U.S. Congressman Virgil Goode, R-Va., was issued a citizens' indictment April 6 after allegedly failing to meet the demands of constituents protesting his support for the war in Iraq.
The indictment came after the trial of 11 protesters who were arrested for staging sit-ins at Goode's Charlottesville office during the month of March.
Jennifer Connor, one of the protestors arrested, said the group felt "obligated" to indict Goode since he is not representing the views of his constituents concerning the war in Iraq.
"We are required to speak out against the crimes being committed in Iraq, and it's Goode's obligation to speak out on these things," Connor said.
Goode said in most cases his views and decisions represent the views of his constituents.
Goode said he had tried to contact the group by responding to letters written by constituents and spoke with one of the constituents.
"I got the impression that they weren't interested in anything but getting arrested and getting publicity," Goode said.
The protestors received a 30-day jail suspension pending two years of good behavior.
-- compiled by Marisa Roman
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