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Newsreel
Cops Charge Cancer Patient for Cannabis
DIAMOND BAR, CA (April 15, 2015) - Acting on a tip, uniformed police in Diamond Bar knocked on the door of a residence in July of2014. La’Prill O’Brien was home alone with her two children, ages 7 and 15. Through the window, La’Prill could see the police outside and immediately called her husband Rick, who was living in Arizona at the time. Finally relenting to the pounding, she opened the door.  Relenting she gave them entry. Inside, police officers began intimidating the family. As her 15-year-old son attempted to film, a cop threatened to body slam him if he did not stop. La’Prill was then escorted outside to a waiting police car where she remained as 11 police cars rolled up in the quiet neighborhood in the affluent city. Her son was told if he tried to film them again they would lock him up in the most n***** (derogatory expletive for African-American) infested group home they had. Neither Rick nor La’Prill has a criminal record.They are both upstanding citizens, La’Prill with a BS in psychology and Rick with a background in criminal justice (insert irony here). She has suffered from ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, endured radiation treatment and chemotherapy, and six surgeries over the course of ten years. She began using Cannabis to alleviate the pain and nausea that the disease and treatment gave her. She was able to reduce her opioid medication, stating that “cannabis was able to take away the pain”. The police charged La’Prill and Rick with cultivation, as well as child endangerment and subsequently took three of her five children into custody. The oldest boy had been housed in south central Compton, true to the threat. La’Prill was held for five days, never being allowed a phone call and was released in Pomona, at night, without her phone, no money, as if she was homeless and without any resource. Finally, her children were released from custody, but the trauma has left its mark. Once straight A students, her children now struggle to make average grades. The CPS caseworker that called upon them stated he had real cases to attend to and this was just a waste of his time. For once, CPS did the right thing and advocated for dismissal of any trumped up endangerment. Still Rick and La’Prill still face cultivation charges, even though her recommendation was valid. Visit The Human Solution International at www.thsintl.org to find information on how you can help end prohibition because, "No One Should Go To Jail For A Plant!" About The Human Solution International:THSI is a grassroots federally recognized 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, which includes over 50 chapters. THSI supports members of the community through the trials they face as cannabis consumers through court support, prison outreach, and education. Members believe that standing together in solidarity against this unfair treatment of civil rights will keep people out of prison for a plant which has been proven to hold many medicinal and health benefits. By Mike Harris The Human Solution International A 501(c)(3) Civil Rights OrganizationPh: (951) 934-0055 Fx: (520) 509-6845 Email: media@thsintl.org www.thsintl.org No One Should Go To Jail For A Plant! ### |
Activist’s Child Detained by Police During School Drug Education Program
Garden City, KANSAS (April 10, 2015) - Tuesday, March 24th, started out just like any other day for mother of 2, Shona Banda. However, CEO of The Human Solution International (THSI), Joe Grumbine, was contacted in the late afternoon by Shona with the disturbing news that her 11-year-old child had been detained by authorities at school. This took place during a drug education class guided by school counselors and local police. Shona is a published author, who has been a cannabis activist for many years and is a very well-known inspirational figure within the medical cannabis ‘movement’.  As Shona’s son listened to the misinformation given by authorities to his class during the drug education presentation, he courageously spoke up and informed them that the information they were relating was incorrect in regards to cannabis. He was pulled from class and sent to the office for questioning by authorities without his mother present. When he failed to return home from school, Banda contacted the school only to be told that her son had be detained by authorities. She went to the station, where she was informed that she was not being detained, but that they were obtaining a search warrant on her home and that she would not be permitted to enter the residence until the search was executed. During the raid, authorities confiscated an alleged mere 2 ounces of cannabis flower and 1 ounce of cannabis oil. Banda has yet to be charged and was able to go home after the raid. Shona had a hearing, which seemed to be going her way until the judge spoke up about how many charges she was going to be facing as a result of the raid on her home. It was recommended that her son be placed into the custody of her ex, the boy's father. Luckily, he lives very close-by and she has not been denied visits with her son. Shona's next court date, is ironically schedule for 4/20. She has no idea what will ensue next as a result of her son's courageous words, but says, "they don't have a clue that I'm walking in with [my] head held high, proud of who I am and what I do." Visit The Human Solution International at www.thsintl.org to find information on how you can help end prohibition because, "No One Should Go To Jail For A Plant!"About The Human Solution International: THSI is a grassroots federally recognized 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that includes over 50 chapters. THSI supports members of the community through the trials they face as cannabis consumers through court support, prison outreach, and education. Members believe that standing together in solidarity against this unfair treatment of civil rights will keep people out of prison for a plant which has been proven to hold many medicinal and health benefits. By Danielle Vitale - O’Brien The Human Solution International A 501(c)(3) Civil Rights Organization Ph: (951) 934-0055 Fx: (520) 509-6845 Email: media@thsintl.org http://www.thsintl.org No One Should Go To Jail For A Plant! ### UPDATE 4/15/15Shona's GoFundMe page can be found here: http://bit.ly/1zgzT7s Thank you in advance for your support of this courageous family! |
City of Fullerton Conspires to Silence Free Press Following Hung Jury in #LivestreamOnTrial
After the jury returned a hung verdict, the Fullerton district attorney announced their intent to retry independent journalist livestreamers AJ Redkey and PM Beers for their presence at the January 18, 2014 protests of the police murder of Kelly Thomas. #FilmThePolice #FreeThePress #LivestreamOnTrial #opFullerton
Following the January 2014 acquittal of Fullerton police officers Manuel Ramos and Jay Cicinelli for beating Kelly Thomas to death, outraged people took to the streets for a day of protest against police murder and violence against the unarmed citizenry.
