NORTH HOLLYWOOD : U.S. Prosecutors Delay Action on Clinic Protesters

Federal officials are postponing a decision on whether to prosecute 24 anti-abortion demonstrators until Los Angeles prosecutors decide what they will do, the U.S. attorney’s office said Monday.

The demonstrators were arrested during an Operation Rescue rally May 27 at Women’s Medical Clinic in North Hollywood.

Assistant U.S. Atty. David Fields said prosecutors have the option of charging the demonstrators under the federal Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances law. “We’re deferring prosecution until the state--[in this case] the city attorney’s office--completes its effort in prosecuting these people,” Fields said.

The Los Angeles city attorney’s office said the demonstrators face possible state prosecution on such counts as trespassing, resisting arrest and blocking public access. City prosecutors will decide on any state charges by June 21, when arraignment is set in Los Angeles Municipal Court.