Pentagon Papers leaker Ellsberg testifies at Iraq war protester's trial

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Pentagon Papers leaker Ellsberg testifies at Iraq war protester's trial
By Adam Lynn | The (Tacoma) News Tribune
Posted on Friday, August 13, 2010

A historic figure from the Vietnam War era testified Thursday in Pierce County District Court that sometimes it's necessary to break the law to achieve a greater good.

Former military analyst Daniel Ellsberg took the stand on behalf of Olympia resident Patricia Imani. She was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct for stepping onto an Interstate 5 offramp two years ago to block a flatbed truck carrying an Army Stryker vehicle to Fort Lewis for repairs. The Stryker vehicle had been shipped to the Port of Olympia on its way back from Iraq.

Imani, 48, admits her actions but contends she committed no crime because they were necessary to stop a greater evil. She testified Thursday she believes the war in Iraq is wrong and that blocking the Stryker was a peaceful way to protest the conflict.

"I did feel this was necessary," Imani testified. "My sole intention was to prevent harm. It was urgent then. It's urgent now."

She faces up to 90 days in jail if convicted of the misdemeanor charge.