The judge in Lishan Akuma’s trial heard testimonies of witnesses from both the prosecutor and the defendant sides today and yesterday. Tomorrow, Wednesday, will be the final day of the trial, according to the judge. After hearing from one more witness, the judge will rule on the case.
Lishan was arrested while protesting in front of the White House last July after the Woyanne kangaroo court sentenced Kinijit leaders to life in prison. She is one of the three individuals who were arrested for civil disobedience that day. The case against the other two was dismissed, but since the police allege that Lishan had resisted arrest, her case was brought to trial.
Ethiopians in the Washington DC area have a moral obligation to come to the court tomorrow and show solidarity with Lishan. The police went after her to make her an example, not because she deserves the charges that are made against her. We all need to be inside the court with Ethiopian flag and show the judge that Lishan is not a criminal — she is a caring person who stood up against the Woyanne injustice against the elected representatives of Ethiopia.
Please come to the court at 10:00 tomorrow, Wednesday, Oct. 17.
Place: District of Columbia Court, Room 212
500 Indiana Ave NW [see map]