Nevada activists make case against "killer drones" to judge

LAS VEGAS -- Three of more than 30 anti-drone protesters who received summonses in March trying to block the entrance of a U.S. Air Force base in southern Nevada pleaded no contest Tuesday before a Las Vegas judge hearing their misdemeanor trespass and blocking traffic cases.

Each got to make a short speech calling for an end to the use of remotely piloted aircraft flying armed missions in places like Afghanistan, Pakistan, Yemen and Somalia.

"Killer drones are immoral and inhumane," Dr. Frederick Bialy, an emergency physician from Vallejo, California, told the judge. "Drones only make killing and warfare easier. We should all oppose their use."

Justice of the Peace Melissa Saragosa sentenced each to time already served.

The peaceful exercise in civil disobedience crowded one courtroom and included a morning protest in front of the courthouse highlighting what the protesters call illegal actions by the U.S. government halfway around world.

Five more protesters-turned-defendants had attorney Allen Lichtenstein represent them in a plea deal that has them agreeing to pay a $50 fine, avoid trouble for six months and stay off Creech Air Force Base property. Each could have his or her case dismissed Jan. 5.

Twelve others pleaded not guilty in person or by letter, and asked to be tried together. The judge scheduled their trials individually on Oct. 26, 27 and 28.

Organizers said the March protest drew more than 100 people from 18 different states to the base in Indian Springs, about 45 miles northwest of Las Vegas.

Base officials said at the time they respected the free-speech rights of protesters, but couldn't let them block the entrance to the base.

Saragosa disclosed from the bench Tuesday that she is an Air Force reservist and former active-duty judge advocate general. None of the defendants said they wanted her to not to handle their case.