After hours of freedom of expression by several hundred concerned citizens, the Fullerton Police Department declared the assembly to be unlawful on the grounds that two people had been arrested for vandalism (including graffiti on the police headquarters) and a potentially “violent” scuffle had broken out between a protester and a KCBS camera operator. Armored tanks and battalions of riot cops entered the scene. Protesters were ordered to disperse from the intersection of Highland and Commonwealth in downtown Fullerton.
A crowd of over two hundred people thinned into smaller numbers. According to the OC Weekly, a group of about 75 people headed towards Kelly’s Corner, to the bus depot where police officers Manuel Ramos, Jay Cicinelli, and Joseph Wolfe beat Kelly Thomas to death on July 5, 2011. Hours later, as night fell, people who attempted to march back to the police station reported it was still blocked by a line of riot cops bearing batons, pepper spray, zip-tie handcuffs, and “less-lethal weapons” such as rubber bullet shotguns.
Livestreamer PM Beers interviewed a witness whose friend had just been snatched off the street by police. After following police who got out of a patrol car, she witnessed the arrest of another one of the people with whom she had been marching all day. When she tried to leave the scene herself, she ended up streaming her own arrest live across the Internet.
Livestreamer AJ Redkey also filmed the police at locations around downtown Fullerton throughout the day, but he was never arrested. The Fullerton Police Department waited until May 7, 2014, the day before a planned protest of unlawful arrests at Fullerton’s North Justice Center, to stalk and arrest him at another rally in Pasadena. A “snatch squad” of six Fullerton police officers—four undercover and two in uniform—traveled 75 miles out of their jurisdiction to arrest the independent journalist, an event which was filmed by another livestreamer from inLeague Press.
Yes, you read that right. Indepdendent journalist AJ Redkey was arrested for “failure to disperse” nearly four months after he left (or dispersed from) the area of downtown Fullerton.
Fullerton escalated their assault against freedom of the press by prosecuting Beers and Redkey in a jury trial that began on March 16, 2015. Charged with violating California penal code section 409 (failure to disperse from unlawful assembly), the defendants face a maximum of 6 months in jail if convicted of the misdemeanor charge. A jury of ten women and two men was empanelled for three days of trial arguments beginning March 17, 2015.Deputy District Attorney Matt Mattis presented extensive
evidence about three other events that day in Fullerton: the vandalism of the
small business Slidebar, graffiti spray-painted on the police department, and
the confrontation between a bandana-wearing protester and a member of the KCBS
camera crew. The convicted perpetrators of those crimes were named throughout
the trial. DA Mattis clearly stated defendants Redkey and Beers were never
violent and never vandalized, but argued they were guilty of a crime for being
present at a location that was declared to be an “unlawful assembly” and
willfully remaining after the order was given.
http://la.indymedia.org/news/2015/03/267720.php
The district attorney pointed out in closing arguments that he never mentioned the First Amendment because it was “not relevant” to this case. During the trial, defense attorney Derek Bercher described PM Beers as an “embedded” journalist providing an unfiltered view from ground level. Defense attorney John Raphling presented AJ Redkey’s style as “Comedy Central” instead of “Fox News or MSNBC” journalism.
According to the prosecution’s theory of the crime, out of 200 protesters, “197 were fine” but “there were three bad actors” who “ruined it for everybody,” therefore meeting the requirements for an unlawful assembly. The defense countered that if one person breaks a window after a baseball game, the entire assembly is not rendered unlawful.
