Nation : Sharpton Freed From N.Y. Jail

Activist Al Sharpton spent a few hours in jail for his role in a 1987 protest that stalled city subways but was released early today pending an appeal of his conviction.

Brooklyn Criminal Judge Albert Koch on Tuesday found Sharpton and two other black activists guilty of obstruction of governmental administration, criminal trespass and disorderly conduct. He ordered them jailed immediately for 45 days. The three had faced up to six months in jail.

“Crack dealers will walk out of this courthouse today; muggers and robbers will walk out of this building today, and we will go to jail,” Sharpton told the judge after the sentencing. “Just give me a glass of water each day.”