FRAMINGHAM - President Obamas uncle was back in court today as his lawyer declared that he intends to challenge the legality of the traffic stop that resulted in his arrest for drunken driving.
Onyango Obama, waiting for his hearing to begin today.
P. Scott Bratton, the lawyer representing Onyango Obama, said in an interview that he would file a motion saying the police had no reason to stop him. A hearing on the motion to suppress was scheduled for Jan. 12 in Framingham District Court.
Obama, a half-brother of the presidents father, sat silently during the brief hearing. Several people in the packed courtroom could be heard whispering excitedly about the presidential relative in their midst. A young man seated behind Obama, 67, quietly chanted, Free Obama, free Obama.
A Framingham resident, Obama was arrested by Framingham police Aug. 24 on charges of operating under the influence of alcohol, failure to yield, and negligent operation of a motor vehicle. A breath test taken at the police station showed Obamas blood alcohol level to be .14, according to a report filed by the Framingham police department.
Bratton declined to elaborate on the grounds upon which he intends to challenge the traffic stop. He will file his motion two weeks before the new court date.
Obama, who was born in Kenya, faces other issues in immigration court. For reasons that are unclear, Obama was ordered deported in 1992 but has remained in the country. Immigration officials have declined to comment on the status of his case, citing privacy laws. But Obamas attorney in that matter has said Obama will fight deportation.
Obama has continued to work in his job as a clerk at Conti Liquors in Framingham, a short distance from the courthouse.