The Holy Land Foundation trial began on Tuesday, July 24 with the prosecution painstakinly reading the now 36-count indictment. Six charges were dropped that day. The morning was long and wearisome for the friends and families of the men on trial.
At the lunchtime break, the Hungry for Justice coalition had a press conference across the street from the Earle Cabell Court Building. Al Jazeera carried an excellent report and video on the trial and coalition. Locally, CW33 provided the best coverage in their Tuesday night brief.
In the afternoon, defense attorneys gave a concise and detailed account of the plight of the Palestinians. They reminded the jury that the rights to disagree with policy, to speak that dissent and to free assembly are constitutionally protected. Linda Moreno, a lawyer in the Sami al-Arian trial that resulted in no convictions, told the jury that the zakat (charity) committees that HLF gave to were never on any terrorism lists and still receive U.S. money from international charities. In fact, the defendants approached the FBI before they were shut down to make sure they were not in violation of the law. They were never given any recommendations or complaints.
To receive grassroots, on-the-ground coverage of the trial, visit SMU English professor Harold Knight's blog, The Enemy Shall Not Outwit Him. Also, videographer Rolf Ernst made a promotional video from the Town Hall Meeting held July 15.
To volunteer, attend the trial Mondays thru Thursdays. Be seated for trial by 8:30 (trial starts on 9) a.m. in Courtrool #15 D 6 L on the 15th floor of the Earle Cabell Federal Building, 1100 Commerce Street. A daily vigil will be held across the street from noon until 1 p.m. At the same time, court attendees can be shuttled to the Masjid al-Islam, 2604 S. Harwood Street. Folks have to get back in the courtroom by 1:30 at the latest to attend the afternoon section. There is an overflow room on the 16th floor. Court adjourns at 5 p.m.
If your work schedule forbids trial attendance, consider going to the Masjid al-Islam (link to map above) for clean up and preparation for the lunch crew. We will likely need help distributing fliers, as well, and these could be picked up at the Masjid.
There will be a family barbeque on Sunday, July 29 from 3 to 7 p.m. at Breckenridge Park in Richardson, at the intersection of Renner and Brand Rds., just east of US-75. Come out for free food, solidarity fellowship, speakers and volunteer sign-up!
To find out more, visit the three websites that are run by coalition members: FreedomtoGive.com, HungryforJustice.com and H4Jusa.com.
