Contact: Troy Newman, President, 316-841-1700; Cheryl Sullenger, Senior Policy Advisor, 316-516-3034; both with Operation Rescue, info@operationrescue.org
WICHITA, Kans., Aug. 3 /Christian Newswire/ -- The nations' most prominent late-term abortionist, George R. Tiller of Wichita, Kansas, was arraigned today at 10:30 AM on 19 criminal misdemeanor changes of late-term abortions in a surprise move by his attorneys just one day after Operation Rescue announced it would conduct a prayer vigil during his scheduled August 7 arraignment. The change of schedule for today's arraignment was kept secret from the public and the media.
Tiller did not appear in court. His attorney, Lee Thompson, entered a "not guilty" plea on his behalf. Tiller then surrendered to the county sheriff's department for processing. He was released on his own recognizance.
"I think they secretly arraigned Tiller in order to avoid him having to face the public in a court appearance," said Operation Rescue President Troy Newman.
Thompson told the Associated Press that a scheduled hearing on a motion to dismiss the charges is still scheduled for Monday, August 10 at 9:30 AM in Judge Gregory Waller's courtroom.
"We are moving our prayer vigil to August 10 at 9 AM," said Newman. "I doubt if Tiller has the courage to show up, but we will pray for a just outcome nevertheless."
"Everything in this case seems to be done under the cover of secrecy, which does nothing but heighten concerns of corruption and special treatment," said Newman. "Anyone else would have to stand in court and be held accountable for their crimes."
According to court records, a bench trial is set for August 17, 2007, at 9:00 AM, but that is very likely to be continued.
About Operation Rescue
Operation Rescue is one of the leading pro-life Christian activist organizations in the nation. Operation Rescue recently made headlines when it bought and closed an abortion clinic in Wichita, Kansas and has become the voice of the pro-life activist movement in America. Its activities are on the cutting edge of the abortion issue, taking direct action to restore legal personhood to the pre-born and stop abortion in obedience to biblical mandates.
