National Leader To Defend Speech Against Islamic Camp

Christian Action Network

PO Box 606 l Forest l VA l 24551

PRESS RELEASE	CONTACT:
03/17/08	Martin Fisher
www.ChristianAction.org	Office: 434-237-8201
	Cell: 434-444-5501

Martin Mawyer To Defend Speech Against Islamic Camp

CAN President Served With Arrest Warrant For Distributing Literature

FOREST, VA -- A hearing on a national activist’s right to Free Speech will be held in Charlotte Court House, VA on Thursday, March 20th at 9:30 a.m.

The hearing will focus on the right of CAN President, Martin Mawyer, to distribute literature opposing a road sign named after an international terrorist, “Sheikh Gilani Lane,” that is located in Red House, VA. A press event will immediately follow the 9:30 a.m., hearing.

Mawyer is fighting a criminal allegation brought by a Deputy Sheriff in November claiming he or his educational charity unlawfully dumped litter on “private property” in Charlotte County.

The county has never identified this so-called “litter,” nor has it stated where this material was allegedly “dumped.”

Similar charges were brought against Mawyer last year and later dismissed.

Mawyer’s attorney, David Hawkins, is scheduled to present a brief defending Mawyer’s Constitutional right to free speech in Virginia, including claims the street-honored person, Sheikh Mubarak Ali Gilani of Pakistan, is an international terrorist.

Mawyer has additionally characterized the Gilani-founded “Muslims of America,” including the Red House Islamic community located on Sheikh Gilani Lane, as a terrorist organization that Gilani continues to command.

Mawyer said he will try to present into evidence a videotape produced by “Muslims of America” that features comments by Sheikh Gilani which clearly depicts terrorist training and activity.

Mawyer said, “I expect the judge will likely reject this presentation,” but added, a presentation to the press of excerpted raw footage from this video will follow the 9:30 a.m., hearing.

If Mawyer’s First Amendment motion fails, the case will move to trial on April 24.

If convicted, Mawyer faces a fine and up to 12 months in jail, according to the general anti-littering statute cited in the case.