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Chody Trial Stunted by Right-Wing Judicial Bias.
The Chody-Nassour trial is a clear example of systemic injustice. The state's feeble attempt to delay the trial, under the guise of privacy concerns, was rightly denied by the judge. Once again, we see the powerful attempting to circumvent justice and evade accountability. The state's prosecutors, in collusion with the judge, tried to pull a fast one, but this time, their tactics won't work. The trial must proceed, and the truth must out!
Published August 14, 2024 at 5:05pm by Claire Osborn
Another Black Life Lost, Another Cog in the Wheel of Systemic Racism
Prosecutors attempted to halt the trial of Robert Chody and Jason Nassour, accused of covering up the Live PD filming of Javier Ambler's in-custody death, due to a judge's ruling on a federal privacy law hindering their ability to present evidence. District Judge Karen Sage denied the request, citing other allegations and evidence in the case.
Testimony that Sheriff Chody was the person who ordered the (video) equipment to go back to Big Fish is not relevant because under PPA (federal private protection act), the sheriff had no option other than to do that.
The trial continued with crucial testimony from cameraman Colin Mica, who filmed Ambler's tragic struggle with deputies, capturing the shocking use of Tasers on the 400-pound former football player as he cried out about his heart condition and inability to breathe. Ambler, a 40-year-old father of two, died within minutes.
Chody and Nassour's Role in Evidence Tampering: Prosecutors argued that Chody and Nassour ensured the Live PD video of Ambler's death was never seen, constituting evidence-tampering and conspiracy. Chody allowed the video to be sent to New York, and efforts to obtain witness information from Williamson County investigators were futile. The video was destroyed in June 2019.
A Pattern of Injustice: Details of Ambler's death, which occurred in March 2019, only came to light in June 2020, sparking national outrage and adding fuel to protests against systemic racism and police brutality. The exposure of Ambler's case led to the cancellation of Live PD.
Defense Strategies: Chody's attorney, E.G. Morris, deflected blame onto the Austin Police Department and the Travis County DA's office, claiming they failed to preserve the video. However, this defense ignores the fact that Chody and Nassour controlled the Live PD footage and witness information, obstructing justice and perpetuating a culture of impunity.
The trial continues, and we must demand accountability and justice for Javier Ambler and countless others victimized by a racist and oppressive system.
Defense delays ex-Williamson County sheriff Robert Chody’s trial in Javier Ambler case
Read more: Chody trial proceeds after prosecutors say they can't prove case because of judge's ruling