| For Immediate Release Feb 1, 2001 |
Contact: Press Office 202-646-5172 |
Philly Lawsuit Goes Forward “Full Speed” Against Rendell, Teamsters Federal Judge Turns Back Attempt by Former Philly Mayor and Current DNC Chief to Dismiss Claims Suit Alleges Rendell Conspired with Teamsters in Beating of Orphan Brother and Sister During Clinton Protest – Beatings By Teamsters Caught On Videotape (Washington, DC) A federal court judge ruled last week that a libel, assault and battery, and conspiracy lawsuit can proceed concerning the 1998 beating of peaceful anti-Clinton protestors by Teamsters supporting Bill Clinton outside Philadelphia’s City Hall. One of the defendants in the lawsuit is former Philadelphia Mayor Ed Rendell and the current Chairman of the Democratic National Committee. The decision was recently handed down by Judge Ronald Kaufman. The victims of the beatings (and plaintiffs in the lawsuit) are Don and Teri Adams, orphan brother and sister. They are represented by Judicial Watch, the public interest law firm that investigates and prosecutes government abuse and corruption. On October 2, 1998, Don and Teri Adams, brother and sister, were severely beaten by Teamsters acting under the direction of powerful Pennsylvania Teamsters boss John Morris, another defendant in the lawsuit. The Adams’ were exercising their First Amendment rights by advocating the impeachment of President Clinton at the side of City Hall, during a Clinton fundraising visit to Philadelphia. The beating was caught by news and other cameras on videotape and was broadcast nationwide. Despite exculpatory videotape and police evidence, Philadelphia DA Lynne Abraham prosecuted the victim of the crime, Don Adams, and initially refused to bring any charges against John Morris, whose local union has a history of violence. Citing immunity laws in Pennsylvania, Judge Kaufman dropped Abraham as a defendant. Judicial Watch plans to appeal this aspect of the decision. Ed Rendell later made comments that allegedly showed his complicity with the attack. His spokesman even joked about the vicious attack, stating that the Adams’ desire to exercise their First Amendment rights was not “a good career choice” vis-a-vis the Teamsters. “The case will now go forward in the interest of justice. Whether it is Don and Teri Adams, or the Miami neighbors of Elian Gonzalez, who were also beaten, American citizens cannot be subjected to totalitarian state tactics,” commented Judicial Watch Chairman and General Counsel Larry Klayman. | |