Thread: Mexican-flag-burning activist acquitted on several charges

http://www.azstarnet.com/metro/153994

Mexican-flag-burning activist acquitted on several charges
ARIZONA DAILY STAR

Anti-illegal-immigration activist Roy Warden was acquitted Wednesday by a Tucson Municipal Court judge of several charges stemming from a Mexican-flag-burning protest.
Warden, 59, had been charged with one count of assault, one count of reckless burning and one count of disorderly conduct.
He was cited and released by Tucson police April 11, a day after he and members of the Border Guardians burned a Mexican flag at Armory Park. The Border Guardians and Warden were surrounded by hundreds of protesters who marched in opposition to legislation they said was unfair to immigrants.
After the Border Guardians burned the flag, a scuffle broke out and police arrested six people on charges of aggravated assault on a peace officer, interfering with governmental operation, hindering prosecution and disturbing the peace.
Warden was arrested the next day. He said he should never have been charged because police officers present that day never saw him commit an illegal activity.
"I believe it was a miscarriage of justice to file these charges in the first place," he said.
Warden still has pending charges, said Tucson City Attorney Mike Rankin.
Tucson police cited him in June on suspicion that he pushed one person and threatened two in front of the Mexican Consulate Downtown.
He faces one count of assault, two counts of threats and intimidation, and one count of disorderly conduct, according to court records.
In that case, Warden said he was provoked by a protester who disagreed with his views.

BTT