Islam Times - Muslim man sent to prison for "self-defense"

Islam Times - Michael Williams takes his last walk as a freeman into a New York courthouse. The 39 year old Muslim man faces sentencing after being convicted of second degree assault - accused of hitting a man with a handheld loudspeaker who was verbally attacking a group of Muslim women on January 11th of 2011.

Williams, a married father of two was in New York for a Palestinian freedom rally. He says he noticed a group of women being harassed with curses and threats by a man named Joe Kenney near a pizza parlor. Witnesses say he drew Kenney’s attention away from the women by blasting the bullhorn shouting “free Palestine.” Kenney followed him into the street.

In all 6 women testified in court that Kenny threw the first punch and that Williams was only defending himself. But the Muslim women who watched the whole event in horror say New York Police made up their minds shortly after arriving on the scene.

During the Williams trial the prosecutor used political and terrorism innuendos that had nothing to do with the case. One time asking the women if they were Martyrs for Palestine. The jury acquitted Williams of first degree assault but convicted him on second degree assault - a charge that was attached to the case at the last minute.

The Manhattan District attorney’s office denies infusing racial and religious bigotries into the case. Facing up to five years in prison, Williams pleaded for mercy but maintained his right to defend himself. The judge sentenced him to 3 months behind bars.

After he serves his 90 days, Williams will be on 5 years of probation. The court has ordered him to take 6 months of anger management courses and in what his lawyer describes as the ultimate irony Williams has to pay Mr. Kenny more than two thousand dollars in restitution. His lawyer says she will appeal the case.