BALTIMORE: A judge yesterday rejected defence motions to drop charges against six Baltimore police officers charged in the death of a black man from an injury in custody, clearing the way for scheduled trial next month.
Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Barry Williams also rejected a defence motion calling for State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby and her office to recuse themselves from the Freddie Gray case.
The death of Gray, 25, drew worldwide attention when it triggered protests and a day of rioting, arson and looting. The case became part of a national debate on police treatment of minorities in the United States.
Security at the downtown courthouse was enhanced for the hearing and protesters rallied outside, decrying what they called militarization of police. One person was arrested.
Williams rejected the defence contention that Mosby violated her obligation to assure a fair trial when she announced the charges at a news conference as the largely black city of 620,000 people was in turmoil.
Reuters
