Nonviolent anti-Trump protesters charged with “rioting”
Yes, there were several anarchists and rogue “black bloc” vandals who committed actual crimes after the inauguration of celebrity Donald Trump – but this smacks of a totalitarian move to quash demonstrtions and free speech:
More than 200 people who were mass-arrested at the Washington, D.C., protests against the inauguration of Donald Trump have been hit with felony riot charges that are punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Those picked up in the sweep—including legal observers and journalists—had their phones, cameras and other personal belongings confiscated as evidence, a lawyer confirmed to AlterNet.
Demonstrators warn that the crackdown signals a new wave of repression against the protesters, whose mass mobilization was met with riot police violence, National Guard and Department of Homeland Security deployments, heavy surveillance and law enforcement snipers positioned on rooftops.
“These charges are absolutely horrifying. They are just trying to stop any resistance to the Trump administration,” Samantha Miller, an organizer with the Disrupt J20 Collective, told AlterNet. “Many of these demonstrators were showing rage and fear of what’s coming. It’s going to take a lot more than asking nicely to create change and stop the threats from the Trump administration.”
Click here for reuse options!
Copyright 2017 Liberaland
By: dave-dr-gonzo
David Hirsch, a.k.a. Dave "Doctor" Gonzo*, is a renegade record producer, video producer, writer, reformed corporate shill, and still-registered lobbyist for non-one-percenter performing artists and musicians. He lives in a heavily fortified compound in one of Manhattan's less trendy neighborhoods.
* Hirsch is the third person to use the pseudonym, a not-so-veiled tribute to journalist and author Hunter S. Thompson, with the permission of his predecessors Gene Gaudette of American Politics Journal (currently webmaster and chief bottlewasher at Liberaland) and Stephen Meese at Smashmouth Politics.
38 responses to Nonviolent anti-Trump protesters charged with “rioting”
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
eyelashviper January 23rd, 2017 at 11:02
Some of the best attorneys in the country need to step up and vow to support anyone arrested for demonstrating, as the goons will come down on protestors when they think they can get away with it.
Buford2k11 January 23rd, 2017 at 11:15
I think this will encourage trump supporters using false flag tactics, as they have done in the past…
granpa.usthai January 24th, 2017 at 00:32
maybe if the FAKE PHONY republican patriots? were to see a REAL RIOT up close and personal?
oldfart January 23rd, 2017 at 11:11
Bear in mind we’re talking about Friday…RIGHT ?!?
Yet somehow the tactics and violence used in tRump rallies were deemed okie dokie…
granpa.usthai January 24th, 2017 at 00:30
as the FAKE PHONY patriot? newton leroy gingrich said: it was a good republican campaign device, just like the BETRAYAL of the Old Republic by FAKE PHONY patriot? ryan and FAKE PHONY LYING comey. Liberaland or somebody needs to start a weekly awards program to the FAKE PHONY republican patriot? -and I nominate newton leroy gingrich to be the 1st one – even over the urine colored leader of trumpland as this is his 3rd go round of draining the Treasury for all he can steal.
Buford2k11 January 23rd, 2017 at 11:12
the First Amendment is under attack by both trump, and the republican congress…while out in the States, there are ALEC written laws being passed around in the states, trying to criminalize protesting…which is unconstitutional to begin with…we are witnessing, a true coup d’etate…wait until the police state is activated under martial law…it is coming…sooner than we think..
michaelh613 January 23rd, 2017 at 11:33
Fake news. Violence has been widely reported http://dailysignal.com/2017/01/20/so-much-for-tolerance-photos-of-the-violent-protests-of-trumps-inauguration/
arc99 January 23rd, 2017 at 11:53
You deplorables are so blind, you think your fake news is the real thing.
Your link is from the dailysignal which describes itself
“”The Daily Signal provides policy and political news as well as conservative commentary and policy analysis—in a fresh, visually rich, readable format for your desktop, tablet or phone.””
There is not even a pretext of objectivity or journalistic integrity. Dailysignal is the epitome of fake news.
Jack E Raynbeau January 23rd, 2017 at 12:25
Take your alternative facts elsewhere. They don’t work here.
Mike January 23rd, 2017 at 12:47
Looks like more protesters showed up than well-wishers…maybe these were the 1.5 million Trump said he saw….
Never heard of the Daily Signal so I Googled them … thx for the fake news link to another of the Heritage Foundations many puppet cheerleaders.
Gina Bousquet January 23rd, 2017 at 13:22
Fake. Daily Signal is a trumpeteer. As Jack said, take your alternative facts to some place else.
amongoose January 23rd, 2017 at 19:14
Your sailing down an Egyptian river.
The violence does nothing but damage to your cause.
