Defense Witnesses Describe Fear At Malheur Refuge After Occupier Died

The U.S. District Court in Portland was packed Monday for what appeared be the final day of defense witnesses in the second trial stemming from last year’s occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. The defense continued to argue the refuge was a peaceful place where people were learning about the Constitution and land rights. Attorneys also called witnesses who spoke about what drove them to the refuge in eastern Oregon’s high desert. Some witnesses for the defense said they were never prevented by law enforcement from entering the refuge. One of the FBI’s informants testified her handler never told her being at the refuge was breaking the law. Federal prosecutors, meanwhile, sharply focused their cross-examination.mores on the fact federal employees were not able to go to work during the 41-day armed occupation...more