ACLU Calls For Investigation Into Raids And Mass Arrests At RNC

[marmar]

ACLU Calls For Investigation Into Raids And Mass Arrests At RNC (9/2/2008)


Police Misconduct A Threat To Free Speech

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: [phone]; [e-mail]

MINNEAPOLIS - Amid charges of police misconduct during the Republican National Convention in Minnesota, the American Civil Liberties Union called for accountability for any unconstitutional actions there.

The following can be attributed to Anthony D. Romero, Executive Director of the ACLU:

"Conducting mass arrests and raiding meeting places of innocent Americans exercising their constitutional right to express political dissent are antithetical to the fundamental values of our democracy. Free speech has to be safeguarded during the Republican National Convention, as the workings of our democracy in the streets are as important as those in convention halls. Allegations of police misconduct must be investigated thoroughly and free speech must be safeguarded for the remainder of the convention."

Teams of civil and criminal defense attorneys recruited and coordinated by the ACLU of Minnesota filed five lawsuits seeking to protect free speech and due process in the lead-up to the convention. Attorneys assembled by the ACLU are currently in the jails offering limited representation to hundreds of people who were swept up in mass arrests in the Twin Cities.


http://www.aclu.org/freespeech/protest/36615prs20080902.html

[snappyturtle]

1. This must be investigated! Go ACLU! K&R n/t

[dana_b]

2. it's ridiculous

the blatant smashing of their rights. Pepper spray, smoke bombs, bullshit reasons for doing it. The protesters have done NOTHING wrong.

[Bozita]

3. If a person could afford to join only one organization, the ACLU would be my pick.

[StClone]

4. I think I know what's going on

Most abusive "scare 'em" figures are Secret Service and or other Government operatives. The Bush regime wants Fed Operatives to lead the head busting operations in defense, but mostly as a beat down, of any actions that detract from the desires of Bushdom. The Bush Regime knows there will be civil rights violations and Constitution cases but since they aren't paying for the messy settlements THEY COULD CARE LESS! Bring it on they say.

[hootinholler]

5. Congress needs to look into the actions of the JTTF in this area also!

They were advertising for moles to infiltrate groups months ago. I suspect that the SPPD and MPD are not calling the shots here.

-Hoot

[20score]

6. The ACLU rocks.