On Monday two DemocracyNow producers, one Associated Press reporter, and the host for DemocracyNow, Amy Goodman, were arrested while covering the Republican National Convention in St. Paul. Beyond that, they are also being charged with crimes. Amy has already been charged with misdemeanor obstruction of a legal process and interference with a peace officer. Kouddous and Salazar, also from DemocracyNow, have pending charges against them.

I am sorry to say that this is complete bullshit. Arresting reporters for simply reporting is absolutely unacceptable. If you are arresting protesters for not complying or damaging property that is one thing, but when you have a press pass around your neck, you should be protected from being assaulted and arrested. Obviously the press has no intent on harming the police or the city’s property and that should be very obvious to the officers on duty.

What we’re seeing here is a very dangerous shift in police policy in this country. In the past, the press was protected for obvious reasons. This shows that simply holding a camera and doing your job without any intent of harm can result in your arrest and persecution. The press is a vital link in understanding what is really happening on the ground live during protest and other events. If we allow the press to be arrested for showing us the truth, we are turning our backs on the very people trying to help us.

How could a free country think it’s right to arrest and charge a journalist for simply asking questions. I am sorry folks but this is just wrong in too many ways to count. This is a time when we need to stand up and send a message to these policy makers that the press will be protected from persecution. I implore you to send a email or call the St. Paul City Attorney John Choi, Ramsey County Attorney Susan Gaertner, and Susan Gaertner for Governor and demand that all charges are dropped for all journalist.

Our liberty depends on the freedom of the press, and that cannot be limited without being lost. - Thomas Jefferson

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