Lynne Stewart, a progressive attorney in New York and New Jersey, was arrested on April 9th, 2002, and accused of "materially aiding a terrorist organization." Stewart had issued a press release for her client Sheik Omar, who was imprisoned in Minnesota and was only allowed to communicate with his lawyers and his wife in Egypt, once monthly. The alleged offense was committed in April of 2000. The Patriot Act, which outlawed her action, was signed into law on October 26, 2001. On the day of Stewart's arrest, Attorney General John Ashcroft flew to New York to announce her capture. After that press release, every communication Lynne Stewart had with her client was recorded, in violation of the 6th Amendment to the US Constitution, which protects communication between attorney and clients.

Lynne Stewart's Defense: Lynne Stewart is being defended by Michael Tygar. She is being tried in the same courtroom where Ethel and Julius and Rosenberg were tried and convicted. Past clients of Lynne Stewart's have ranged from a man who was acquitted of murder of several police officers (based on self-defense) to a member of the Weather Underground. Lynne Stewart's defense team is encouraging people to go to the courtroom to watch the trial and show support for her. A Bay Area Justice for Lynne Stewart organizing meeting was held on July 10th.

The Lynne Stewart Trial Blog | Indybay Audio Interviews: 1 | 2 | Interview with Lynne Stewart by Mumia Abu-Jamal | Revolutionary Worker Article