A federal judge's unexpected decision affects the fate of seven pro-life protesters, including an 89-year-old concentration camp survivor, as they await sentencing in Michigan.
According to The Daily Wire, Judge Matthew Leitman has ordered a pause in the Justice Department's FACE Act case against the activists until after President-elect Donald Trump assumes office.
The group faces up to 10 years in prison following their September conviction on conspiracy charges related to a peaceful protest at the Northland Family Planning Clinic. Judge Leitman, an Obama appointee, made this decision during a status conference on Monday in Detroit, citing the upcoming change in administration.
The court's decision reflects careful consideration of potential policy changes under the incoming administration. Judge Leitman scheduled the next status conference for the week of March 24, 2025, to reassess the government's position on the case and evaluate pending defense motions.
The defendants, Chester Gallagher, Heather Idoni, Joel Curry, Justin Phillips, Cal Zastrow, Eva Zastrow, and Eva Edl, await their fate while several defense motions to dismiss the convictions remain unresolved. The judge's order allows for an earlier conference if the Justice Department indicates any changes in its approach to the case.
Steve Crampton, representing the Thomas More Society, explained the judge's reasoning for the stay. His statement reveals the court's practical approach to managing resources while anticipating potential policy shifts.
President-elect Trump's previous statements about reviewing cases of "political prisoners" have added significance to the judge's decision. During a Faith and Freedom Coalition conference in June, Trump specifically addressed cases similar to this one.
The incoming president has expressed particular concern about the treatment of pro-life activists under the current administration. His campaign promises include reviewing FACE Act cases on his first day in office.
Steve Crampton shared his perspective on the judge's decision:
I think the judge was correct in his thinking about the DOJ perhaps reversing course here and ordering a stay of the proceedings. There is a new sheriff in town, and these prosecutions were always more about the politics of protecting the abortion industry than they were about serious violations of the law.
Seven pro-life activists await the outcome of this significant legal pause. Among them is Eva Edl, whose background as a survivor of a communist concentration camp adds a compelling dimension to the case.
The defense team is actively preparing formal pardon petitions, anticipating potential action from the incoming administration. This preparation aligns with Trump's previous indications about reviewing such cases.
The judge's concern about the efficient use of taxpayer resources influenced his decision to pause proceedings. His order specifically addresses the cost of court-appointed attorneys for motions that might become moot under new Department of Justice policies.
The pause in proceedings against seven Michigan pro-life activists by Judge Matthew Leitman marks a significant moment in the ongoing legal battle over FACE Act enforcement. The case, centered at the Northland Family Planning Clinic, involves conspiracy charges that could result in up to 10-year sentences for the defendants. The next status conference, scheduled for March 24, 2025, will determine whether new leadership brings different approaches to handling such cases, particularly regarding the use of conspiracy charges against peaceful protesters.
