In connection with the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver, the ACLU of Colorado advocated for the First Amendment rights of advocacy organizations and their members while monitoring Denver’s policing of demonstraitons and protesters. In a incident captured on a reporter’s video, a Denver police officer roughed up CodePink member Alicia Forrest, pushed her to the ground, and promptly arrested her on an unjustified charge, in retaliation for her criticism of how the police handled a confrontation between another protester and the antigay Reverand Fred Phelps. The ACLU provided criminal defense to Ms. Forrest, which resulted in dismissing of all charges against her.
ACLU news release:
- "Charges Dismissed Against DNC Protestor Who Was Struck With Baton By Cop," ACLU News Release, March 18, 2009
Media:
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“Only 2 arrests, but one stirs a tempest,” The Denver Post, August 26, 2008
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“Felled protester pressing on,” The Denver Post, August 27, 2008
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“CodePink member 'optimistic' after release; officer pulled from protests,” Rocky Mountain News, August 27, 2008
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“Police confirm Denver officer on shoving tape,” The Denver Post, August 27, 2008
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“Rocky video shows officer shoving protester to ground,” Rocky Mountain News, August 27, 2008
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“Cop Takes Down Peace Protester With Baton in Denver,” New York Magazine, August 27, 2008
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“Protester on video says officer hit her four times,” Rocky Mountain News, August 27, 2008
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“Protester shocked by cop's shove,” Rocky Mountain News, August 28, 2008
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“ACLU to represent CodePink activist,” Rocky Mountain News, August 28, 2008
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“Cop says protester grabbed his baton,” The Denver Post, September 2, 2008
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“No charges for cop who shoved protester,” The Denver Post, September 23, 2008
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“No charges against cop in DNC shove,” The Denver Post, September 23, 2008
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“Cop who shoved DNC protester to the ground cleared by Denver DA,” Rocky Mountain News, September 23, 2008
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“Trial set for woman pushed to ground during DNC,” The Denver Post, October 15, 2008
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“Charge dropped for woman pushed by Denver officer,” The Denver Post, March 18, 2009
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“No charges against “Code Pink” protestor,” The Denver Post, March 18, 2009
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“Denver drops charges against DNC protester shoved to ground by police,” Colorado Independent, March 19, 2009
