Forwarded from SF8 Defense Cttee.
One charge remains in SF8
case, but the last conspiracy charge was dropped.
In court December 3, the
prosecution dropped the conspiracy charge against Francisco (Cisco) Torres, citing lack of evidence. The defense has argued from the
beginning that the conspiracy charges against the San Francisco 8 from 37 years
ago had no validity because the statute of limitations passed long ago. The
state's motion to dismiss this count two (conspiracy) tacitly acknowledges the defense
arguments which had already led to dismissing the conspiracy charges against
Richard O'Neal, Herman Bell, Hank Jones, Ray Boudreaux, Richard
Brown, and Harold Taylor.
Motion to dismiss: prejudicial
delay
The next court date is
scheduled for January 7 (at 9:00 a.m.
in Department 22) when the defense and prosecution will present to the
court a joint statement of uncontested facts bearing on the defense motion to
dismiss the remaining charge against Cisco (count one, murder) on the grounds
of prejudicial delay. If there are contested facts that either side feels
is pertinent to the determination of the motion to dismiss then the court
on January 7 will decide whether to resolve the issues relative to the
contested facts before, during or after the preliminary hearing.
A strong turn out of supporters
made clear the continuing attention the case is getting.
The Preliminary Hearing remains
scheduled for February 18, 2010.
Support Cisco, come to court
January 7. Drop all charges!