Addressing the legal nature of the assembly, defense counsel observed, “willful lawbreakers don’t livestream” their activities. Also, “guess what folks, someone has to be the last to disperse.”
The district attorney narrowed the definition of terms in his closing argument: “It isn’t dispersing when you move at the end of a baton,” he said, in reference to defendant Redkey.
Defense attorney Bercher declared, “There is no playbook for protesting,” after asking jury to recall that the police witnesses had discussed their own rules of engagement. “Protesters have to rely on the behavior of the police” who were playing a “cat and mouse game” with the crowd on the streets of Fullerton that day.
Attorney Ralphing reminded the jury how his client, Mr. Redkey, asked during one part of the video evidence if he was standing far enough away, and received a “you’re good” in response from one riot cop. The police “gave a signal they would be patient” with their multiple warnings, and they “can’t come in court and change the rules and say immediately means a certain amount of time.”
Both defense attorneys told the jury the assembly of Saturday, January 18, 2014 in Fullerton was not unlawful in nature; therefore no crime was committed because penal code 409 does not apply.
After deliberating for part of the afternoon of Thursday, March 19th and the morning of Monday, March 23rd, the jury reported that they were unable to reach a verdict. The jury never reached the point of deliberating the guilt of either defendant; they deadlocked 11-1 deciding whether the assembly was unlawful or not.
In other words, one person held firm in their conviction that the assembly was fully lawful in nature.
After a recess for lunch, the DA told the court, "The people of the state of California intend to retry the case."
Why is the City of Fullerton allocating so many resources to harass people for the exercise of their constitutionally-guaranteed First Amendment rights to freedom of speech, assembly, and press? Both PM Beers and AJ Redkey have spoken out against police brutality and the criminalization of the homeless during the public commentary period of Fullerton City Council meetings. Both have also devoted hundreds of hours to filming the police and encourage others to pick up their cameras and “be the media,” as well.
"I feel like I have a responsibility when police are
outside of their cars to film them," Beers told the OC Weekly after her arrest. "If I had left, the situation would not have been as safe."
As AJ Redkey explained on The Anti-Media Radio, “The biggest threat to them is the fact that there is no editor. There is nobody manipulating the story so one side looks better than the other.” He continued, “Not only do we have no editors, but tomorrow there will be another 25 livestreamers filming the inadequacies of police departments, checking them, keeping them real. If I was a machine that liked to operate behind closed doors, I would love for it to continue working like it is.”
“Everybody needs to livestream,” says PM Beers.
Citizen media volunteers like Redkey and Beers provide critical transparency during riskiest time of any protest—when police set up skirmish lines.
The public official prosecuting this case called the First Amendment “not relevant.” The Bill of Rights prohibits the making of any law abridging the freedom of speech, infringing on the freedom of the press, interfering with the right to peaceably assemble or prohibiting the petitioning for a governmental redress of grievances.
Aware observers of the court-industrial complex note penal code 409 seems only ever to be used against freedom of assembly, as well as free speech and free press activity—how is this law constitutional in the first place?!?
Law enforcement and the city government of Fullerton comprise a vast continuing criminal enterprise terrorizing independent thinkers. Taxpayer dollars were used to send multiple armored tanks and battalions of police in riot gear to arrest and jail people engaged in freedom of expression on January 18, 2014. Even more resources were devoted to kidnapping one more journalist nearly four months after the event. Since then, the district attorney’s office has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to take these two independent journalists to trial, only to lose, and has now declared intent to tie up the court system further with these frivolous charges. By approving the budget for these police activities, the city council is making the taxpayers at large a part of their conspiracy to criminalize people for legal activities such as peaceful assembly and filming the police.
A pre-trial conference is set for April 17 at the North
Justice Center (Fullerton, CA) in the re-filed cases of People v. Beers and
People v. Redkey. Everyone is encouraged to call the Orange County DA at (714)
773-4480 to let them know how you feel about spending more tax dollars to retry a
misdemeanor case resulting from peaceful, legal journalistic expression.
Published March 23, 2015 by United States v. Marijuana.
http://la.indymedia.org/news/2015/03/267720.php
Live Tweeting From #LivestreamOnTrial Closing Arguments in Fullerton, CA (3/19/2015)
Live tweets from closing arguments in the trial of People v. Beers, and People v. Redkey, two citizen journalists who were arrested livestreaming the January 2014 protests of the "not guilty" verdicts in the police murder of Fullerton resident Kelly Thomas.
