Pastor Terry Jones| Who you gonna call? Koran Combuster! |
After a half hour of instructions, Jones and his assistant, Wayne Sapp, said they understood the charges and declined legal counsel.
The hearing was on a verified complaint filed Friday by the Wayne County prosecutor in response to Jones' plans for a protest in front of Islamic Center of America tomorrow. The permit request is for a protest against sharia and jihad. It would be in front of the largest mosque in North America in one of the most densely populated Muslim areas in the United States.
Both Jones and Sapp requested a jury trial and a total of 28 potential jurors were brought in to the courtroom. The jury will be asked to decide whether or not Jones should have to post a peace bond.
A juror who was wearing a hijab who said she speaks limited English was dismissed. Another juror related to a Dearborn police officer was dismissed as well.
| See also: Jones rally becomes free speech fracas |