Washington, D.C. -- January 4, 2011/:Anti-war military veterans and 
other activists celebrated a breakthrough victory today in DC Superior 
Court, when charges were dropped, following arrests in front of the 
White House, on December 16, 2010.Over 131 people were arrested in a 
major veteran-led protest while participating in non-violent civil 
resistance in a driving snowstorm.US Park Police charged all 131 
protesters with "Failure to Obey a Lawful Order," when they refused to 
move.All remained fixed to the White House fence demanding an end to the 
continuing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and further US aggression in the 
region.

Among those arrested were members of the leadership of the national 
organization /Veterans for Peace/ , Pentagon Papers whistleblower Dr. 
Daniel Ellsberg; Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Chris Hedges; former 
senior CIA analyst Ray McGovern; and, Dr. Margaret Flowers, advocate for 
single-payer health care.

Forty-Two arrested opted to appear in court and go to trial with the 
first group appearing in DC Superior Court on January 4, 
2011.Prosecutors from the DC Attorney General's office stated that the 
Government "declined to file charges due to missing or incomplete police 
paperwork."Presiding Magistrate Judge Richard Ringell confirmed that the 
cases were dropped and defendants were free to leave.

Those who participated in this action make this statement:

"*/This is clearly a victory for opposition to undeclared wars which are 
illegal under international law, have led to the destruction of 
societies in Iraq and Afghanistan, bled the US Treasury in a time of 
recession, and caused human rights violations against civilians and 
combatants.Many of us will return to Washington, DC, to support an 
action on Tuesday, January 11, 2011 to protest the continued use of 
Guantanamo detention facility, including torture of detainees in 
violation of international law."/*

The defendants were represented by co-counsels Ann Wilcox, Esq. and Mark 
Goldstone, Esq.Ms. Wilcox stated:"clearly the Government and Police felt 
that these veterans and their supporters acted with the courage of their 
convictions, and did not wish to spend the time and funds necessary for 
a trial proceeding.This is a major victory for the peace movement."