Shareef Aleem Cleared by Jury

Long time CCJRC member Shareef Aleem was cleared by a jury for an incident that happened last year.

Aleem, 38, was arrested on Feb. 3, 2005, after he got into a shoving match with University of Colorado police officer Greg Barthlome, who tried to quiet him during a noisy CU Board of Regents meeting. The regents were discussing the future of outspoken CU professor Ward Churchill, of whom Aleem is a supporter.

He was charged with second-degree assault on a peace officer for allegedly ripping off Bartholme's badge and grabbing his neck.

Aleem's first trial in March of last year ended in a hung jury.

"I'm glad this whole ordeal is over," Aleem said. "This past two years has taken a tremendous toll on my family. We sacrificed a lot to defend our freedom of speech."

Asked what he thought made the difference between his first and second trials, he said, "My first trial had an all-white jury. Only one white person opened her heart up and held out for me.

Denver Post