Chicagoans & others: everything you need to know about Rasmea’s trial in Detroit

Chicagoans & others: everything you need to know about Rasmea’s trial in Detroit After a series of unfair rulings by Judge Drain a few days ago, our call for everyone […]

Chicagoans & others: everything you need to know about Rasmea’s trial in Detroit

After a series of unfair rulings by Judge Drain a few days ago, our call for everyone to “Get on the Bus” is now even more important.  All of Rasmea’s supporters must pack the courtroom every day of the trial, and especially the first week: Tuesday, November 4th, through Friday, November 7th, from 8 AM to 1 PM, in downtown Detroit, 231 W. Lafayette Blvd.

Chicagoans:

Buses for Rasmea’s trial in Detroit will be leaving from the Chicago area on Monday night, November 3rd, at 11:30 PM, from the Mosque Foundation in Bridgeview at 7360 W. 93rd Street.    Folks coming from the northside or near the Loop can board the bus at Daley Plaza (Dearborn and Washington) at 10:30 PM.

Those who want to ride the bus MUST reserve a space by filling out this online web form.  We are calling on supporters to try to make a commitment for the whole week.  On the form, you MUST tell us how many days of the trial you can attend.

If you have any questions, email them to [email protected].

More info for everyone, those riding the bus and those getting there on their own:

  • Important: New legal developments mean that the trial will be much shorter than we had expected. We need to go all out to fill the courtroom for four days – Tuesday, November 4 to Friday, November 7.  If you were planning to come the second week, please try to change your plans. If you planned to come for one or two days, please make it three to four.  For those coming to Detroit from out of town, the Rasmea Defense Committee is working hard to support your housing and transportation needs. When you register, let us know how we can help.  Click here to register if you’re not riding the bus from Chicago.
  • General logistical information can be found here.
  • Click here to donate. Your support ensures that Rasmea has the best legal defense, and funds the mobilization effort to fill the courtroom with Rasmea’s supporters.

This is basic information for our presence INSIDE the courtroom:  

Schedule?

  • Arrive at 231 W. Lafayette Blvd. in downtown Detroit no later than 8 AM – it takes time to get through courthouse security, and we have been told that the U.S. Marshalls will close the courtroom door at EXACTLY 8:50 AM.

  • Beginning on November 4, court takes place weekdays from 9 AM – 1 PM.

  • Some days, supporters will rally in front of the courthouse before or after court. The judge has ordered that there be NO RALLY before the first day of court on November 4. If you are coming that day, do not bring signs or flags.

What to wear to court?

  • No I Support Rasmea clothes, buttons or signs

How to act in court?

  • No talking in the courtroom

  • No coming & going; if you leave the courtroom for anything other than an emergency, you will not be let back in

What not to bring to court?

  • No cell phones

  • No cameras or recording devices

  • No food or drink

What do you need to bring to get into the courtroom?

  • Must bring ID: it can be a Drivers license, State I.D., or Passport.

If you have any other questions, contact us at [email protected]See you in Detroit!  Help Rasmea Win!

Rasmea Defense Committee

P.S. Great new article about the case.

Great analysis about the case.

National Public Radio interview with Rasmea’s lawyers.

The national Rasmea Defense Committee includes United States Palestinian Community Network, Committee to Stop FBI Repression (CSFR), Coalition to Protect People’s Rights (CPPR), 8th Day Center for Justice, Al-Awda NY: the Palestine Right to Return Coalition, American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC)-Chicago, American Muslims for Palestine, Anti-War Committee (AWC)-Chicago, AWC-Minneapolis, Arab Jewish Partnership for Peace and Justice in the Middle East, Arab Resource and Organizing Center, Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, Chicago Light Brigade, Committee Against Political Repression, Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)-Chicago, CAIR-Michigan, Friends of Sabeel-North America, International Jewish Anti-Zionist Network, International League of Peoples’ Struggle-U.S., Jewish Voice for Peace, Latino Organization of the Southwest (LOS), Lifta Society, Middle East Crisis Committee (CT), National Boricua Human Rights Network, National Lawyers Guild (NLG), National Students for Justice in Palestine, Palestine Solidarity Group-Chicago, Palestine Solidarity Legal Support, Palestinian Youth Movement-USA Branch, Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network, St. Louis Palestine Solidarity Committee, United African Organization, United National Antiwar Coalition, US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation, Voces de la Frontera, Women Against Military Madness, and Z Collective.