"A Peaceful Uprising" mini-doc from opening day of bidder 70 trial

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah -- On Feb. 28, 2011, in Salt Lake City, Utah, hundreds of activists took to the streets to sing, march and do sky art in a display of solidarity with Tim DeChristopher, aka "bidder70," whose trial for civil disobedience in defense of Utah wilderness and climate justice began that day.

Supporters -- about 400-strong -- show solidarity for Tim DeChristopher in Exchange Plaza in Salt Lake City on Monday, Feb. 28, 2011. (Photo courtesy Peaceful Uprising. Reprinted with permission.)

See this inspiring video of the peaceful rally and aerial art, "A Peaceful Uprising," from Daniel Dancer on Vimeo.

Update: Peaceful Demonstrations Escalate Outside DeChristopher Trial

By Flora Bernard*

Demonstrations outside of climate activist Tim DeChristopher’s trial have gently escalated. What began as a permitted, coordinated march and rally in tandem with DeChristopher’s prosecution has crossed legal lines. Shortly after DeChristopher entered Salt Lake City’s federal courthouse, accompanied by his defense team and writer Terry Tempest Williams, hundreds of his supporters who were congregated outside the courthouse since early this morning pushed past the legal line onto the grounds of the federal building.

The demonstrators are now singing, and refusing to leave the premises. Their peaceful and nonviolent action was deliberate and surprisingly organized. Police were already anticipating potential conflict and were at the ready on site. His supporters have expressed intention to remain in place for the duration of DeChristopher’s trial. National and local media were already in place to follow the demonstrations.

See Peaceful Uprising for more updates.

See the New York Times interview with Tim DeChristopher.

*Flora Bernard is a writer, a musician and activist, who has worked with Peaceful Uprising since February 2009.