Asheville Court Denies Appeal of Journalists Convicted for Trespassing

News Summary

The North Carolina Court of Appeals has denied the appeal of journalists Matilda Bliss and Melissa Ann Coit, who were convicted of second-degree trespassing during a protest in Asheville. Their conviction stems from their presence in Aston Park on Christmas night in 2021, where they sought to document the struggles faced by the homeless population. The dismissal of their appeal raises questions about journalistic freedoms and the treatment of journalists covering sensitive social issues.

Asheville Court Denies Appeal of Journalists Convicted for Trespassing During Protest

In a controversial turn of events, the North Carolina Court of Appeals recently ruled against journalists Matilda Bliss and Melissa Ann (Veronica) Coit, dismissing their appeal after being convicted for second-degree trespassing. The conviction stems from a protest for homeless individuals held in Aston Park on a chilly Christmas night in 2021.

The Incident

On December 25, 2021, Bliss and Coit found themselves inside Aston Park after hours, intending to cover the protest for the Asheville Blade. Their presence at the park was not just coincidental; they claimed to be there as journalists documenting the challenges facing the homeless population and observing police interactions. However, their actions did not sit well with law enforcement, leading to their arrests as police moved to clear unsheltered individuals from the park.

The Legal Outcome

Fast-forward to June 15, 2023, and a jury in Buncombe County Superior Court found the two women guilty, resulting in their appeal to the higher court, which was recently dismissed. The dismissal, as highlighted by District Attorney Todd Williams, stemmed from procedural deficiencies within their appellate record. This included insufficient documentation that questioned the jurisdiction of the Superior Court in the case against them.

The Bigger Picture

This case not only underscores the tensions between journalists and law enforcement but also illustrates the larger issues surrounding homelessness in Asheville. The conviction and the dismissal of the appeal have revived conversations around the city’s approach to homelessness and gentrification. While Bliss and Coit maintained their actions were protected under the First Amendment, asserting they were merely covering the protest, the court disagreed.

Community and Political Reactions

The response from the community has been mixed. Activists had previously conducted protests at Aston Park, advocating for “sanctuary camping” and proposing various support mechanisms for the unhoused population. These grassroots efforts reflect a pressing need for more systemic solutions to the issues residing in Asheville’s urban landscape. The arrest of Bliss and Coit, particularly amidst a heavy police presence, has helped fuel a narrative of the ongoing struggle between public safety directives and civil rights.

District Attorney Williams noted that prior to their arrest, Bliss and Coit were offered a pre-trial resolution that involved community service, an option they declined. With their appeal now officially dismissed, the initial verdict stands, and the matter remains a subject of concern, especially regarding how journalists are treated, particularly those reporting on sensitive issues affecting marginalized communities.

Park Access Policies and Future Implications

Add to this the fact that in a separate legal matter, a judge has allowed activists to continue using city parks while ongoing litigation resolves park access policies. This detail underscores a notable shift in how public parks are viewed as spaces for protests and gatherings, especially related to the ongoing challenges faced by the homeless population in Asheville.

Final Thoughts

As Asheville grapples with these complex issues, the dismissals of the appeal against Bliss and Coit are likely to perpetuate dialogues about homeless rights, journalistic integrity, and the consequences of gentrification. The case remains a reminder of the delicate balance between ensuring public order and upholding civil rights, especially for those dedicated to advocating for the city’s most vulnerable residents. In short, Asheville’s streets and parks are not just venues—they’re battlegrounds of a larger struggle for justice and equality.

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Additional Resources

• WLOS: Court Dismisses Appeal of Journalists Arrested at Asheville Protest
• Carolina Journal: Asheville is Becoming the Wild West of North Carolina
• NC Newsline: Homelessness and the First Amendment on Trial in Asheville
• Google Search: Asheville homelessness
• Wikipedia: Freedom of speech in the United States