ACLU to law enforcement: Ferguson protesters should not be treated as criminals

(From American Civil Liberties Union of Missouri)

Today, the American Civil Liberties Union of Missouri sent a letter to law enforcement agencies and elected officials in St. Louis County and the state of Missouri to offer guidance for protecting free speech rights once the grand jury announces its decision regarding Officer Darren Wilson. The letter was sent to: Governor Jay Nixon, Attorney General Chris Koster, Col. Ronald Replogle, St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley, St. Louis County Councilman Steve Stenger, St. Louis County Police Chief Jon Belmar, St. Louis City Mayor Francis Slay, Metropolitan Police Department of St. Louis Col. Samuel Dotson, Ferguson Mayor James Knowles and Ferguson Police Chief Thomas Jackson.

“We want our law enforcement agents to clearly understand that those who protest in public have a right to do so and should never be treated as criminals,” said Jeffrey Mittman, executive director of the ACLU of Missouri. “During times of public crisis, speech often gets loud, and may even become frightening. In America, we have a long tradition of protesters gathering to raise awareness of their opinions. This ensures that our government remains responsive to the will of the people.”

A copy of the letter can be found on the ACLU of Missouri website.

The ACLU of Missouri is a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization that defends and expands the constitutional rights and civil liberties of all Missourians guaranteed under the United States and Missouri Constitutions, through its litigation, legislative and public education programs. It is an affiliate of the national ACLU.