Lynne Stewart - Reception and Talk

Defend the defenders! Who will protect you if your attorney is afraid to speak?

Appearing in person...
LYNNE STEWART, Attorney

Sunday, April 24

6:30 p.m. - Buffet Reception
$35 per person - Includes ticket to public program
Please RSVP to 650-326-8837 or julia@peaceandjustice.org

7:30 p.m. - Program
$10 - $20 sliding scale

Proceeds benefit Lynne Stewart's Defense Committee and Peninsula Peace and Justice Center.

On February 10, after thirteen days of deliberations, a federal jury in New York City returned a guilty verdict in the case of 65-year-old attorney Lynne Stewart. The jury found Stewart guilty on five counts of defrauding the government, conspiracy, and providing support for terrorism. Her real crime? Providing legal defense to a person charged with terrorism.

Stewart will be sentenced on July 15. She may serve up to thirty years in prison. Appeals are expected to consume years. In the meantime, Stewart will lose her right to practice law and face hard prison time.

Referring to the Stewart verdict, Attorney General Gonzales was quick to warn that he would "pursue both those who carry out acts of terrorism and those who assist them with their murderous goals."

However, an extremely problematic aspect of the Stewart prosecution is how far the definition of 'support for terrorism' was stretched. Stewart never provided any financial support, weaponry, or any other concrete aid for any act of terrorism. No act of terrorism is alleged to have resulted from her actions.

In such a climate, those who face terrorism-related charges will now be entitled only to a legal defense rooted in fear. What attorneys will risk their licenses -- or life in prison -- in order to protect their clients' rights?

Presented by Peninsula Peace and Justice Center.