Pressure builds to dismiss charges against Francisco Torres

Francisco Torres, joined by a full courtroom of supporters, noted
that it has been over three years since eight former Panthers and
activists were charged with a 39-year old case. Today's' appearance
was brief as the defense continues to demand the turning over of
evidence showing that various government agencies are either holding
back information or have lost valuable evidence that supports Cisco's
innocence.

The next hearing is scheduled for Monday, April 19th at which time it
is expected that significant arguments will begin on the defense
motion to dismiss charges based on prejudicial delay in this case.
Cisco is the last person facing charges in the San Francisco 8 case.

The SF Board of Supervisors recently voted unanimously to demand that
the city be reimbursed by the State of California which is
prosecuting the case. To date this prosecution has cost San Francisco
over $2 million.

Today's strong show of support makes clear that despite significant
delays, the community continues to stand firm in the demand that the
charges against Francisco Torres be dropped.