One of Iowa City's abortion providers was the victim of property damage over the weekend. A 19-year-old man was arrested and charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief. The
man was accused by a witness of breaking windows at the Emma Goldman Clinic in Iowa City. Iowa City Police questioned the man, which reportedly admitted to breaking a window with a wooden log:
When Police asked him about the window, he said the name of the clinic and asked the officers if they support abortion. Police say he later admitted to damaging the clinic's property. (He) was unstable, had red, bloodshot eyes, slurred speech and poor balance, according to the report.
Emma Goldman Clinic isn't happy about the criminal charges, as evidenced by their
most recent Facebook posting:
Hmmmn. Criminal mischief? What does FACE prohibit? Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances ACT: FACE makes it illegal to intentionally use force, the threat of force, or physical obstruction to injure, intimidate, interfere with, or attempt to injure, intimidate or interfere with individuals obtaining or providing reproductive health care services. FACE also punishes anyone who intentionally damages or destroys a facility that provides reproductive health services.
Fourth-degree criminal mischief is a serious misdemeanor in Iowa. It's punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of $315-$1875.
