October 16th was radical New York attorney Lynne Stewart's sentencing date. She was given a 28-month sentence, but is free on bail pending appeal. Her co-defendant Ahmed Abdel Sattar was reportedly sentenced to 24 years, and translator Mohamed Yousry was sentenced to 20 months in prison and released on bail.

Since she was charged with aiding terrorism, Stewart, who is now 67, has survived both being prohibited from practicing law and postponement of her sentencing date due to breast cancer. Her supporters were surprised and pleased to hear that she had received such a short sentence. Stewart had been arguing that a 30 year sentence would in essence be a death sentence. Her supporters have worried that the arrest and conviction of this woman were meant as a signal that defense attorneys should avoid zealous representation of persons who are criminalized by the government. Lynne Stewart was convicted of releasing a statement by her client, Sheikh Omar Abdel-Rahman, in a press release.

Articles | Commentary: "Lynne Stewart Victory is First Milestone" | LynneStewart.org | NYC Indymedia | Democracy Now Report From 10/17 | Democracy Now Interview with Lynne from 10/16 | Indybay's Past Coverage of Lynne Stewart's case | Lynne Stewart on Wikipedia