Reporter Convicted of Felonies, Violating First Amendment
Diane Bukowski, a long-time photojournalist with the Detroit-based, Black-owned Michigan Citizen newspaper, was convicted May 1 of two felony counts involving “assaulting, battering, wounding, resisting, obstructing, or endangering” police. Each count carries a maximum of two years in prison.
Bukowski’s sentencing is set for Monday, June 1, 2009 at 9 a.m. in front of Judge Michael Hathaway, Room 501, Wayne County Circuit Court, 1441 St. Antoine (at Gratiot), Detroit, Michigan 48226.
Her case is part of growing attacks on reporters and the First Amendment in the U.S. Bukowski was arrested last Nov. 4 by Michigan State Troopers while taking photos at the scene of a high-speed police chase on Detroit’s east side. The chase ended with the deaths of motorcyclist James Willingham, 41, a father of 10, and pedestrian Jeffery Frazier, 34, a beloved member of the community.
Troopers John Hetfield and James Wojton violated MSP vehicle pursuit rules. Their siren was not on.They chased Willingham for a traffic offense (speeding) through a densely populated and trafficked area at 3:30 p.m. as three nearby schools were letting out. The troopers have not been disciplined or charged.
Troopers Andrea Barber, Matthew Kellar and Eric Byerly arrested Bukowski 2 ½ half hours after the chase shortly after she arrived on the scene. Byerly admitted destroying evidence, a felony, by erasing Bukowski’s photos. He has not been charged.
Instead, Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy charged Bukowki with five felonies. Bukowski is well-known for her coverage of unjustified killings, rapes and brutality by police and troopers, and Worthy’s failure to prosecute Detroit police for these offenses.
Three counts were dismissed at her preliminary exam. But, after a five-day trial in front of a predominatly suburban jury, Bukowski was convicted of the remaining two counts. The prosecution earlier moved to keep her role as a reporter and the issue of the First Amendment out of the trial.
The jury saw Fox 2 News’ raw footage of Bukowski’s arrest from beginning to end. It showed none of the alleged offenses. The prosecutor focused solely on false allegations that Bukowski crossed a yellow caution tape. She was 70 feet from any evidence including yellow tarps covering Willingham’s dismembered body as she took the photos.
To support Bukowski:
1. Send letters to
Judge Hathaway
c/o Attorney John Royal,
415 Griswold, Ste. 1724,
Detroit MI 48226.
Letters should focus on Bukowski’s accomplishments in the community, not her guilt or innocence. Royal and his co-counsel Attorney Sharon McPhail are handling her appeals.
2. Attend the sentencing June 1.
3. Contribute to
The Committee to Defend Diane Bukowski and Freedom of the Press
c/o The Michigan Citizen,
1055 Trumbull,
Detroit, MI 48216.
May 27, 2009 3:00 pm
21 Comments
Other Links to this Post
-
helpful plumbing tips — July 14, 2014 @ 2:22 am
-
outsourcingseoservices.wiki.zoho.com — August 8, 2014 @ 4:49 am
RSS feed for comments on this post. TrackBack URI
By aquarium ii ro di reverse osmosis water filter aquasafe, March 11, 2013 @ 7:37 am
Don’t buy in to the hype. While heavy metals like lead and mercury may possibly be eliminated, essential minerals are removed as nicely. With the ability to kill pathogens as they pass by the ultraviolet light makes these water treatment systems the least invasive.
By juicing benefits, March 24, 2013 @ 8:12 pm
You could certainly see your enthusiasm within the article you
write. The world hopes for even more passionate writers like you
who are not afraid to say how they believe. At all times go
after your heart.
By Video Crews Wayne County, November 26, 2013 @ 8:52 pm
Here, again, it is best to access the net and shop and
compare the different rates of the various companies
that offer the services you require. Latest digital
technology is applied to give you a video that counts,
that has picture perfect qualities and high definition to make a bold statement in your mind.
American Society of Indexers (for indexing careers).
By camping water filter or purifier, April 8, 2014 @ 10:19 am
Simply want to say your article is as astounding.
