April 12, 2012
Dear Supporters of Sinha Family and Community Members:
Namaste. The latest update on the case: Jury selection is under way. It started on April 10 after 1:30 PM. From the initial pool of 75 persons, the defense attorney and the Assistant Public Prosecutor have selected 40 persons on the first day. Yesterday another batch of prospective jurors was brought in. There is a questionnaire with more than 70 questions, answers to which determines eligibility of a person to be on the Jury.
It is expected that the Jury selection (14 persons) will be competed sometime today. The trial would start on Friday, 4/13 if the Jury is in place today. Otherwise, it will start on Tuesday, 4/17. We will update our web site<divyendusinha.com> as soon as we get the word of Jury selection from the Assistant Public Prosecutor. Please check this website daily for latest information on the case. We will also announce on twitter at <http://twitter.com/#!/vicharak1>.
Dr. Divyendu Sinha
Any one of us could have been in place of Dr. Sinha. He was just taking a walk after dinner with his family, as many of us do. The attack on him was unprovoked. We must do all we can to make sure acts like this never happen again. Your support during the trials is an important step in making this happen. Democracy is about numbers, it is about public participation.
We all must show our support and let our voices be heard. Dr. Sinha’s family deserves justice and all of us deserve a safe and secure place to live and raise our children.
So, what can you do to show your support? Please take the time and attend at least a day of the court hearing. Since Alkabahen Sinha will be testifying on the first day of the trial (4/13 or 4/17), we need maximum number of supporters to attend the trial that day. We are also looking for around 10 persons who will attend the trial every day (Tuesday through Friday). The trial is expected to last from two to three weeks. There will be no hearing on Mondays and also there will be no hearing on Wednesday, April 18.
Dr. Divyendu & Mrs. Alka Sinha
The trial time is from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM with two short breaks and one hour lunch break. The space is limited to about 45-50 people. There will be supporters of the defendant and media people, so coming early enough, say by 8:15 AM would increase your chance of finding a seat. There may be a closed circuit TV in another room; we are looking into that possibility. Allow extra time for going through security check. Please let us know in advance, if you plan to attend. Please send your name, phone number, email address, town, date(s) and time period(s) when you will be attending.
Judge: Bradley Ferencz
Assistant Public Prosecutor: Christopher Kubereit
Defendant Attorney
Steven K. Contreras Hassen I. Abdellah
(These four defendants will be tries together. Tentative trial date is July 10.)
- Christopher Conway Steve Altman
- Julian C. Daley Mitchell Ansell
- Cash Q. Johnson William Fetky
- Christian M.Tinli (Attorney Kufos is no longer representing as he is imprisoned after conviction for drunk driving.)
The trial will be held in Superior Court in New Brunswick, NJ. Address, driving directions and parking information are given below as well as posted on the website <www.DivyenduSinha.com>.
Please forward this to your contacts and encourage them to attend the trial.
Thank you.
Brotherly yours,
Gaurang G. Vaishnav
Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America (VHPA)
Indian American Defense League (IADL)
Court Address, Directions and Parking Information:
Middlesex County Superior Court
56 Paterson Street, Fifth Floor (Judge Ferencz’s Court Room)
New Brunswick, NJ 08901-2014
The court is on the fifth floor. Look for the Judge Bradley Ferencz’s court room (Go to the Right from the elevator).
Paid Parking (very reasonable rates) is available at several locations.
http://www.njnbpa.org/parking-locator
I find Ferren Deck on Church Street most convenient, as you can access the court house by following signs (third floor) from the parking deck itself.
For GPS and MapQuest directions to Ferren Deck, use
180 Church Street
New Brunswick, NJ 08901 or click here.
(If you are coming off Rte. 18 and going South on Rte. 27, Turn left at light for Nelson St., then first right on Church St. Go through one traffic light and one stop sign and turn right into Ferren Deck parking. Access to the Court House is from the third floor with clear signage.)
On street parking with meters is available but very difficult to find. For free on street parking, one has to walk several blocks; it is generally available on side streets off Livingston Ave., west of Suydam street (15-20 minutes walk).
If you care coming by train (NJ transit), it is only five minute walk from the New Brunswick station. (Across Rte. 27/French St., enter Ferren Mall and go to third floor, follow signs for Middlesex Superior Court.)
Justice for Divyendu's Family 