8 activists who helped organize demonstrations at the Republican National Convention in St. Paul have been charged with 4 felony counts and, if convicted, face over two decades in jail. These charges are establishing a dangerous precedent for restricting future political organization, demonstration and free speech.
These arrests were prior to the September convention as an attempt to undermine anti-RNC protests in St. Paul. The 8 activists, now known as the RNC8, are being charged with:
- Count 1 – conspiracy to riot in the second degree in furtherance of terrorism
- Count 2 – conspiracy to riot in the second degree (without terrorism enhancement)
- Count 3 – conspiracy to damage property in furtherance of terrorism
- Count 4 – conspiracy to damage property (without terrorism enhancement)
It is believed to be the first time charges have been filed using Minnesota’s version of the Patriot Act. Their next court date is on Wednesday, December 17th at 1:00pm.
A website with a petition asking the Minnesota Governor, Susan Gaertner, to dismiss the charges, a video featuring the arrested activists and their backgrounds and more is available here.