Another day, another antifascist successfully beats all charges after The International Anti-Fascist Defence Fund helps him pay to hire a decent lawyer! Here's what Leif had to say after winning in court on Tuesday:
"ALL ASSAULT CHARGES DROPPED, THANKS TO YOU! 🏳️⚧️
Today's trial date took an unexpected turn for the better! Due in large part to your show of support, Leif and his lawyer were able to secure a plea deal which eliminated all 3 of the assault charges, and the fascists are seething mad!
🏳️⚧️ WHY TAKE A PLEA DEAL? 🏳️⚧️
Some of the witnesses for the prosecution included a 12-year-old whose testimony was being coerced by extremist parents. As Leif is an abolitionist and an advocate for children he decided that it would be unethical to proceed with such a trial. Furthermore, his lawyer was able to secure the plea in a way which would not entail jail time, which is a priority for Leif at this time due to an unrelated skateboarding injury which requires extensive orthopedic care.
🏳️⚧️ WHAT HAPPENS NOW? 🏳️⚧️
Leif will plead to a lesser misdemeanor and be sentenced on December 6th at 10:30am. Join us for his hearing, and continue to show the court that the community is watching and holding them accountable! You can also still donate to Leif's ongoing legal expenses - one of the fascists who accused him is watching the fundraiser and whining about it on social media. YOU TOO CAN SUPPORT LEIF AND MAKE THE FASCISTS CRY!
http://spot.fund/lwhhjsc
"If they are willing to drop the assault charges - and they are willing now, because the assault charges were bullshit which they knew all along - then it doesn't make sense to me to put myself in front of this particular jury with my injury on the line. If they decide to be bigots about the case, there's no way a jail is going to provide me with the extensive follow-up care and physical therapy I'm going to need. Plus this knight guy showed up to court today in his whole chainmail costume, and this is making me realize that he is probably way more mentally ill than I realized. This dude needs help, not more attention. Why subject vulnerable individuals like that to the stress and scrutiny of the injustice system?" - Leif
You can help us keep our winning track record of helping antifascists fight charges in court and win! Make a contribution to the Defence Fund today: https://bit.ly/DefendAntifa