RNC 2008
RNC settlements rolling in
The settlements involving activists protesting the Republican National Convention (RNC) in 2008 keep coming in. We reported May 26 about a trio of activists receiving $50,000 in a negotiated settlement of a case stemming from the warrantless raid on their home.MORE »
Freedom of speech news
I find it a tad ironic that three settlements in favor of RNC 8 protestors came about in the same time frame that the United States government renewed the Patriot Act, which continues the status quo of limiting civil liberties of people who dare to question the powers that be.
I covered the 2008 Republican National Convention just as I was starting to think of myself as a journalist. Getting arrested kind of solidified the deal for me. The experience was eye-opening about the extent of law enforcement and security lining the streets during every march. The raids prior to the convention, the journalists, legal observers and other law-abiding citizens getting arrested right and left indicated to me that this was not a situation where free speech was tolerated. MORE »
Activists get $50,000 settlement over RNC raid
Three activists who were the target of an FBI and police raid on the eve of the 2008 Republican National Convention just settled out of court, getting a $50,000 negotiated settlement from the FBI and the City of SaintMORE »
Peace activist sues Minneapolis for police violence, withholding evidence
Who is "Karen Sullivan"? Apparently, she was an informant police used to arrest people during the Republican National Convention in 2008.MORE »
RNC 8 court saga finally over
The final four defendants of the RNC 8 all took plea deals on Tuesday (October 19), ending the two-year-long court saga that began with the 2008 Republican National Convention. Rob Czernik, Garret Fitzgerald, Nathaneal Secor and Max Specktor each pled guilty to gross misdemeanor charges, and their suspended sentences mean that none of them will serve jail time. MORE »
RNC 8 case set to end with plea deal on October 19
Plea deals with the final four defendants are tentatively schedule for October 19, ending the RNC 8 case, which has dragged on for more than two years after the end of the Republican National Convention.MORE »
My unforgettable lesson of the RNC
Police in riot gear at the 2008 Republican National Convention in downtown Saint Paul (Photo: nigelparry.com)MORE »
RNC 8 charges dismissed for three defendants
Luce Guillen-Givens, Monica Bicking, and Erin Trimmer can breathe a little easier after the Ramsey County Attorney dismissed charges brought against them as part of the RNC 8 prosecution. A fourth defendant, Erik Oseland, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor -- consisting of talking about knocking over newspaper boxes -- as part of a plea bargain on August 27. The remaining four defendants (Rob Czernik, Garret Fitzgerald, Max Specktor, Nathanael Secor) are scheduled to go to trial on October 25. MORE »
Guilty plea from one of RNC8
On August 27, Erik Oseland, one of the RNC 8 protestors charged for activities surrounding the 2008 Republican Convention, pled guilty to conspiracy to commit damage to property in the 3rd degree, a gross misdemeanor. He will serve his 91-day sentence in the Ramsey County Workhouse beginning on October 20. With credit for time served, and good behavior, it's likely he'll complete the sentence in 58 days. MORE »
Gay Pride, G20 and the DNC
This weekend, an anti-gay protester handed out bibles at the Pride Festival in Loring Park in Minneapolis. This weekend the G8/G20 leaders met in Toronto, amid protests, police, violence and arrests. The common thread? Free speech.MORE »
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