Scott Horton Show - Just the Interviews
1/2/25 Leonard Goodman on the Americans Convicted for Opposing the War in Ukraine
Jan 7, 2025
Leonard Goodman, a criminal defense lawyer and adjunct professor of law at DePaul, shares insights on the Uhuru Movement's legal battles. He discusses the absurd allegations that anti-war activists were acting as Russian agents and the challenges of proving the case. Goodman highlights the implications for free speech and critiques federal prosecutors' motives, pointing out the disparity in legal repercussions between grassroots activists and powerful political figures. The conversation sheds light on the troubling use of espionage laws in suppressing dissent.
40:26
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Quick takeaways
- The case against the APSP highlights serious concerns regarding governmental overreach and its implications for free speech and dissenting activism.
- Despite the initial severity of the charges, the trial concluded with convictions on lesser charges, emphasizing the exaggerated nature of the government’s claims.
Deep dives
Background on the Legal Case
The African People's Socialist Party (APSP), represented by Leonard Goodman, faced legal challenges stemming from accusations of being agents of Russia. The core of the case revolved around their outspoken criticism of the Ukraine war, particularly statements suggesting NATO's provocations leading to the conflict. The prosecution emphasized a trip taken by leader O'Malley Yeshitela to Moscow in 2015 as evidence of foreign allegiance, despite APSP's long history of anti-colonial activism. Ultimately, the trial revealed a lack of credible evidence directly linking the APSP to Russian influence, as many testimonies and documents failed to demonstrate any actual control or direction from foreign entities.
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