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Dustin Costa Denied Medical Care in Federal Prison
(Florence, Colorado-November 10, 2014) Dustin Costa has served nearly ten years in the USP Florence ADMAX satellite camp. He is diabetic suffering from an infection in his foot. Dustin is in an extreme amount of pain and Tylenol is the only pain relief offered. What is worse is that he is not being given the proper medical attention his condition deserves. Costa states his infection is spreading and he is being denied antibiotics. They want to bypass the antibiotics and solve the problem by draining the wound. Costa feels this decision puts his life at risk. The Human Solution International is requesting supporters to rise up and answer a call to action that begs the system to follow the law. THSI is asking people to write letters and to call the penitentiary requesting Costa be treated with the medical attention the constitution requires. Please send letters to: RE: Dustin Costa #62406-097 P.O. Box 5000 Florence Co. 81226 Calling the penitentiary is an effective and quick way to make a difference in Dustins quality of care. The phone number to the USP satellite camp is 719-784-9464. For more information regarding support for Dustin Costa and others like him, visit: The Human Solution International at http://www.thsintl.org. By Mindi Griffiths Joe Grumbine The Human Solution International a 501(c)(3) organization Ph: (951) 436-6312 Fax: (520) 509-6845 Email: media@thsintl.org http://www.thsintl.org No one should go to jail for a plant! |
DeLisi Has Hope For Freedom as The Human Solution announces “The DeLisi Project”
Richard DeLisi has been incarcerated since 1989 for non violent cannabis offenses and is serving 3 thirty year sentences.Bartow, Florida. November 6, 2014. The Human Solution International (thsintl.org) has launched its newest endeavor "The DeLisi Project". In 1989, Richard “Richie” DeLisi, 67, was sentenced to 90 years in a Florida court for smuggling marijuana. "We would like to flood the judge with letters of support from all over the world for Richie’s immediate release", said President Joe Grumbine. "It's a very simple project in concept, but it has a profound impact on the judges decision. It's time to send him home to his family now."Daughter Ashley DeLisi, 29 was 3 yrs old when her father was incarcerated and is now anxiously awaiting December 1st when Judge Michael E Raiden (255 No Broadway Bartow FL 33830) revisits the DeLisi's case. She is hoping the judge will let him finally come home and live out his remaining years with her in Kentucky. “He’s not in good health and I’d like for us to get to know each other. It hasn’t been easy for us outside of prison. He has grandchildren he has never met." The state of Florida has spent over $400,000 to keep this non-violent man behind bars for 25 years. The United States houses more non-violent prisoners than anywhere else in the world, meaning we have many families unnecessarily affected by the war. THSI member Stacy Theis will drive her "Cannabus" to a rally outside the courthouse on November 30th. She will be picking up other members on her "Journey For Justice" across the country. The organization has identified over fifty prisoners doing life for cannabis. Over 750,000 prisoners incarcerated for cannabis related charges annually in the United States alone. In 2012, one FBI report stated there is one cannabis arrest every 42 seconds! This has resulted in an exploding privatized prison industry. "No one should have to spend their life in prison, or die for our plant! Murderers get less time than Richie, and Richies crime left no victims!", stated Kristin Flor, VP at THSI. She is working with an anonymous volunteer in Florida who is filming a documentary on the DeLisi case. ### The Human Solution International, a 501(c)3 organization, dedicated to ending cannabis prohibition, supporting defendants, prisoners and families of the drug war through their Adopt-A-Prisoner Program, courtroom support and many other outreach events. Contact: Sharen Marsall Phone: (951)934-0055 Email:media@thsintl.org |
"Almost half of American states have taken steps to legalise cannabis. The federal government should follow," says The Economist
After voters in Alakska, Oregon, and the District of Columbia voted on November 4, 2014 to legalize marijuana (and voters in Florida came up just short of the 60% majority required to change their state's constitution to allow for medical marijuana), The Economist is calling for the federal government to follow the lead of the states and legalize cannabis. "The federal government and Congress should face up to the reality that across swathes of America, pot is now all but legal—and voters want it that way. They should redirect their efforts to making it as well-regulated as booze and cigarettes." "Marijuana Milestone: Almost Half of American States Have Taken Steps to Legalise Cannabis. The Federal Government Should Follow." Editorial. The Economist 8 Nov. 2014: n. pag. The Economist. The Economist. Web. <http://www.economist.com/news/leaders/21631029-almost-half-american-states-have-taken-steps-legalise-cannabis-federal-government>. |
Daughter of Richard Delisi Speaks Out
