Editor’s note: This article illustrates the dangerous political climate fighters, in this case for basic needs such as safe water, face in Michigan.
FLINT, MI — Gertrude Marshall was arrested in October, 2015, while protesting the water situation at the Flint Farmers Market. When one of the “security guards” snatched the bullhorn out of Ms. Marshall’s hand, an altercation ensued. Another “security guard” joined in and witnesses, along with Ms. Marshall, say that she was defending herself against physical brutality by the so-called guards. When the dust was cleared, she was charged with a misdemeanor, assault and battery, and attempted assault and battery. Gertrude Marshall has maintained her innocence throughout this whole ordeal.
With “Sliced and diced” video evidence, the jury found her guilty. At the sentencing on July 8, Judge Cathy Doud shocked the courtroom when she accused Ms. Marshall of “making a fool of yourself” at the protest. She went on to compare her role in the incident to “what happened in Dallas,” where five Dallas police officers were killed. Judge Doud threw the book at defendant Marshall (just shy of jail time.) She got two years strict probation, community service, anger management classes, and hundreds of dollars in fines. She is appealing her conviction.
