Biography
Black Panther Party supporter jailed for contempt (the maximum penalty) after refusing to testify in what she called the frame-up of Huey P. Newton. The Black Panther Vol. 17 no.20,21,23 (1977).
On October 31, 1977, Molly Dougherty was jailed for refusing to testify at Huey Newton’s preliminary hearing. The Black Panther’s report and same-day interview with Sheldon Otis describe her refusal as a stand of conscience. Judge J. Robert Friborg imposed five days and a $500 fine and declined to suspend the sentence pending appeal. The source establishes actual jailing, but not the date she left custody.
The Black Panther, November 5, 1977, volume XVII no. 20, PDF page 3; The Black Panther, November 5, 1977, volume XVII no. 20, PDF page 6; The Black Panther, November 5, 1977, volume XVII no. 20, PDF page 13.
Dougherty was released from custody on November 4, 1977, after refusing to testify in Huey Newton’s case. Newton, her attorney Doren Weinberg and supporters greeted her outside. That same day Judge J. Robert Friborg upheld the $500 contempt fine.
The Black Panther, volume XVII number 21, November 12, 1977, PDF page 3; The Black Panther, volume XVII number 21, November 12, 1977, PDF page 25.
