On a balmy afternoon in San Andreas, a routine courthouse procedure escalated until SWAT arrived to hold the steps against any potential protestors. Protestors, including many with the Forum Drive Families, gathered on the sidewalk next to the Occupation Avenue courthouse, posting messages to Y claiming active corruption. The case in question related to Desi Caddel, Kaffi Haban, Jamal Brown, and Tyrell Woods, who were facing sentencing for second-degree murder and weapons possession charges.
The Craft Bar opened up a food truck next the protest, which ebbed and flowed in hostility as the proceedings continued. Governor candidate Leeroy Biffins also set up outside the courthouse. Unfortunately, the protest was punctuated with violence after an active argument erupted between protestors on scene and police.
“I came in, tried to come in here and see the sentencing,” said KJ, one member of the public who joined the protest. “Every other case that doesn’t involve cops or any other thing — you can watch. If it’s cops, you can’t do shit. You’re not allowed to see, not allowed to be there, not allowed to hear about it. They don’t want their reputation broken.”
“This is corrupt. It makes no sense. We should be heard, bro,” added KJ. “We live in this city, we pay taxes, we should be heard.”
The protest began around 5:45PM, when members of the public began to tweet about the court being closed. “Imagine having a court case thats not open to the public to attend… Wild. Sounds like corruption to me,” wrote one citizen on Twitter. “PUBLIC TO PRIVBATE [sic] TO PROTECT THE OTHER SIDE, CORRUPT ASF.” another wrote. SWAT and Fire Rescue were spotted on the scene approximately fifteen minutes later, creating a blockade. Members of the Major Crimes Division also arrived shortly afterwards.
The crowd called for their entry to the courtroom. While some members of the public remained civil, hoisting signs and standing their ground, others pushed back against police presence. At least one member of the crowd was tazed, and several were arrested, during the back-and-forth that played out during the court proceedings. Some agitators called for violence against Chief Justice Kylian Clarkson, with a few even asking the rhetorical question of “Is it possible to murder a public servant?”
Shout News remained embedded in the crowd for the bulk of the protest; this reporter was present when shots were fired, and witnessed the arrests after the exchange of fire. The police vehicles on the step left around 6;50PM after a brief argument with pedestrians in the way. After the vehicles left, the remaining protestors stormed the courthouse, crowding around the doors of Courtroom One. The sound of tasers going off half a dozen times was audible from the lobby, although the courthouse remained closed. Another public protest occurred a week ago on May 7, challenging the controversial H.R. 336; the previous protest remained peaceful throughout.
Today’s protest had dispersed by 7PM. Shout News requested comment from SWAT, Major Crimes Division, and the Department of Corrections; none provided a response to press in time for publication. This is a developing story, and we will continue to report as it updates. Photography for this piece was provided to Shout News by Roman Rossi of Momenti D’amore Photography.
UPDATE (May 15 3:15PM): The Judiciary has issued a press release in response to the protest; it has been printed below in full.
The Judiciary have become increasingly aware of the concerns of the general public regarding the closure of Court proceedings and the standards for which we use when determining whether or not the public will be allowed to gain entry. I hope to address the concerns of the Public via this Press Release as outlined above.
While it is common knowledge that a majority of Court proceedings are typically open to the public, it is important to note that attending a Court proceeding as a spectator is a privilege, and not a constitutionally guaranteed right. The decision to allow public attendance at a Court proceedings lies solely with the presiding Judge and or the Supreme Court. The decision to have a case open or closed to the public can be modified at any time under Judicial Discretion. Typically cases are closed to maintain the safety and integrity of the Judicial Process.
For instance, the most recent case [2024-CM-141] – State of San Andreas v. Desi Caddel, Kaffi Habane, Jamal Brown, Tyrell Woods, had its sentencing hearing closed to the public due to credible threats against Chief Justice Kylian Clarkson and members of the Department of Justice. The Judiciary can and will take threats seriously and will take all necessary precautions to ensure all involved are safe and protected.
The presiding Judge holds the authority to remove individuals from the Courtroom and impose specific Court rules as deemed appropriate. This reinforces that attending Court proceedings is a privilege granted at the discretion of the Judiciary, contingent upon maintaining order and security within the Courtroom.
The San Andreas Judiciary remains committed to ensuring a fair and secure judicial process for all parties involved.
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