The trial for a group of eight D.C. voting rights activistsarrested outside the U.S. Capitol
was postponed after a judge faulted the government for not turning over evidence to the defense.
Paul Strauss, who serves as one of D.C.’s shadow senators and represents some of the activists on trial, said the defense requested the evidence in discovery -- in this case videos and photographs from the April protests -- but it wasn’t turned over until today. Strauss said the judge criticized the government -- and in particular the Capitol police -- and moved the trial to Nov. 15.
A total of 41 people, including the mayor and other lawmakers, were arrested during the April 11 demonstration -- three others were arrested at a similar protest a few days later. Most people ended up paying a fine to avoid going to trial.
The eight activists fighting the charges could face additional fines and jail time if convicted.
