The antiwar activist was arrested last month during a sit-in at the Des Moines office of Sen. Charles Grassley.
By ABBY SIMONS
REGISTER STAFF WRITER
October 6, 2007
Anti-war activist Frank Cordaro left a Polk County courtroom in handcuffs Friday after receiving a 30-day jail term for his latest protest.
The 56-year-old Des Moines man pleaded guilty to a trespassing charge along with two other people who took part in a sit-in last month with several high school students at U.S. Sen. Charles Grassley’s Des Moines office.
This the latest trip behind bars for the former priest and well-known activist. He has received several jail sentences and prison terms for his nonviolent war protests.
District Associate Judge Cynthia Moisan told Cordaro the jail sentence was based on his criminal record – which included eight prior trespassing convictions – and the fact that he had not paid fines from recent convictions.
Cordaro, who with his supporters appeared visibly surprised by the sentence, handed his car keys to a friend and waived his right to have an attorney before addressing Moisan.
“I want you to know it was a great privilege to act with these young people to stand up against this immoral, illegal and unjust war,” Cordaro said. “Any time I serve in jail will only add to that honor and privilege.”
If you would like further information please contact Des Moines Catholic Workers:
Mona Shaw
monashaw@aol.com
319-621-4646 (cell)
John Tuzcu
jtuzcu@gmail.com
216-533-9925