October 25, 2014- California Ashley Delisi is the daughter of Richard Delisi. Delisi has been incarcerated since 1989 for non-violent cannabis charges and is serving 3 thirty year sentences Ashley is pleading for Judge Michael Raiden to re-sentence her father properly and facilitate his release. She was three when she lost her father to the war on drugs. Richard is not the only one who has suffered. “I have been in prison my entire life. Maybe not physically, but mentally, with my dad,” explained Ashley. The toll Delisi’s incarceration has had on his family is immeasurable including the death of his wife and his son from pill overdoses. Ashley herself has suffered from depression and anxiety disorder and multiple other health issues due to the loss of her father. She wants to get to know her father. Ashley wants to help him rebuild his life one step at a time. “My dad doesn't even know how to use a cell phone. I will teach him,” she said. The Human Solution International has launched a nationwide call to action to free Richard immediately. They have requested all supporters at the Bartlow Courthouse in Polk November 7, 2014 at 1:00 PM and to sign a petition created by Richard’s daughter Ashley at https://www.change.org/. Finally, THSI urges letters to be written requesting the judge to be lenient. Please send letters to: Honorable Judge Michael Raiden Polk County Courthouse 255 N Broadway Bartow Fl. 33830-9000 For more information regarding support for Richard Delisi and cannabis cases in your area visit The Human Solution International at http://www.thsintl.org. By Mindi Griffiths Joe Grumbine The Human Solution International a 501(c)(3) organization Ph: (951) 436-6312 Fax: (520) 509-6845 Email: media@thsintl.org http://www.thsintl.org No one should go to jail for a plant! |
Defendant's Faith Being Judged in Court on Cannabis Cultivation Charges
CANYON CITY, OREGON (October 30, 2014) -- Joy Graves and Raymond Martin are facing cultivation of cannabis charges. Judge Cramer opened Graves and Martin’s hearing questioning the validity of discussing the spiritual aspect of the case. District Attorney Matt Ipson did not raise an objection so the judge concluded the court would listen anyway. Church Elder James Warren 'Flaming Eagle' Mooney was the first witness called by the defense. He testified to the validity of Graves branch of the Oklevueha Native American Church. Mooney testified to the history of cannabis as a sacrament and healing plant on our planet and the important way the earth based faith uses it for worship. The district attorney questioned Mooney’s testimony by saying cannabis came to The U.S. from Mexico. Mooney laughed and stated that he felt it was a ridiculous statement and that cannabis grows all over the world. Mooney then let out a “Geesh,” that appeared to express his dismay. Joy Graves was the next to testify. She discussed the importance of cannabis in her spiritual path. She confirmed her church is federally recognized as a spiritual institution. Graves also pled with the court to dismiss the case due to a lack of jurisdiction. She states this matter is federally protected and not in the realm of the states control. Martin’s public defender reminded the court that It is okay for alcohol to be part of a religious ceremony and served to minors and cannabis should not be different. After two and a half hours of testimony the Judge determined more time would be needed for this motion hearing. He dropped the no contact order placed between the defendants. Joy is Raymond's spiritual adviser and they are now allowed to see each other. They are not allowed to use intoxicants. Joy is thrilled the judge acknowledged the church as a valid spiritual entity. The next court date is scheduled for November 5, 2014 but will likely be continued to December 4, 2014 at 3:30 PM. For more information regarding support for Joy, Raymond and cannabis cases in your area visit The Human Solution International at http://www.thsintl.org. By Mindi Griffiths
The Human Solution International a 501(c)(3) organization Ph: (951) 436-6312 Fax: (520) 509-6845 Email: media@thsintl.org http://www.thsintl.org
No one should go to jail for a plant! ### |
Richard Delisi Calls Radio Program (October 2014)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 26, 2014- California “Thank you from the bottom of my heart,” says Richard to Joe Grumbine on his Sunday morning radio program. Joe had not planned on hearing from Delisi and the surprise was evident in his voice. When POW’s call in to the program they risk their freedom. Richard told listeners he had reached out to organizations for help and THSI answered his call. According to Delisi he had contacted NORML and was refused support due to having two convictions. THSI has launched a nationwide campaign to free Richard Delisi. Richard says it helps. “I can feel everyone out there… it’s with me all of the time.” Ashley Delisi and Richards friends are pleading with the country to express outrage over a man being in prison for a non violent crime, over a plant. THSI urges letters to be written requesting the judge to be lenient. Please send letters to: Honorable Judge Michael Raiden Polk County Courthouse 255 N Broadway Bartow Fl. 33830-9000
For more information regarding support for Richard Delisi and cannabis cases in your area visit The Human Solution International at http://www.thsintl.org.
### For more information please contact Joe Grumbine The Human Solution International a 501(c)(3) organization Ph: (951) 436-6312 Fax: (520) 509-6845 Email: media@thsintl.org http://www.thsintl.org
No one should go to jail for a plant!
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