Reverend Fairley supporters protest outside federal court

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - A small group of Fairley supporters protested outside the U.S. District Court downtown stating Fairley is being wrongfully convicted because of his race.

Revered Fairley was indicted in March on charges of conspiracy to defraud the U.S. government, conspiracy to commit money laundering, engaging in monetary transactions, and charges of theft of government money.

National Civil Rights Activist John C. Barnett said officials on the case are targeting only African-Americans. "This is snake like behavior, if you want to target one group then target everyone as a whole, that is fair justice to me" said Barnett.

He added, "If someone did something wrong then I am all about them getting punish for it, but do not just target one race."

Protestors also stood outside last Friday to raise awareness on local political lynching.

Twelve jurors were picked Tuesday afternoon for Fairley's trial.