pknopp
Diamond Member
- Jul 22, 2019
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Algenon Marbley, chief judge for the Southern District of Ohio, began his 88 page opinion with a quote from Martin Luther King, Jr.: "But somewhere I read of the freedom of assembly. Somewhere I read of the freedom of speech. Somewhere I read of the freedom of press. Somewhere I read that the greatness of America is the right to protest for rights."
"Unfortunately, some of the members of the Columbus Police Department had no regard for the rights secured by this bedrock principle of American democracy," Marbley wrote. "This case is the sad tale of police officers, clothed with the awesome power of the state, run amok."
I also must note this as it's something I've long argued.
And officers must recognize that people displaying “press,” “media,” “reporter,” “paramedic,” “medic,” “legal observer,” or similar words or symbols are allowed to record at protests and help protesters who appear to be injured, the judge ruled. Further, anyone can record at a protest.
The courts have ruled over and over and over that anyone in public has a right to record the actions of the police. One day they will learn this. Until then taxpayers will be on the hook for millions of dollars for the violation of people's civil rights by the police.
And lastly, police can not force people to "disperse" simply because someone does not want the protesters protesting.
Federal judge says Columbus police ran 'amok' during peaceful protests