Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Defend the 4th, an offshoot collation of Occupy Boston, plan to stage a protest against random bag checks on the T in February.
A pro-4th Amendment coalition with roots in the Occupy movement will stage a protest of random bag inspections at T platforms around the city this weekend, including Kenmore and Ruggles stations. Defend the 4th, a self-proclaimed “group of individuals from a broad array of political/social leanings and organizations,” plans to demonstrate across Boston Feb. 2, according to an email to Patch from coalition spokesman Garret Kirkland. “Any instances of ‘random’ searches being conducted on a citizen or visitor to the Commonwealth warrants protest on 4th Amendment grounds," Kirkland wrote. “We believe that it is a gross violation of our rights and of the principles of our nation, that any person should have to prove that they are not doing …
Monday, April 16, 2012
Are police too rough with protesters?
Police are back in the news for how they interact with protesters and the public during permitted protest events. During Sunday's counter-protest to a permitted Tea Party rally, police were photographed arresting people on the Boston Common and one picture in particular, of an officer with his hands around the neck of a person who didn't appear to be resisting, has caused outrage. The photo, taken by Paul Weiskel, a history student at the University of Massachusetts Boston, has made its rounds on the Internet and prompted criticism of the police department. But police spokeswoman Elaine Driscoll said that officers responded appropriately. She told the Boston Globe, "The aggressive nature of these individuals required officers to call for …
Friday, December 9, 2011
Also, no raid on Occupy Boston site —for now. Police tell protesters they have at least another night in Dewey Park, despite violating a trespassing notice issued Thursday.
Thursday night, as members of the Occupy Boston movement braced for a potential confrontation with police in Boston's Dewey Square – a confrontation that didn't occur, it turns out – protesters had an unusual reason to celebrate. Two members of the crowd, Aaron Spagnolo, 33, and Nanore Barsoumian, 28, decided to hold an impromptu vow exchange with one of the chaplains of Occupy Boston. The couple, from Somerville, had been engaged for a year. “You know, we kept taking about it, every time there's a protest or something like this – 'why don't we just get married in the middle of it?'” Spagnolo joked. “...Well, the chaplain is here, and I said, 'what the heck, let's just do it.'” “(We) will never forget,” Spagnolo later tweeted. “I couldn't …
Friday, September 30, 2011
Find out the parade route of the "Occupy Boston" protest so you can join it or avoid it.
The following is a press release from the mayor's office. It's about the "Occupy Boston" protests against white-collar hooliganism and inequality. "Today, Mayor Thomas M. Menino and the City of Boston Transportation Department are advising drivers to plan for delays in traffic downtown and around the Financial District due to a protest march that is expected to take place this afternoon and through the weekend. The Boston Police Department is aware of the event and officers will be on hand throughout the duration of the march to supervise the activity and to secure detour routes for drivers as necessary. City of Boston officials are also working with local businesses to keep them informed throughout the event. Protesters will gather at the…
Frank Capone
9:12 am on Saturday, February 2, 2013
It doesn't matter if it is a swab, a search or a check. You have a right to travel unmolested. The TSA is forcing people to choose between surrendering their rights (being molested) or not riding the train. The practice is illegal and a violation of the 4th amendment. more ›