Ferguson Grand Juror Sues For The Right To Speak Out
January 5, 2015 - 8:34 pm by Iyana Robertson TWITTER
One of the grand jurors who was involved in the decision not to indict Officer Darren Wilson in the death Mike Brown wants to speak out about the case – but it’s illegal. In a lawsuit filed against St. Louis County prosecutor Robert McCulloch, “Grand Juror Doe,” who remains anonymous, is looking to have the lifetime gag order not to discuss the Ferguson case lifted.
Citing that the details of the case have been wrongfully presented to the public, the grand juror is seeking the opportunity to tell his/her side. With the belief that their account "could contribute to the current public dialogue concerning race relations," the American Civil Liberties Union of Missouri will represent “Grand Juror Doe.” He/she looks to discuss the process, evidence and investigation.
"In Plaintiff's view, the current information available about the grand jurors' views is not entirely accurate -- especially the implication that all grand jurors believed that there was no support for any charges," the lawsuit states. "Moreover, the public characterization of the grand jurors' view of witnesses and evidence does not accord with Plaintiff's own."
Wilson escaped charges in Brown’s death back in November. While court documents have since been released, the three-month long deliberation process remains questionable to the public. There was also doubt regarding the credibility of some of the case’s witnesses.
“Grand Juror Doe’s perspective can and should help inform a way forward here in Missouri,” Jeffrey Mittman, executive director of the ACLU of Missouri said. “The ACLU will fight to allow this important voice to be heard by the public and lawmakers so that we can begin the healing process that can only result from fact-based reforms.”
Read the full lawsuit here.
