Judge acquits Franklin Mills antiwar protesters
A Philadelphia judge on Monday acquitted six New York City antiwar protesters charged criminally Sept. 12 in a demonstration outside the U.S. Army's high-tech Army Experience Center at Franklin Mills Mall.
A Philadelphia judge on Monday acquitted six New York City antiwar protesters charged criminally Sept. 12 in a demonstration outside the U.S. Army's high-tech Army Experience Center at Franklin Mills Mall.
Defense attorney Paul J. Hetznecker said Municipal Court Judge James M. DeLeon acquitted the six of charges of conspiracy and failure to disperse during a protest by about 200 demonstrators at the Army exhibit and recruiting center. Hetznecker said video of the six activists showed them disbanding and leaving before they were arrested.
The $12-million Army facility, part of a program to help the Army meet recruiting goals, has drawn crowds because, in addition to recruiting information, it offers computer games and sports television. Antiwar activists, however, object to the weaponry simulators that are popular with teens but which protesters say glorify killing and stereotypes of enemy forces.
- Joseph A. Slobodzian