front of Judi's car when the bomb exploded and was subsequently accused of participating in a "bomb plot";

- Karen Pickett, Earth First! organizer and close friend of Judi who was taken into custody when she tried to visit Judi in the hospital.

The second day of the trial Judi Bari vs. the FBI saw the jury seated, after which the plaintiffs' lead attorney Dennis Cunningham delivered his opening remarks for one and a half hours. Cunningham provided the jury a description of the context of the 1990 car bombing.

"She was the one they picked because she had a big mouth and was effective and she moved people". That's why they struck out at her. The bombers struck at her and then law enforcement. When she didn't die, they did a character assassination. That's not allowed in this country. We can't allow police to meddle in politics". It's against the Constitution. It violates the Bill of Rights, it violates the First Amendment."

Lisa Bari, daughter of the now-deceased environmental and social justice activist, was pleased with the diverse character of the jury, which well represents the culturally mixed Bay Area. "It seems like they will be fair and impartial," she noted. "I think we have a good chance for justice."

The hearings run daily Monday through Thursday from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm in Judge Claudia Wilken's courtroom (Fourth Floor, Courtroom 2), Oakland Federal Building, 1301 Clay St. (at 12th). It is open to the public.

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