The court case for disorderly conduct charges filed against Seattle City Councilmember Kshama Sawant and two other demonstrators from last November is currently underway. If convicted the maximum penalty includes 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine for each defendant.

The story on her arrest and charge in SeaTac can be found here: http://www.highlinetimes.com/2014/12/08/news/seattle-city-council-membe…

The Highline Times managed to catch up with Sawant before the jury selection process of her trial began and ask a few questions.

Sawant has opted to act as her own attorney in the case and when asked “why?” she responded: “I want to be able to demonstrate my motivation to stand in solidarity with these workers”. She went on to say that she doesn’t believe it is her and the protestors who should be on trial today but rather the heads of Alaska Airlines for their treatment of their workforce.

When asked if she planned to participate in tomorrow’s May Day protests she said “Well, if I am not still in court I will be there standing with the immigrant and non-violent, peaceful protestors, especially those protesting the Freddie Gray tragedy in Baltimore. If I cannot attend physically I will be there in spirit.”

There was also enough time to ask Sawant for her thoughts on the $15 an hour minimum wage implementations that have begun going into effect and the recent rent crisis that throughout Seattle. In regards to the minimum wage she described it as a “movement” sweeping the country and that she was happy to see that areas such as Minneapolis and Los Angeles were also beginning to campaign for their own minimum wage increases.

In regards to the skyrocketing rent throughout Seattle she explained that something needed to be done and that it was a tragedy that few can ably afford to live in the city.