Rev. Edward Pinkney the leader of the Benton Harbor Black Autonomy Network of Community Organizers (BANCO), was convicted by a Berrien County, all-white jury in March 2007 on trumped-up charges related to false allegations of voter fraud.

Pinkney published an arcticle in the Chicago-based People's Tribune newspaper criticizing Judge Butzbaugh's actions in his case, Berrien County hauled Pinkney into a courtroom in December of 2007. He was charged with threatening the life of the trial judge and sentenced to three to 10 years in state prison because in the article he had quoted the Bible.

The ACLU of Michigan has taken Pinkney's case and was successful in winning his release on bond in December 2008, pending the outcome of the appeal. On June 9, the State Appeals Court of Michigan will hear defense arguments in the case of Rev. Pinkney.

Protest in support of Rev. Pinkney 8am June 9 in front of the Appeals Building in Grand Rapids:

350 Ottawa St.

Michigan Welfare Rights Org. is organizing a bus to Grand Rapids for Pinkney's court date on 6/9.

There are several spaces still available. The bus from Detroit can make a stop in Ann Arbor--perhaps at the park 'n' ride on Ann Arbor/Saline and I-94. Bus seats are $30/each. [if you live in another town, it's worth calling to find out if you could hop on somewhere en route]

Please let MWRO know as soon as possible! Call Maureen or Fred: MWRO office, 313-964-0618.

http://bhbanco.blogspot.com/