San Diego
The trial of eight anti-abortion activists charged with trespassing during protests at San Diego-area clinics began Friday amid a continuous stream of objections from prosecutors and defense lawyers.
Defense attorneys Gregory Anthony and Daniel Winfree said Friday in San Diego Municipal Court that the protesters were involved in “peaceful political activity”--an exception to the city code under which the activists were cited.
The trial is considered a prelude to the cases of 134 activists who have been charged with more serious misdemeanors stemming from protests April 8, 29 and June 10. The first of those trials begins next Wednesday in Municipal Court, involving eight activists charged with conspiracy.
If convicted of the trespass charges, the eight now on trial each could be sentenced to a maximum of a $250 fine. The case resumes Monday before court Commissioner James L. Duchnick.
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