How many credible sources are required for you to believe it.
http://www.cnn.com/2017/01/19/politics/trump-inauguration-protests-womens-march/
http://www.cnbc.com/2017/01/20/mac-attack-trump-protesters-smash-window-at-mcdonalds-bank-of-america-other-businesses-ahead-of-presidential-swearing-in-dc.html
http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Crowds-Begin-to-Gather-for-the-Inauguration-of-Donald-Trump-411301755.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QA3ts0ZwhjM
Gina Bousquet January 24th, 2017 at 07:36
Half a million people in the streets coming from everywhere… some of them may not show the best of behaviors. But it’s never like the right, the Klaus, the White Nationalists who gather people aiming at violence. Besides, the right also send their people to disrupt peaceful marches. In countries used to marching we record their actions to check which side they’re on. As for the media in your country, who ignores it’s mostly in the hands of big corporations leaning to the right? So much for credibility…
amongoose January 24th, 2017 at 08:07
If the right is so violent why didn’t we see this at either of the Obama inaugurations?
.
Democratic leaders aren’t condemning this, and the crowds are cheering when they spoke of blowing up the white house during that march.
Did you see the pictures of the trash heaps those protesters left behind, they brought signs and left them in the streets. That’s really responsible, especially from those who preach to others not to pollute and trash the planet.
.
If it is outside agitators doing it where are the calls for finding out who is doing it and prosecuting it?
Where is the “credible” proof of “White nationalists”, or “Klans” causing it?
Gina Bousquet January 24th, 2017 at 08:27
You know how many marches were there against your leader around the world? Seven Hundred!! You know why? Because he is a bigot, rapist, Liar, I’ll intentioned, dangerous, stupid demagogue elected to govern a superpower. Your country is a good example that the right is not to be trusted, suffice to have followed his campaign. Your president put the world marching against him,with very good reason.
Obama had massive support and brought class, dignity, hope to the White House and the country. Maybe that’s why marches were not needed?
oldfart January 24th, 2017 at 08:46
“Blessed are the cheese makers” ;)
Good morning Gina.
I wish for you a wonderful day !
Gina Bousquet January 24th, 2017 at 08:54
Thank you dear friend, you seem to appear in the right place, in the right time :) A wonderful day to you too.
oldfart January 24th, 2017 at 09:19
I do not wish to be placed in the position of having to defend this travesty being forced upon our country and the planet but the odds are not in our favor with a lunatic in the white house and a party that call themselves republicans in control of our laws, it leaves little room to claim innocence for many in this country, if we do not resist the growing cancer of our government in the eyes of the world. It is my hope that with a little understanding and the acknowledgement from the rest of the citizens of the world that we’re indeed both rusty and a little put out right now with this thing called revolution…
Please bear with us while we get our sh*t together… ;)
Gina Bousquet January 24th, 2017 at 09:31
You are very honest and straightforward in your words. I know what you mean. I agree. It won’t be an easy task to find out your own way to resist the dark side of the force. Be sure the world is standing by the American people.
oldfart January 24th, 2017 at 08:32
You would have to admit that there is no proof to the contrary either.
You would also have to admit that fringe elements exists on both sides of the equation who indeed specialize in bad disruptive behavior. Likewise you would have to acknowledge though it didn’t happen, had Hillary won there would most probably have been “2nd amendment” lunatics roaming the streets and had said
and promised as much prior to the election. This t*t for tat discussion and mentality, solves nothing. Vandalistic behavior AKA burning and looting or people roaming around with weapons, which would you prefer ?
amongoose January 24th, 2017 at 10:48
I never said there were no violent idiots on the right. As I’ve said before I think idiots should be given a bullhorn so more people know how stupid they really are, sunshine is a wonderful disinfectant.
.
I said this kind of behavior hurts your cause, when it gets as much press as it has it can’t be good.
.
The 2nd amend. lunatics is speculation since she wasn’t elected.
oldfart January 24th, 2017 at 12:05
“you would have to acknowledge “though it didn’t happen”, had Hillary won there would most probably have been “2nd amendment” lunatics roaming the streets and had said…
I believe I covered that for you…
I clearly do not sanction this kind of behavior on either side.
(bricks and bullet holes in windows for examples lest you’ve forgotten)…
they do not speak for us they are speaking for themselves. Your comments sounded like your were attempting to conflate the actions of a few onto all of us like your conflating terrorism with all Muslims which you have done here as well.
amongoose January 24th, 2017 at 22:17
The article referred them as peaceful protesters, and they were anything but. Not just the violence but the hateful speech and treatment of anyone from the other side.
You say you don’t agree with these actions but the crowds were with them, and cheered on that hateful rhetoric and action. That seems to suggest a lot believe it’s OK.
If the right had rioted like this after the 2008 and 2012 elections they would have rightfully been pilloried, and would have been wiped out in 2010 and 2014 instead of winning.
These kinds of actions along with NAFTA, GATT, and the TPP, as well as islamic terror are large part of what cost you this election as well as the around 900 legislative seats at state level and about a dozen governorship’s in the ’10, ’14, and ’16 electoral cycles.
It is driving the political center away. If you don’t get a handle on it, in 2018 when you have the most of the senate seats to defend, eight in red states, it will be another disaster.
Yes I do believe Islam is a problem, and I say that because I have studied their culture, religion and history.
Islam is responsible for most of the terror attacks around the world. If the religion is being prevented by these terrorists why can’t the good ones stop them? The statistics are there and easy to find. Look at what is happening in Europe, even the Germans have admitted that their increase in crime is from refugees and muslim immigrants. Sweden is now the rape capitol of Europe, the vast majority of the perpetrators being refugees.
