Rhode Island court to hear Narragansett case

Friday, September 7, 2007  

The Rhode Island Supreme Court on Thursday agreed to hear a case that would block Gov. Donald Carcieri (R) from testifying about his role in the state's raid of the Narragansett Reservation.

The court expedited the case in order to hold oral arguments on October 30. That means the trial of seven tribal members -- including Chief Sachem Matthew Thomas -- will be delayed.

The trial was due to start September 17. Carcieri is refusing to testify about the events leading up to the raid, including whether he ordered state troopers to withdraw if they encountered resistance.

The former police superintendent said Carcieri never gave the order. As a result, troopers clashed violently with tribal members in a raid that was broadcast on national television. The seven face charges of disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.

The court also urged the parties to mediate but it was unclear to both sides what that would entail.

Get the Story:
Will tribe smoke out Carcieri? (The Pawtucket Times 9/7)
Court decision delays trial in smoke-shop raid (The Providence Journal 9/7)
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Relevant Links:
Narragansett Tribe - http://www.narragansett-tribe.org

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Governor fights ruling on Narragansett testimony (8/17)
Column: Right call on Narragansett testimony (8/9)
Rhode Island governor must testify about raid (8/6)
Rhode Island governor fights subpoena over raid (8/3)
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Rhode Island governor contradicted on raid (8/1)
Narragansett smokeshop defendants head to trial (7/31)
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