SF 8 attorney Soffiyah Elijah, backed by (from left) Ray Boudreaux, Harold Taylor, Francisco Torres and Hank Jones of the SF 8, speaks at a Nov. 30 news conference in New York announcing the signing of the

David Druliner of the California Attorney General's office, which is prosecuting the San Francisco 8, has requested that Harold Taylor's bail be increased to $7 million or that he be held without bail. Druliner's stated reason for the request is Harold's arrest last week in Florida for "attempted purchase of cocaine." A hearing on the bail request has been scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 20, 10:30 a.m., in Department 23 at 850 Bryant St., San Francisco.

It is extremely important that people come to court on the 20th. Judge Moscone needs to know that the community is firmly behind Harold.

It is clear from the arrest and all the surrounding circumstances that the charge against Harold in Florida is totally baseless. A thorough search of his person and his van resulted in NO seizure of any substances, legal or illegal. Further, NO allegation is even made that any money was produced.

Harold was swept up in a sting operation in which numerous individuals were arrested. All except Harold were alleged to have actually made a purchase. None of them were with him when he was arrested. He has NO drug history!

Harold had gone to this neighborhood to thank some of the people who had written letters of support for him when he was seeking release on bail in San Francisco. In short, he was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

News of his arrest spread quickly and he was bailed out shortly after he appeared in a Florida court.

Just days earlier, he had appeared on Democracy Now! with hosts Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez and attended a press conference held by the World Council of Churches at Riverside Church announcing international support for the SF 8 launched by Archbishop Desmond Tutu and other Nobel Laureates.

Harold has made all of his court appearances and has every intention of fighting the charges in San Francisco and Florida. In light of the torture he suffered in New Orleans in 1973, his strength and character in the face of this latest ordeal are amazing. The stress this has caused for him and his family is overwhelming.

Letters in support of Harold and asking Judge Moscone not to change his bail status should be sent to his attorney, Randy Montesano, by fax no later than Wednesday, Dec. 19. Send letters to Randy Montesano, Esq., 214 Duboce Ave., San Francisco CA, 94103, fax (415) 255-8631.

Soffiyah Elijah, one of the attorneys representing the SF 8, is deputy director of the Criminal Justice Institute at Harvard Law School. To learn more about the SF 8, go to www.FreetheSF8.org

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