Minnesota: Cops promise "gentler" RNC response, but stock up on Tazers

The NYPD's heavy-handed suppression of protests during the 2004 Republican National Convention seems to have tarnished the reputation of the world's most famous police department—even in the eyes of other police agencies.

Not that there won't be suppression of protests at this summer's RNC in Minneapolis–St. Paul.

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Vermont: Anti-war protesters sue cops for Tazer use

BRATTLEBORO -- In a complaint filed today in U.S. District Court, an attorney for two nonviolent protesters stunned with Tasers in July 2007 has filed six counts against the five Brattleboro police officers involved in the incident. Those counts range from false imprisonment to assault and battery to the use of excessive force.

The suit was filed in the Vermont district court because attorney David Sleigh, of Sleigh and Williams in St. Johnsbury, has contended the five police officers deprived Jonathan Crowell and Samantha Kilmurray of their civil rights when they stunned the pair for refusing to leave private property on July 24, 2007.

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Sami Al-Arian, Palestinian awaiting deportation, being denied medical care

Tampa Bay Coalition for Justice and Peace
March 14, 2008

Even after being transferred to a federal medical facility, Dr. Sami Al- Arian still has not received water or been offered an IV. A doctor who examined him Monday said he is suffering from dehydration and starvation.

TAKE ACTION TODAY (URGENT)

Please call the Butner Medical Center today and inquire about Dr. Al-Arian's health.

Ask why they haven't taken any steps to give him an IV to make sure he survives. Their number is (919) 575-3900.

Justice for Jason Vassell

On Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008, at the University of Massachusetts, two white men kick in a black students window, insult him, verbally threaten him, call him "nigger", and force their way into his building. They assault him and break his nose. Police arrest the black man.

Jason W. Vassell, 23, has pleaded innocent to two counts of aggravated assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (a knife) and two counts of armed assault with intent to murder, officials said, and is scheduled to appear in Eastern Hampshire District Court tomorrow in Belchertown for a pre-trial conference.

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No Borders Camp arrestee's charges reduced

Juan Esteban Ruiz was arrested during the No Borders Camp at the U.S./Mexican border on November 11, 2007, while playing the drum, in other words, using his rights to free speech, peaceful assembly, and redress of grievances specified by the first amendment to the U.S. Constitution. He was charged with two counts of assaulting a federal officer. The charge was reduced to "interfering" with a federal officer. The case is now closed.

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