Islam is also incompatible with democracy, look at any country where islamic law is practiced.
If you want to see a misogynistic society look there.
Hirightnow January 24th, 2017 at 22:51
Context.
oldfart January 25th, 2017 at 00:44
“The article referred them as peaceful protesters”
WHICH article ?
“but the crowds were with them, and cheered on that hateful rhetoric and action. That seems to suggest a lot believe it’s OK.”
You are conflating, broad brushing and dismissing the fact that innocent people were also arrested on Friday.
That was Friday, on Saturday, NOBODY was arrested.
“That seems to suggest a lot believe it’s OK.”
A lot of people believe a lot of different things. Anarchists love to smash and burn, KKK likes fire as well, some get their jollies killing abortion providers and blowing up the buildings…
You seem to enjoy throwing out the baby with the bath water…
and going off topic.
robert January 23rd, 2017 at 12:02
I heard over the weekend that Larry king’s limo got all its windows knocked out .
So they didn’t score any points with a media icon if indeed the vandalism took place
Charlie Seivard January 23rd, 2017 at 12:44
Old songs, old tactics, same results. Too bad Republicans and their enforcers can’t read.
Gina Bousquet January 23rd, 2017 at 13:24
A fascist government reaction starts.
granpa.usthai January 24th, 2017 at 00:45
RESISTANCE against fascist governments grows as hard and as tempered as the strongest steel. I would venture to say that trumpland will be no more within the 4 years allotted. either from within -or from without. I just don’t think there will be a lot of people who will support a urine colored 6X COWARD in any kind of military adventures the mostly COWARD FAKE PHONY republican patriot? can come up with – especially being that they will try to screw the hell out of the active military personnel. In country, it’s kinda hard to get a viable economy going when the people begin to realize how much of the pie the FAKE PHONY republican patriots? at the top want for their offshore bank accounts leaving a few crumbs on the floor for the rest to scurry after.
either way, it’s still going to be exciting to watch the urine colored leader of trumpland and his fake german serbian 3rd c*nt (to use his own words) implode as they realize….. WTF cares!
Gina Bousquet January 24th, 2017 at 06:59
I believe I know how South Americans and Europeans react when faced with fascism. I was part of the resistance to the right wing dictatorship in my country for years. But Americans are used to such different reality, with strong democratic institutions and a lot of stability and prosperity – – I know you can say there have been changes lately in that state of things– your resistance will possibly show to be unique, in accordance with your political culture. Besides you may be the country with the strongest surveillance of its people, this kind of resource in the hands of a right-wing Presidency and Congress like you have now won’t be easy to face. The world roots for you people, I’m very sure. We know you’ll show strength and creativity, whatever you come up with. The hearts of the left worldwide are with you.
fahvel January 24th, 2017 at 03:03
je ne crois pas. Les americains ne sont pas les heros et ils ne sont pas d’accord avec le mot revolution dans le sense que nous, toi et moi, comprenent le mot.
they are, as a whole, compacent –
Gina Bousquet January 24th, 2017 at 06:39
Je suis d’accord quant au sens du mot pour eux, c’est pas la résistance comme pour nous, on va voir comment. Mais la surveillance du gouvernement est terrible là et un régime fasciste va faire tout pour détenir son peuple.
oldfart January 24th, 2017 at 09:01
Had it not been for the mutual assistance of our countries in our time of need,
I dare say you and I would be sharing a quite different world.
Je vous remercie et vous êtes les bienvenus.
We share similar aspirations but face different realities.
AKA (right now) it sucks to be us.
amersham1046 January 23rd, 2017 at 17:32
Sounds a lot like Vietnam era tactics by the police
granpa.usthai January 24th, 2017 at 00:23
which expounds the idea that most republicans, including the leader of trumpland are in all actuality…
FAKE PHONY patriots.and they need to be starting to get called out on it!
just like the guy on youtube that calls out the fake phony seals.
stolen patriotism of the old BETRAYED Republic is just as damn bad and as offensive to many REAL AMERICANS.
it sickens me and makes me want to puke when I see PHONY Baloney republicans wearing a US Flag lapel pin as if they’re somehow a F’ing American.
Gary Parillo January 24th, 2017 at 03:47
A kleptocratic fascist element is now in charge of what was the United States.I can’t say their in control,but in charge.We the people are still in control,but we need to exercise our rights to call,email,and make our voices loudly heard to the congressmen,senators,and White House.The millions that marched on 1/21 were heard clearly.The right to peacefully protest still will be honored,and needs to be without violence,giving them no excuse to interfere.The constitution has been in force for hundreds of years,Trump and his kleptocratic nut cases will only be there 4 years , If he’s not impeached before that.Progressive advancement will be set back,but can only be wiped out if the ones with progressive vision give up.It remains true that the majority of America did not vote for him.The majority needs to make themselves heard.
Gina Bousquet January 24th, 2017 at 08:30
Bravo !
Red Eye Robot January 24th, 2017 at 10:40
It’s a real simple equation, If you don’t riot you don’t get arrested.