[OT] Pennsylvania troopers infiltrated protest groups before GOP convention

KaMaKaZe · September 7, 2000, 08:26 AM

Now if only the ACLU gave a flyin' flip about something important...

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>
Pennsylvania troopers infiltrated protest groups before GOP convention

The Associated Press

PHILADELPHIA (September 7, 2000 6:39 a.m. EDT http://www.nandotimes.com) - Undercover state troopers infiltrated groups preparing to protest during the Republican National Convention, newly unsealed search-warrant documents show.

The state police operation was detailed in legal documents filed Aug. 1 by Philadelphia police to gain search warrants for a raid on a warehouse where about 75 people were arrested, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported Thursday.

Four days before the convention began, state police operatives posing as demonstrators arrived at the warehouse protesters were using as a staging area, according to the documents unsealed Wednesday.

Troopers were said to have seen demonstrators building street barriers and devices used by protesters to lock arms together to block streets. They also reported hearing discussions that protesters planned to throw objects such as pies and bottles at police, the affidavits said.

Protesters have said the warehouse was used to make puppets, floats and other props for the demonstrations.

"This is an outrage," said Stefan Presser, legal director of the state chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union.

Presser and other critics said protesters should have had the right to organize without fear that police were spying on them. They also said undercover officers could become provocateurs.

During the convention, which ran from July 31 to Aug. 3, Commissioner John F. Timoney repeatedly denied that police had engaged in infiltration. Police spokeswoman Lt. Susan Slawson said Wednesday the commissioner could not comment because of pending litigation, the demonstrators' civil suit challenging the arrests.
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God, Guns and Guts made this country a great country!

oberkommando sez:
"We lost the first and third and now they are after the Second!(no pun intended)"

Jeff OTMG · September 7, 2000, 01:16 PM

"This is an outrage," said Stefan Presser, legal director of the state chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union.

Presser and other critics said protesters should have had the right to organize without fear that police were spying on them. They also said undercover officers could become provocateurs.

Gee, I wonder if Presser is available to tell the FBI not to infiltrate militia organizations as members. I agree with the ACLU on this one, that is of course if they apply there position EQUALLY across all groups.

September 7, 2000, 08:26 AM	#1
KaMaKaZe Senior Member Join Date: July 24, 2000 Posts: 853	Now if only the ACLU gave a flyin' flip about something important... <BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR> Pennsylvania troopers infiltrated protest groups before GOP convention The Associated Press PHILADELPHIA (September 7, 2000 6:39 a.m. EDT http://www.nandotimes.com) - Undercover state troopers infiltrated groups preparing to protest during the Republican National Convention, newly unsealed search-warrant documents show. The state police operation was detailed in legal documents filed Aug. 1 by Philadelphia police to gain search warrants for a raid on a warehouse where about 75 people were arrested, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported Thursday. Four days before the convention began, state police operatives posing as demonstrators arrived at the warehouse protesters were using as a staging area, according to the documents unsealed Wednesday. Troopers were said to have seen demonstrators building street barriers and devices used by protesters to lock arms together to block streets. They also reported hearing discussions that protesters planned to throw objects such as pies and bottles at police, the affidavits said. Protesters have said the warehouse was used to make puppets, floats and other props for the demonstrations. "This is an outrage," said Stefan Presser, legal director of the state chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union. Presser and other critics said protesters should have had the right to organize without fear that police were spying on them. They also said undercover officers could become provocateurs. During the convention, which ran from July 31 to Aug. 3, Commissioner John F. Timoney repeatedly denied that police had engaged in infiltration. Police spokeswoman Lt. Susan Slawson said Wednesday the commissioner could not comment because of pending litigation, the demonstrators' civil suit challenging the arrests. [/quote] ------------------ God, Guns and Guts made this country a great country! oberkommando sez: "We lost the first and third and now they are after the Second!(no pun intended)"

September 7, 2000, 01:16 PM	#2
Jeff OTMG Senior Member Join Date: October 15, 1998 Location: Austin, Tx (for now) Posts: 3,548	"This is an outrage," said Stefan Presser, legal director of the state chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union. Presser and other critics said protesters should have had the right to organize without fear that police were spying on them. They also said undercover officers could become provocateurs. Gee, I wonder if Presser is available to tell the FBI not to infiltrate militia organizations as members. I agree with the ACLU on this one, that is of course if they apply there position EQUALLY across all groups.