YAKIMA, Wash. (AP) — More than 50 Yakama tribal members demonstrated outside the federal Courthouse in Yakima where three members are on trial, accused of selling untaxed cigarettes.
The Yakima Herald-Republic reports demonstrators carried signs Thursday that said “Our treaty cannot be denied” and “Treaty rights are not a crime.”
A Wapato couple, Harry and Jeanne Smiskin, and their son Kato are accused of intent to sell untaxed cigarettes to buyers not covered by treaty.
Jurors said the demonstration would not affect their decision-making, and the judge turned down a prosecution request to sequester the jury.
