A new judge presiding over Detroit activist Siwatu-Salama Ra's case won't allow Ra to be released on bond while she appeals March felonious assault and firearm convictions that resulted in a two-year prison sentence.
Ra, the 26-year-old co-director of the Detroit-based East Michigan Environmental Action Council, in June gave birth while imprisoned for what she and supporters say was an act of self-defense.
[content-6] Among other issues, her appeal contends that Wayne County Circuit Court Judge Thomas Hathaway should have had the jury consider Ra's brandishing of an unloaded gun as a use of nondeadly force, rather than deadly force.
Since March, Hathaway's docket was transferred to the court's other judges, and Ra's case landed with Rick Snyder appointed-Donald Knapp, Jr.
On Friday, Ra's attorney, Wade Fink, filed a motion to have Ra released on bond while the appeal process plays out.…