Citizen-journalist trial begins in North Georgia

DAWSONVILLE – Prosecutors in the trial of Nydia Tisdale on Wednesday painted the citizen-journalist as dismissive of instructions to stop filming a 2014 Republican rally at Burt’s Pumpkin Farm and said she threw a “tantrum” when physically removed by a police officer.

The organizer of the rally asked Tisdale “to stop recording on at least three occasions,” Assistant District Attorney Conley Greer said in his opening statement.

Lead defense attorney Bruce Harvey countered that Tisdale was recording a public event and had already asked permission to film. When she was grabbed by a Dawson County Sheriff’s Deputy, who did not identify himself, Tisdale had no idea what was happening.

Tisdale is charged with felony obstruction of an officer and two misdemeanor counts, including criminal trespassing. If convicted, she could be sentenced to years in prison. The trial is expected to last at least through the end of the week and could include tesimony from state poltical heavyweights such as Gov. Nathan Deal and former Attorney General Sam Olens.

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