The Department of Justice reported that three pro-life activists were found guilty of "federal civil rights and Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) conspiracy crimes for obstructing access to a reproductive health services center." According to pro-life activists, praying in front of an abortion clinic is the crime for which Jonathan Darnel, Jean Marshall and Joan Bell face possible sentences of up to 11 years in prison, three years of probation and a fine that could amount to $350,000 each.
Three Defendants Convicted of Federal Civil Rights Conspiracy and Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act Offenses for Obstructing Access to a Reproductive Health Services Facilityhttps://t.co/VCu8FAWgAh
— DOJ Civil Rights (@CivilRights) September 15, 2023
"Conspiracy to create a blockade"
In the brief, the DOJ notes that "the defendants participated in a conspiracy to create a blockade at the reproductive health clinic in order to prevent the clinic from providing reproductive health services and that the patients received them." To justify the charge of conspiracy, the charges indicate that "Marshall and Bell traveled to the Washington DC area to meet with Darnel and participate in the blockade of the clinic, having been led by another conspirator and the details spread on Facebook."
According to the evidence presented by the prosecution, "Marshall and Bell were part of a group that forced their way into the clinic and prepared to block two doors of the clinic using their bodies, furniture, chains and ropes. Once the blockade was established, Darnel - who remained outside the clinic - broadcast his activities live on social networks. "The evidence also demonstrated that the defendants violated the FACE Act by using physical obstruction to injure, intimidate, and interfere with clinic employees and a patient because they were providing or obtaining reproductive health services."
NEW: 74-year-old Joan Bell and 73-year-old Jean Marshall have been convicted for "blocking" an abortion clinic in Washington D.C. after being indicted by the DOJ.
It's shocking that a "devout Catholic" like Joe Biden would allow this to happen.
The elderly women are now facing… pic.twitter.com/uUT2Po9OAZ
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) September 18, 2023
Pro-lifers assure that "in no case was violence used"
Pro-life organizations regretted the verdict, highlighting that "in no case was violence used." The two convicted women, Joan and Jean, are over 70 years old. Bell even relies on a wheelchair to get around due to his age . The sentence of more than a decade is equivalent to a life sentence.
Biden’s DOJ has convicted a 74-year-old wife & mother and thrown her in prison, where she will likely spend the rest of her life.
Her crime: Protecting defenseless babies from being killed.
[Thread] pic.twitter.com/Q25h8eNLSQ
— Lila Rose (@LilaGraceRose) September 18, 2023
The harshness of the sentence contrasts with the penalties imposed on those who participated in the violent BLM riots , many of whose cases have been filed without receiving any punishment.
This is not law enforcement. This is political war. https://t.co/HXolRt9Lh9
— Kevin Roberts (@KevinRobertsTX) September 18, 2023
DeSantis denounces the instrumentalization of institutions against pro-life Catholics
The Governor of Florida and Republican Party candidate Ron DeSantis denounced the Government's instrumentalization against pro-life Christians and announced that he will take the lead in the battle to recover religious freedom.
Family and faith are the pillars of society, but the Government is attacking both. As president, I will lead the effort to restore full religious freedom to this country," he continued. "It's time to put on the full armor of God and get it done.
Family and faith are the building blocks of society, but government is waging an assault on both of them.
As President, I will lead the effort to restore full religious liberty in this country. It's time to put on the full armor of God and get it done. pic.twitter.com/8hJljquesp
— Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantis) September 14, 2023
