by Kevin Gosztola
Meanwhile, back in NY Criminal Court on Feb. 4, the Manhattan DA offered Ray an ACD (Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal), meaning the charges against him of illegal trespass and resisting arrest will disappear after six months, IF Ray behaves as a “law-abiding citizen.” Ably advised by Moira Meltzer-Cohen, his pro bono attorney, Ray accepted the offer.
The Judge then asked him if he understood that he had to be a “law-abiding citizen” for the next six months. The defendant overcame the temptation to comment at some length and replied simply, “I do.” (On learning this, Rita labeled it Ray’s shortest speech ever.) The Judge said nothing about the First Amendment, so Ray is assuming it is still in effect.
After his short “speech,” Ray was interviewed for two minutes in front of the Criminal Court by RT: