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Felony trial opens for activist accused of leading violent convention protests 03/09/01 - By Ron Todt - Associated Press In the first felony trial stemming from the sometimes-violent protests during last summer's Republican National Convention, a prosecutor accused a nationally known activist of leading a "well-oiled machine" of demonstrators that vandalized and disrupted the city. The attorney for Kate Sorensen, however, denied she was directing the protesters and said she was not responsible for the actions of those who smashed windows, ripped down fences, set fires in the streets, overturned trash containers, damaged vehicles and clashed with officers. Assistant District Attorney David Desiderio said Thursday that Sorensen, a well-known member of the Philadelphia Direct Action Network, was continuously using her cellular telephone to direct a group of 700 to 800 protesters on a sometimes-destructive path through the center of Philadelphia on Aug. 1. He said she was not being tried for her beliefs or for engaging in peaceful demonstrations, but because she had stepped over the line and violated the rights of others. "Is she Public Enemy Number 1? No," Desiderio said. "Did she do something wrong? Yes." Defense attorney Lawrence Krasner, however, said Sorensen was only engaging in peaceful protest. He said she committed no vandalism herself and could not be held responsible for the actions of others, whom he said she did not know and was not directing. "They're not saying she smashed windows ... sprayed paint ... turned over Dumpsters," Krasner said. "They're saying she's on the phone too much, and things are happening; she points, and things are happening." The day's only witness, Philadelphia police Detective Albert Ford said he and another plainclothes officer saw Sorensen talking constantly on her cell phone and appearing to direct the movement of the protesters, running up from time to time to talk to those at the very head of the crowd. He said the crowd appeared to follow her movements, and at one point he heard her tell other demonstrators, "We have this corner; take that corner." Krasner repeatedly asked Ford if he had seen Sorensen commit any acts of vandalism herself, and Ford said he did not, but "some people she kept running up and talking to were pulling down the fences and lighting the fires." Sorensen said after the first day of trial that she was only watching out for the safety of protesters and observing the events. "I wasn't leading anyone. I wasn't doing anything illegal," she said. Nearly 400 people were arrested during the July 31-Aug. 3 convention, but only a dozen have resulted in misdemeanor convictions. About 100 activists accepted plea agreements last fall that reduced the misdemeanor charges against them to summary offenses. About 20 cases remain, mostly felony trials that prosecutors contend are their strongest cases, including proceedings for three activists accused of attacking Police Commissioner John F. Timoney and another officer. Civil-liberties advocates and others have accused officials of sweeping aside protesters' rights in order to ensure a peaceful and prosperous image for the city. Authorities maintain they have been responding to a year and a half of sometimes violent protests in the wake of anti-globalization demonstrations in Seattle and Washington. Investigators have said modern methods, such as use of cell phones, have made these recent protests more effective than earlier ones. Common Pleas Judge Pamela Dembe said trial is expected to conclude Friday. |
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