Bollyn Trial Begins

Christopher Bollyn's trial for assault and resisting arrest has begun.

In opening statements, prosecutors said Bollyn, 50, was intoxicated when he confronted the police officers, who were responding to his call about a suspicious car in his neighborhood.

The case is simple, said Stacy Cossette, an assistant state's attorney. "It's about an intoxicated and irate man mouthing off to Hoffman Estates police responding to his 911 call," she said. "The officers were trying to protect themselves."

Bollyn, of course, claims that he's being persecuted for his controversial views:

Bollyn said he was attacked without cause. He has suggested in the past that he believes he is being persecuted because he has written articles raising the possibility that Israel was behind the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

I don't have much doubt Bollyn will be found guilty; my over/under on the sentence is 90 days.