Contact: Troy Newman, President, 316-841-1700; Cheryl Sullenger, Outreach & Media Coordinator, 316-516-3034; both with Operation Rescue

OMAHA, Neb., Apr. 5 /Christian Newswire/ -- A jury deliberating for three hours found Fr. Norman Weslin not guilty today of charges he violated the Federal Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act.

Weslin was arrested last April when he entered the Bellevue abortion mill run by LeRoy Carhart, the nationally known abortionist who has twice defended partial-birth abortion to the U.S. Supreme Court. Weslin had knelt in prayer inside a security vestibule and never actually entered the clinic's office. While inside he occasionally spoke through a mail slot asking women to spare their children from abortion.

Weslin had faced 18 months in a federal prison, three years probation, and a $25,000 fine if convicted.

"We are thankful that Fr. Weslin was exonerated of this charge. His courage in reaching out to pregnant women with loving compassion and practical assistance is an inspiration to us all," said Troy Newman, President, Operation Rescue. 
 
About Operation Rescue
Operation Rescue is one of the leading pro-life Christian organizations in the nation.  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.