Thirteen people were arrested for participating in a “die-in” at a military recruitment office in Ithaca, NY late last year. Four of these activists were minors who chose to represent themselves at the trial. We hear from Ana Grady Flores and Marie DeMott Grady.

On December 21, 2002, thirteen people were arrested for participating in a “die-in” at a military recruitment office in Ithaca, NY. Four of these activists were minors, and their legal proceedings have garnered a special degree of support and attention.

In July, at their original trial, a judge ordered the courtroom cleared of some 87 observers and supporters—however, they refused to leave. The trial was postponed until September, and declared open to the public. The young women chose to represent themselves, with the assistance of one lawyer as co-counsel, and much of the trial included their cross-examination of each other.

• Ana Grady Flores, teen activist from Ithaca, NY.
• Marie DeMott Grady, teen activist from Ithaca, NY.