Multiple motions to dismiss federal charges against 3 of the 9 protesters arrested on June 11 were denied, a jury will decide whether responding to a Facebook post was conspiracy.
‘Time-worn and protected methods of civil disobedience,’ or violent federal conspiracy? Federal judge could dismiss charges against the Spokane 9 next week as May trial date approaches.
As part of its lobbying efforts, The Washington Coalition for Police Accountability convinced a lawmaker to alter a bill the organization believes would weaken law enforcement accountability.
GEO Transit, which carts immigrants from Spokane to Tacoma for deportation, had its lawyer call the requester to make sure ‘you’re not gonna hurt my peeps.’
Many organizers asking the state for police justice reforms are based in Spokane — home to some of the highest rates of police violence in the US — and want stronger state oversight of local agencies.
ICE protesters facing federal charges made a hard choice, but some fear a chilling effect: ‘They want to frighten people so they are afraid to use their First Amendment rights.’
