Appeals court hears case of Rev. Pinkney
By Ashahed M. MuhammadAssistant Editor | Last updated: Jul 2, 2009 - 9:22:09 PM
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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (FinalCall.com) - The Michigan State Court of Appeals heard arguments here on June 9 in the case of Benton Harbor activist Rev. Edward Pinkney.
The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan (L) pictured with Rev. Edward Pinkney after visiting him at his Benton Harbor home June 9. Rev. Pinkney is under house arrest and is monitored electronically 24-hours a day. Photo: Ashahed Muhammad
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The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan was present and seated next to Rev. Pinkney's supportive wife Dorothy to observe the court proceedings, which lasted a little under an hour. Rasul Muhammad, Michigan representative of the Nation of Islam, was accompanied by members of Muhammad Mosque No.1 in Detroit who were also on hand.
Prior to the start of the hearing Min. Farrakhan was whisked in by members of his security detail. Onlookers lined the hallways, waved and snapped pictures with their cell phones and digital cameras. Several thanked Min. Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam for supporting Rev. Pinkney and bringing nationwide attention to the case.
The Minister spoke in defense of Rev. Pinkney in Benton Harbor June 5 in a message simulcast live throughout the region and the nation.
Belinda Brown, a member of the Black Autonomy Network Community Organization (BANCO) founded by Rev. Pinkney, told The Final Call that Min. Farrakhan's presence is exactly what the people of Benton Harbor need.
“I'm so grateful for Minister Louis Farrakhan,” said Ms. Brown. “His message was very inspiring for the people, and he brought the support and the national attention that the people have longed for. He has not only given us hope, but also given us the spirit of unity.”
Following the hearing, Min. Farrakhan, accompanied by his son, Mustapha Farrakhan, Supreme Captain of the Nation of Islam, traveled 35 minutes to visit Rev. Pinkney, at his Benton Harbor home. Also present for the meeting were Student Minister Marcus Muhammad, Benton Harbor's Nation of Islam representative, and Thomas Muhammad who directs the Nation of Islam's national protocol department.
Rev. Pinkney was originally convicted in 2007 on election fraud charges and given probation. Supporters maintain these were trumped up charges and the ruling was retaliation for Rev. Pinkney's outspokenness and activism. After being denied a new trial by Berrien County judge Alfred Butzbaugh, Rev. Pinkney wrote an editorial in the November-December 2007 edition of the Chicago-based People's Tribune, in which he paraphrased a portion of Deuteronomy Chapter 28 dealing with God's judgment.
A different Berrien County judge, Dennis Wiley, ruled Rev. Pinkney's written words constituted a threat against Judge Butzbaugh which violated the terms of his probation and rendered a 3-10 year sentence. With the aid of lawyers from the Michigan American Civil Liberties Union, Rev. Pinkney was released on bond in late December 2008, however, he must wear an electronic monitoring device, for which he has to pay $105 per week, and he is not allowed to give speeches, not even in his own church.
Within the next 60 days, the appeals court should deliver a ruling, which could result in Rev. Pinkney's original conviction being vacated, going all the way back to the original case ruling by Judge Butzbaugh. At the very least, Rev. Pinkney expects to be released from house arrest.
Despite the circumstances, Rev. Pinkney said he is neither depressed nor discouraged and is “very confident” that the subsequent ruling from the appellate court will be in his favor.
“I got them just where I want them,” said Rev. Pinkney, who said he was “overwhelmed” by the fact that Min. Farrakhan actually came to his house, describing it as a “bonding.”
Rev. Pinkney said Benton Harbor police have been watching him. Even while the men were inside his house meeting, police drove by several times.
“They've been watching me so much, but I like for them to watch me because that means I am a worthy person,” he said. “If they're not watching you, then you have to be a little worried.”
Related link:
Quote the Bible, go to prison? (FCN, 06-24-2009)