Protest for Eddie Hatcher

Raleigh, June 1— Citizens gathered in front of the NC Supreme Court on Thursday to protest the imprisonment of Native American activist Eddie Hatcher. The protesters demanded that Hatcher receive a fair trial in Robeson County. The assembled citizens also spoke out against the death penalty, which the state is seeking for Hatcher.

The rally marked the one-year anniversary of Hatcher’s arrest in connection with a drive-by shooting in May 1999 that resulted in the death of a Maxton, NC man.

Hatcher gained international attention in February 1988 when he and another Native American occupied the offices of the Robesonian newspaper in Lumberton.

The two men sought to expose drug trafficking and racism in the local police force. Hatcher served more than five years on kidnapping charges for the “takeover.”

For more information: Eddie Hatcher Defense Committee, 910-582-2764 or People of Faith Against the Death Penalty, 919-933-7567