Activist Actor Receives Suspended Sentence for Civil Disobedience on New Year’s Day
By Monrovia Weekly
Published: Friday, May 9th, 2008
Andrew Koenig, filmmaker and activist who was arrested and detained almost ten hours by Pasadena police on New Year’s Day, was sentenced Friday May 9 in Pasadena Superior Court, by Judge Suzette Clover.
In the courtroom, which was filled with family, friends and supporters plus two media representatives, Judge Clover issued a $50 fine with a suspended sentence. Case closed!
She could have imposed as much as $100 for a fine.
While largely ignored by mainstream media, Koenig’s case was followed and covered in depth by independent newspapers in the Pasadena area including our own Pasadena Independent/Cospomolitan as well as a few websites. There was a noticible absence of television coverage throughout the trial.
Andrew Koenig — best known for his childhood role as Richard “Boner” Stab one on TV’s “Growing Pains” and as the son of Walter Koenig, “Star Trek’s” Lt. Pavel Checko.
According to Judge Suzette Clover’s written decision, made before the sentencing today, her courtroom was not the place for discussing attorney Bill Paparian’s arguments that Koenig was exercising constitutionally protected free speech rights by walking in front of the controversial Beijing Float on New Year’s Day.
“The issue presented here is whether Mr. Koenig’s conduct jeopardized public safety,” wrote Clover. “The court finds that Mr. Koenig’s conduct was disruptive and dangerous. … He easily could have been injured himself and/or caused the outwalkers, float riders and operators, the following horses and their riders, spectators, and others to be injured.”
The float attracted numerous demonstrations throughout the city including many at The Wrigley Mansion (aka Tournament House) leading up to the Rose Parade.
Koenig and Paparian said they will not appeal Judge Clover’s decision of a suspended sentence and $50 fine. As he was walking out of the courtroom with his parents by his side, the 39 year old actor said smiling “This shines a bigger light on Burma now’…especially with the world’s attention focusing on the cyclone that has devastated Myanmar, where 100,00p people may have perished as a result of the cyclone.
That government has seized food aid and kept out relief agencies. “They’re turning a bad situation into … what really is criminal negligence on a massive scale,” according to CNN’s website.
Koenig plans to continue his Human Rights fight, although he quipped, “I doubt I’ll be jumping in front of a float again any time soon!”
No Responses for “Activist Actor Receives Suspended Sentence for Civil Disobedience on New Year’s Day”
Leave a Reply
Go boner!