A progressive judicial activist group with ties to George Soros is facing scrutiny over its planned "juror teach-in" sessions, which aim to protect individuals with marginalized identities.
Free DC, a Washington-based organization, is described as a "fiscally sponsored special project" of the progressive nonprofit Community Change and Community Change Action. The group is set to host a training session on January 12, which appears to closely resemble a guide on jury nullification. T
his event is being co-hosted with Harriets Wildest Dreams, another progressive group. According to Western Journal, the session's description states, "Well discuss what it really means to serve on a jury and how we can use that role to protect our people especially those with marginalized identities who are disproportionately targeted by the criminal legal system."
The event emphasizes the importance of jury duty, stating, "Jury duty is not just a civic responsibility; its a powerful tool for ensuring fairness and justice. As community members, our participation in juries is vital to safeguarding the rights of those who are most vulnerable to systemic biases."
The description further asserts, "By serving on a jury, we can influence outcomes and help create a more equitable legal process." Although the session is currently open to all, this may change due to the increased attention it has garnered.
The New York Post has reported that Free DC receives funding from several large progressive philanthropies, including Soros' Open Society Foundations. The OSF's $20 million donation to Free DC first came under the spotlight in August when the group opposed President Donald Trump's deployment of National Guard troops in Washington, D.C., following a series of high-profile violent crimes.
The Post noted that Free DC's guiding principles include "Do not obey in advance" and "Take up space," and the group encourages supporters to "go outside at 8:00 PM and bang pots and pans, sing, chant, or make noise for five minutes" nightly during what they term an "occupation."
In the wake of a shooting involving two National Guard troops in the capital in November, allegedly by an Afghan migrant, Free DC faced criticism for a controversial social media post. The group stated, "We have said consistently that the Guard should not be here. It is unsafe for both the Guard and our communities," following the attack that resulted in the death of one soldier. Since that post, there has been no activity on the group's X account.
Efforts to obtain comments from Free DC and Harriets Wildest Dreams have been unsuccessful, as reported by the Daily Caller. The lack of response from these organizations raises questions about their stance on the issues at hand and their future plans. As the debate over the role of jury duty and its potential for social change continues, the actions and motivations of groups like Free DC remain under close scrutiny.
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