Well, having known plenty of public defenders, I think AI would be a significant improvement. And it isn't like a good deal of public defenders aren't already often work against their defendant's best interest.

They already have. The Jan 6th coup attempt saw mutiple cops killed and dozens seriously injured. Only one traitor was killed by a guard, with several more killed by accidents (like falling off the building as on tried to climb it). Instead of trying to block them in and arresting them, they were all simply let go. Over 2 years later, and only a few hundred have been arrested, all but a handful only sentenced a few weeks.

Moral of the story: if you are going to protest in the US, be clearly armed. Best way to insure peace these days.

That's because the protestors weren't armed. Police in the US are a bunch of cowards and bullies, and are easily cowed by even the idea that there might be violence. But against unarmed, peaceful protestors? They go all out since there is almost no risk.

Hopefully some of these clerics will go the route of Stalin from this. Died because no one is willing to treat you.