DES MOINES, Iowa -- After almost a week of controversy, the U.S. attorney in Des Moines dropped four subpoenas against local peace protesters and one subpoena against Drake University Tuesday. Rally at Federal Courthouse
The attorney said in just-released court documents that all five subpoenas are quashed. A reason for the withdrawals was not given.
The grand jury issued subpoenas to at least four Iowans last week: Wendy Vasquez, Elton Davis, Patti McKee and Brian Terrell. Drake University was also ordered to divulge records relating to an antiwar forum held last November.
Drake President David Maxwell said the gag order against the university was also lifted Tuesday.
The case has received national attention and has outraged peace activists and civil libertarians. Tuesday morning, peace activists held a prayer vigil at the Des Moines Valley Friends Meeting House at 42nd and Grand. Two people under federal subpoena were there. Shortly after noon Tuesday, advocates rallied in front of the federal courthouse in Des Moines (pictured, above right).
When the subpoena withdrawal was announced Tuesday during the rally, the crowd outside the courthouse cheered wildly.... [more] --------- credit above all to the excellent Bruce Nestor, Minneapolis attorney and prior President of the NLG, who managed to get a fine set of papers to quash the subpoenas prepared over the weekend and filed them yesterday. a team at a white-shoe firm could not have done any better.
the swiftness and strength of the response to this outrage was a really healthy and optimistic sign. almost makes up for the pathetic response from the liberals to the attack by prosecutors and the secret police on AIM using "refreshed" 25 year old memories. race in the USA.
john mage
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