New Law Would Let Arizona Treat Organized Dissent as Organized Crime

[raccoon]

Demonstrators in Arizona, such as these workers striking for higher wages at a Walmart in Phoenix, could face racketeering charges and asset forfeiture under the law passed by the state senate.

The Arizona Senate on Wednesday voted to expand racketeering laws to allow police to arrest anyone involved in a protest and seize their assets, treating demonstrators like organized criminals.

The law, SB 1142, also expands the definition of a riot to include any damage to property, and allows police to make arrests when they suspect a protest will turn violent—even before it actually has.

Will Gaona, policy director for the ACLU of Arizona, noted that the states' police unions pushed for the bill: The real heart of the legislation is what Democrats say is the guilt by association—and giving the government the right to criminally prosecute and seize the assets of everyone who planned a protest and everyone who participated. And what's worse, said Sen. Steve Farley, D-Tucson, is that the person who may have broken a window, triggering the claim there was a riot, might actually not be a member of the group but someone from the other side. (Ya think?--my comment.)

http://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/02/23/new-law-would-let-arizona-treat-organized-dissent-organized-crime


I know it isn't just Arizona--I know other areas are considering anti-protest laws. Jesus, this scares the hell out of me.

[FarPoint]

1. Jail's can't handle the volume...

Criminalization will not hold up against the First Amendment either. Let's challenge them in full force. Do not be intimidated.

[Sherman A1]

2. This is going to run right up against that

1st Amendment Thing and will go down in flames.....