The clearness in your publish is just cool and i can think you’re a professional in
this subject. Fine along with your permission allow me to take hold of your feed to stay up to
date with approaching post. Thank you one million and please keep up
the gratifying work.
By Plumbing Reno NV, April 17, 2014 @ 11:06 am
Plumbing issues can consist of anything from a pesky leak to a busted water heater,
but both can easily cause chaos if left unresolved.
In the case of a shower (and possibly other fixtures), the faucet
control may include a mechanism or switch enabling reversal automatically.
There is a tendency for this foundation to shift after installation leading to uneven floors or doors and windows that do not close
properly.
By Colorado court reporters, May 29, 2014 @ 11:58 am
The area where you live, the specific job you have, and the amount of
experience you have had is some of the most important factors.
Whats essential is that they have identified what they really want and we
are confident that they are really happy with what theyve come to be
today. Here’s another important test tip for the PATI exam.
By Air Conditioner Repair Aurora Colorado, August 2, 2014 @ 7:52 am
Hmm it seems like your website ate my first comment (it was super long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I wrote and say, I’m
thoroughly enjoying your blog. I as well am an aspiring blog blogger but
I’m still new to everything. Do you have any tips for newbie blog writers?
I’d genuinely appreciate it.
By quality denver chiropractic Clinic, September 7, 2014 @ 1:58 am
It’s an awesome piece of writing in favor of all the online users; they will take
benefit from it I am sure.
By Need Denver Chiropractic Pain Relief, October 10, 2014 @ 2:17 pm
Have you ever thought about publishing an e-book or guest authoring on other websites?
I have a blog centered on the same ideas you discuss and would really like to have you share some stories/information. I know
my subscribers would value your work. If you’re even remotely interested,
feel free to shoot me an e mail.
By click to play friv, August 1, 2015 @ 6:22 pm
I am really grateful to the holder of this site who has shared
this wonderful paragraph at here.
By Friv.site, November 20, 2015 @ 2:32 am
This is the perfect website for everyone who really wants to find out about
this topic. You realize so much its almost hard to argue with you (not that I actually will need
to…HaHa). You definitely put a fresh spin on a topic that has
been written about for many years. Great stuff,
just excellent!
By roof cleaning ct, June 5, 2016 @ 9:51 am
Thank you for your own hard work on this web page.
Debby take interest in working on internet research and it
is easy to understand why. My spouse and i know all of the
lively way you provide informative things through this website and as well improve response from website visitors on this situation plus our favorite simple
princess is being taught a lot of things. Enjoy the remaining portion of the
new year. You are doing a really good job.
By OTW Powerwashing CT, July 11, 2016 @ 10:56 am
I truly wanted to jot down a simple comment to express gratitude to
you for the superb guidelines you are showing
at this site. My considerable internet search has finally been compensated with reasonable content
to write about with my contacts. I ‘d assert that most of us readers actually are very fortunate to live
in a notable community with many awesome individuals with great
hints. I feel very privileged to have encountered the site and look forward
to some more fun minutes reading here. Thanks again for everything.
By Friv 1, December 15, 2017 @ 3:36 pm
At this moment I am going to do my breakfast, after having my breakfast coming yet again to read other news.
By Language Classes, December 9, 2018 @ 8:51 pm
Thanks a whole lot regarding discussing this particular wonderful folks you really realize what you happen to be dealing with! Book marked.. language classes Nicely in addition seek advice from my personal web-site Is equal to). Natural meats have got a web page link transform set up concerning you
By https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F62-jeX4Pk8, February 21, 2019 @ 10:59 am
I couldn?t resist commenting. Perfectly ԝritten!
By Friv1, May 23, 2019 @ 1:11 am
Excellent blog! Do you have any helpful hints for aspiring writers?
I’m hoping to start my own website soon but I’m a little lost on everything.
Would you propose starting with a free platform like Wordpress or go for a
paid option? There are so many options out there that I’m totally confused ..
Any suggestions? Kudos!
By Friv 2017, May 25, 2019 @ 2:45 pm
Hi there, yes this post is really nice and I have learned lot of things
from it on the topic of blogging. thanks.
By Mercedes, October 19, 2019 @ 4:42 am
Just what I was looking for, thanks for putting up.