We must stand together and demand justice

Latest

 

Protest at St. Joseph, MI courthouse in defense of Rev. Edward Pinkney, a community leader, jailed for standing up for the poor against corporate power. Center: Cheri Honkala; Right: Dr. Jill Stein. PHOTO/DIANE BEREK
Protest at St. Joseph, MI courthouse in defense of Rev. Edward Pinkney, a community leader, jailed for standing up for the poor against corporate power. Center: Cheri Honkala; Right: Dr. Jill Stein.
PHOTO/DIANE BEREK

COLDWATER, MI — My name is Rev. Edward Pinkney. I am in prison in Coldwater, Michigan, a victim of racism and corporate power in Berrien County, Michigan. I am an internationally recognized activist who fights for justice for all, and I am president of the Black Autonomy Network Community Organization (BANCO).
I was accused of a crime I did not commit. Because I exercised my democratic right to recall Benton Harbor Mayor James Hightower, who supports the Whirlpool Corporation and not the residents of Benton Harbor, I was charged with five felony counts of changing dates on petitions! I was sentenced to 30 months to ten years. This is a death sentence for a 66-year-old man.
While I was out-of-town celebrating my wife’s birthday on April 25, 2014, the Benton Harbor police blocked my street with its military trucks and sent in the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team to arrest me on these trumped-up charges.
There was absolutely no evidence against me and none was presented at the trial that would implicate me of any wrongdoing. I am being punished by the criminal Berrien County justice system and local authorities in the service of Whirlpool, a multi-billion dollar global corporation with headquarters in Benton Harbor. As a long time resident of Benton Harbor, I opposed Whirlpool’s plan of land takeover to gentrify Benton Harbor and turn the area into a multi-million dollar golf resort and playground for the wealthy elites. I have watched the loss of jobs, homes, and dignity for the residents of Benton Harbor as a result of their actions. I have also spoken out against the attack on democracy in the governor’s appointment of Emergency Managers in place of democratically elected officials to guarantee corporate profits in Benton Harbor (and other Michigan cities).
For my active outspokenness, I am paying a debt to society, which I do not owe, with my life, my family life, and my community.
A motion for bond pending appeal has been filed with the Michigan Court of Appeals. There were numerous violations of my human rights during my trial. Three witnesses testified that I was not present when petition dates were altered. The prosecutor was allowed to use my community activity as “evidence.” This is a serious violation of my First Amendment rights and due process.  The judge and prosecutor worked together as a team against me because of their support for Whirlpool. In addition, we have evidence that some of the all white jurists knew each other, but did not reveal their relationships to the court.
It is our duty to hold all elected officials, judges, prosecutors and law-enforcement accountable. All corrupt officials must be tried and imprisoned.  We must demand that the news media print the truth. We must stand together and bring down the corrupt criminal justice system, not just in Berrien County, but all across America.
Editor’s note: Please publicize this statement far and wide. Raise funds for Pinkney’s appeal. Send donations for the appeal to BANCO, 1940 Union Street, Benton Harbor, MI 49022.

+ Articles by this author

Free to republish but please credit the People's Tribune. Visit us at www.peoplestribune.org, email peoplestribune@gmail.com, or call 773-486-3551.

The People’s Tribune brings you articles written by individuals or organizations, along with our own reporting. Bylined articles reflect the views of the authors. Unsigned articles reflect the views of the editorial board. Please credit the source when sharing: ©2024 peoplestribune.org. Please donate to help us keep bringing you voices of the movement. Click here. We’re all volunteer, no paid staff.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Featured

Journalist Says Why ‘I Can No Longer Work With Reuters’

A photojournalist says why it is impossible for her to maintain a relationship with Reuters "given its role in justifying and enabling the systematic assassination of 245 journalists in Gaza."

Abrego Garcia Detained Again, Could be Deported to Uganda

Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran immigrant worker, was freed from detention in Tennessee Aug. 22 and then re-arrested by ICE on Aug. 25 in Maryland. The Trump administration is trying to deport Abrego Garcia to Uganda.

An Open Letter to Mayor Matt Mahan of San Jose, CA.

From the San Jose CA Frontlines: Stop the sweeps. Unhoused people want a safe place to stay. All people should be respected, shown compassion, understanding.

Global Food Authority Declares Catastrophic Famine in Gaza

On Aug. 22, the world's top authority on hunger crises officially declared that a catastrophe-level famine in Gaza exists—a humanitarian disaster engineered by Israel's relentless blockade of food aid and other life-saving supplies.

Thousands of Texans Protest Trump’s Redistricting Plan To Get More Votes

The Texas capitol of Austin saw 5,000 people protesting Trump’s unconstitutional redistricting plan and other issues threatening our democracy.

More from the People's Tribune