Book Discussion: Protest On Trial By Kit Bakke

About

Washington Women's Foundation Member Kit Bakke will lead a discussion about then and now on her new book Protest on Trial.

About Protest on Trial: The Seattle 7 lived the late 1960s counterculture—young, idealistic, active organizers against racism and the Vietnam War, fond of long hair, rock’n’roll, sex, drugs, and parties. In January 1970 they founded the Seattle Liberation Front (SLF). Nationally, the FBI utilized secret and illegal wiretapping, warrantless break-ins, and paid informants and provocateurs to destroy organizations like the SLF. But in Seattle, it went a step further.Months after a February 1970 protest at Seattle’s downtown federal building turned violent, authorities arrested seven SLF leaders. The activists faced federal conspiracy and intent to riot indictments. During their chaotic trial, they received a twelve-day crash course in the real American judicial system. When the prosecution’s key witness faltered and the government’s case appeared doomed, the presiding judge issued a surprise ruling to end the trial and send the defendants to prison.