KAHLIL STILL 
ON TRIAL, WHY?
 
by Gary Evans

 

Over a hundred protestors were arrested during last year's summer protest weeks. All cases but one were either dropped or settled. Kahlil Jacobs-Fantauzzi, a community activist, teacher and member of both KPFA's Local Advisory Board, and Steering Committee, has been singled out for prosecution. Why?

Last July, when outraged community members held their ground outside the locked and chained KPFA doors, Kahlil served as a police-community liaison and peacemaker. During the early morning hours of July 21^st, on the street and within Camp KPFA, Kahlil encountered growing tensions between a protestor and police officer. In his capacity as liaison he stood between the two, calling for dialog. In response to this nonviolent and peacemaking action, he was dragged to the ground, handcuffed, thrown into a waiting police van, booked, and jailed. According to police records, Kahlil made no violent gestures but simply stood his ground and attempted to calm a confrontation. (Police records also reveal that other activists, whose cases were dismissed, had been charged with violent offenses.)

Why is Kahlil being singled out? Possibly because the arresting officer is a leader within the Berkeley Police Department, or perhaps because Kahlil is a known community activist and successful organizer.

On the basis of police arrest records and the other facts of the case, Kahlil’s attorney, Richard Krech, argued for case dismissal on grounds of selective prosecution, and the use of illegal arrest procedures. Before packed courtrooms, Alameda County Superior Court Judge Ron Greenberg ruled against those motions. It now appears that Kahlil's case will go to trial April 17^th. As has been the case over the past many months, it is expected that the courtroom will be packed to capacity with supporters and those disgusted with this "legal" process.

Add your support: Write the Berkeley Police Department and the Alameda District Attorney’s Office. Demand that this case be dropped! For ongoing information phone 707 848-6767 x 619.

Return to NB4KPFA FOLIO Home Page