San Francisco Superior Court Judge Marla J. Miller set a preliminary trial date of December 5 for ethnic studies Professor Antwi Akom.

Akom’s former defense attorney, Lidia Stiglich, informed the court that the defense will now be handled by notable San Francisco attorney John Keker – most famous for his prosecution of Oliver North during the Iran-Contra scandal.

Keker agreed to take on the case pro bono, because he said he believes in Akom’s innocence and that this is a case of social injustice.

“I believe he has been unjustly accused,” Keker said.

Several students wearing orange armbands attended the hearing to show support for Akom. Nancy Jodaitis, a graduate student in adult education, called the charges against Akom “egregious” and “unjust.”

“It’s a clear case,” Jodaitis said. “I’m aghast that the president of the university hasn’t rescinded the charges.”

Not everyone in attendance came to support Akom, however. John Mindermann, co-president of the Veteran Police Officer Association, voiced his support for the officers involved.

Mindermann said the police officer “was physically inferior to the professor,” and that he was “the primary victim.”

While Mindermann acknowledged the officer may have overreacted, he placed the burden of the responsibility on Akom. He also claimed that coverage of the case was one-sided.

“There is apparently no balanced perspective. I was most distressed to see the fist-pumping in the courtroom,” he said, referring to Akom’s supporters at the last court hearing. “

Eleven SF State police officers, including those involved in the Oct. 25 incident, also attended the hearing. They sat across the aisle from the nearly two dozen Akom supporters, and spoke privately with prosecutor Eric Fleming after the hearing.

Officer Brandon Rodgers, the officer involved in the initial confrontation, left without speaking to Fleming or reporters. Fleming also had no comment.

Click here to view a copy of the police report