[Reader-list] Steve Kurtz: 3.5 years and still no "smoking gun"

Naeem Mohaiemen naeem.mohaiemen at gmail.com
Thu Dec 20 17:09:25 IST 2007


Below is an update from Lucia of http://caedefensefund.org

Rolling into the 4th year of the US government's absurd "terrorism"
case against artist Steve Kurtz...


From: Lucia Sommer
http://caedefensefund.org

Hi everyone,

A big Thank You to all of you who turned out today to support
Professor Kurtz at in Federal Court in Buffalo - WE PACKED THE
COURTROOM!

Steve was incredibly moved and strengthened by the support, and the
defense lawyers commented on how effective it was in showing that this
case is one of concern to many citizens.

As Prosecutor Hochul attempted to respond to defense attorney Paul
Cambria's motions to dismiss the case -- including the fact that,
according to the contract itself, no "crime" was committed -- the
absurdity of the case was apparent for all to see.

The highlight of this theater of the absurd (although it is difficult
to choose) was perhaps when Judge Arcara ordered Prosecutor Hochul to
produce the original contract between ATCC and the University of
Pittsburgh. Apparently 3 1/2 years and millions of dollars was not
enough time and resources for the government to procure this document,
which Cambria pointed out was rather crucial to the government's
entire "case."

A new hearing is scheduled for January 18, 2008, to examine this
document, as well as hear other motions; after that, the judge will
rule on all the motions to dismiss.

While we were encouraged by the hearing, we still don't expect to win
these motions, since it is nearly impossible for judges to throw out
Grand Jury indictments.

Therefore we continue to prepare for trial, which is likely to take
place this summer.


Thank you again for your continued support,


Lucia Sommer
CAE Defense Fund
http://caedefensefund.org


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