My favorite broadcaster was arrested at the Republican National Convention. It is not that hard to believe when we consider that the Republican Party cannot withstand any criticism and really, anyone might be a terrorist. Yikes. I post the press release below, but I have just received an email saying that Amy and the two producers were released from jail. Pass on any other information you have about this event.
Amy Goodman and Two Democracy Now!
Producers Unlawfully Arrested At the RNC
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
www.democracynow.org
September 1, 2008
Contact:Denis Moynihan 917-549-5000 Mike Burke 646-552-5107, mike@democracynow.org
ST. PAUL, MN—Democracy Now! host Amy Goodman was unlawfully arrested indowntown St. Paul, Minnesota at approximately 5 p.m. local time. Policeviolently manhandled Goodman, yanking her arm, as they arrested her. Video ofher arrest can be seen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYjyvkR0bGQ
Goodman was arrested while attempting to free two Democracy Now! producers whowere being unlawfully detained. They are Sharif Abdel Kouddous and NicoleSalazar. Kouddous and Salazar were arrested while they carried out theirjournalistic duties in covering street demonstrations at the Republican NationalConvention. Goodman's crime appears to have been defending her colleaguesand the freedom of the press.Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher told Democracy Now! that Kouddous andSalazar were being arrested on suspicion of rioting. They are currently beingheld at the Ramsey County jail in St. Paul.Democracy Now! is calling on all journalists and concerned citizens to call theoffice of Mayor Chris Coleman and the Ramsey County Jail and demand theimmediate release of Goodman, Kouddous and Salazar.
These calls can be directedto: Chris Rider from Mayor Coleman's office at 651-266-8535 and the RamseyCounty Jail at 651-266-9350 (press extension 0).Democracy Now! stands by Goodman, Kouddous and Salazar and condemns this actionby Twin Cities law enforcement as a clear violation of the freedom of the pressand the First Amendment rights of these journalists.During the demonstration in which they were arrested law enforcement officersused pepper spray, rubber bullets, concussion grenades and excessive force.Several dozen others were also arrested during this action.Amy Goodman is one of the most well-known and well-respected journalists in theUnited States. She has received journalism's top honors for her reportingand has a distinguished reputation of bravery and courage. The arrest ofGoodman, Kouddous and Salazar is a transparent attempt to intimidate journalists from the nation's leading independent news outlet.Democracy Now! is a nationally syndicated public TV and radio program that airson over 700 radio and TV stations across the US and the globe.Video of Amy Goodman's Arrest: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYjyvkR0bGQ
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