The prosecution and defense are both under a gag order that went into effect Sept.
#OUTSIDE SUDOKU RULES TRIAL#
29, 2018 but those were dismissed earlier this year.Īs many as seven law enforcement officials and four officials associated with the farms may be called in to testify in this month’s trial, according to a trial brief filed by the District Attorney’s Office. The case, for example, once involved charges related to a third demonstration from Sept. Over time, the number of defendants and charges have dropped. Proceedings have been spread out over years due to routine court scheduling and delays, compounded by outside factors. Owners and representatives of the affected farms have rejected the activists’ claims, and farming industry officials have said the incursions raised serious security and safety concerns for their operations. The activists have said that California’s animal cruelty laws gave them the right to rescue animals in distress. The defendants are accused of taking chickens and ducks without the permission of the owners of those farms, while the activists contend they believed the animals were being mistreated.
The case stems from protests the group held at two locations in Petaluma: Sunrise Farms on May 29, 2018, and Reichardt Duck Farm on June 3, 2019. Opening statements aren’t scheduled to happen for at least a week, but final preparations are ongoing and King said the rally represented the “continued momentum and urgency” to respond to animal cruelty. King was among about 80 members of the animal rights group gathered outside the courthouse, where a hearing was held Friday morning to discuss matters in the case. A Sonoma County District Attorney’s Office spokesman added he could not comment on the matter due to a gag order put in place by the judge. She told The Press Democrat during the rally no explanation was given in court. Wayne Hansen Hsiung and Priya Sawney are charged with two counts each of conspiracy and trespassing in connection with two demonstrations staged at chicken and duck farms near Petaluma in May 2018 and June 2019.ĭuring a hearing Friday morning, similar charges were dismissed against a third defendant, Cassandra King. Demonstrators with the Berkeley-based animal welfare group Direct Action Everywhere rallied Friday morning outside of Sonoma County Superior Court, where a criminal case against two fellow activists is proceeding to trial this month.
0 kommentar(er)
