ACLU calls for investigation of journalist arrests at Republican convention
ACLU calls for investigation of journalist arrests at Republican convention:
[JURIST] The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has renewed its call for an investigation into the actions of law enforcement officials at the Republican National Convention (RNC) in Minnesota this week. The ACLU alleges that officers in St. Paul conducted "mass arrests, police raids on private homes and several journalists" in possible violation of First and Fourth Amendment rights. ACLU Executive Director Anthony D. Romero spoke out against the alleged actions, commenting that "olitical conventions should be a showcase for free expression, not a venue for bullying and intimidation." The Minneapolis Star Tribune has local coverage. Minnesota Public Radio has additional analysis.
The ACLU of Minnesota had announced on Wednesday that it would represent several reporters and other attendees who were arrested during the RNC, including Amy Goodwin, host of Democracy Now!. Goodwin was charged with a misdemeanor while her producers were charged with felony intent to riot. According to the ACLU, charges against Amy Goodwin and her producers should be dropped, and the felony charges against Goodwin's producers have since been suspended pending investigation. St. Paul police have denied using excessive force, saying they were doing their job to maintain the peace at the convention.