Aug

31

police state in action

Filed Under free speech, news |

This week, Minneapolis will host the Republican National Convention; this weekend has seen massive police raids on private homes and an activist meeting space. This is an ugly, ugly story involving police intimidation, repression of free speech, domestic spying.

Raids began on Friday night (Aug. 29), starting at the St. Paul Convergence Space. On saturday, at least three residences, home to activists and journalists, were raided by police in riot gear with semi-automatic weapons, with assistance from the FBI. The raids are explicitly targeting people who are suspected of planning protests during the RNC. Four were arrested; more than 50 were detained. Media reports said the police were “aided by informants planted in protest groups.” Police said they were looking for bomb-making materials; “fire code” violations were being used by the police as a threat to close the residences and the meeting space.

The strikes seemed to be specifically targeting the RNC Welcoming Committee, a protest group, and members of Food Not Bombs. During the raid on the Convergence space, all occupants were handcuffed and photographed before being released. Cops have been confiscating computers, journals, political pamphlets, digital cameras, and other electronic equipment during the raids. Those arrested were charged with “conspiracy to commit riot.”

Lots of articles, and regular updates from the Twin Cities IndyMedia
Extensive articles — with lots of links, including to videos shot during or after the raids — at Salon.com: first article, second article
Coverage by the Star Tribune, the Minnesota Independent and the New York Times
News from the Coldsnap Legal Collective

Don’t think this kind of activity is limited to the Republican convention — questionable police action also occurred in Denver prior to and during the Democratic convention:

The Other Side Arts in Denver, home to the Denver Zine Library, was targeted by Denver Police as part of an effort to “clean up the neighborhood” just before the Democratic National Convention. According to a press release released by the nonprofit art center, a number of police — some in riot gear — came to the center on Sunday afternoon (Aug. 24) and began to investigate the property, questioning the graffiti pieces that decorate the building, proceeding to paint over all the art pieces and destroying TOSA signs.
Source article, also here

On Wednesday (Aug. 27), an ABC News reporter was forcefully arrested as he and his camera crew tried to take pictures on a public sidewalk of Democratic senators and VIP donors leaving a private meeting at a hotel. He was charged with trespassing, failure to follow a lawful order, and interference with a police officer.
Read more, update

Also, read about the heavy-handed tactics used against protesters in Denver and check out this photo.


Comments

Name (required)

Email (required)

Website

Speak your mind