News
Zimmerman trial for Trayvon Martin murder commences with jury selection
“This case has gotten national coverage so it will be tough to find a jury that can be fair to either side, quite frankly. It is going to be one of the struggles both the state and the defense will have to come up with.”
Authorities were also gearing up for protests from civil rights advocates and pro-gun groups, gathering local, state and federal security forces and erecting barricades around the courthouse. Hundreds of media outlets will cover the trial.
Inside the courthouse, 31 seats were reserved for reporters and photographers, around six for the families of the victim and defendant, and another four to religious leaders who have helped authorities damp down the racial tensions surrounding the case.
“It a shame that such a sad incident has drawn attention to Sanford,” said Ann Johnson, manager of a small downtown hotel, but she said it’s been good for business. “We have had full occupancy in the hotels and the restaurants downtown are doing very well,” she said.
Copyright 2013 AFP
