Oakland lets war protesters off hook

[Judi Lynn]

Article Last Updated: Friday, April 23, 2004 - 3:40:44 AM PST

Oakland lets war protesters off hook
D.A. says peaceful rallies since notorious port incident one year ago influenced decision

By Paul T. Rosynsky, STAFF WRITER

OAKLAND -- Criminal charges filed against protesters arrested last year during an anti-war demonstration at the Port of Oakland were dropped Thursday, ending a yearlong saga that added another blemish to the city's police department.

Deputy District Attorney Julie Dunger announced the decision to drop charges during an early morning hearing in which defense attorneys had planned to push for the setting of trial dates.

Noting that protesters at subsequent rallies remained peaceful and the police department changed its crowd control tactics, Dunger said there was no reason to proceed with the criminal cases.

"It's been a year since that day," she said. "In that time, there have been peaceful and lawful protests. During that time, the Oakland Police Department has changed its procedures. In light of these facts, the people at this time move to dismiss all charges."
(snip/...)

http://www.dailyreviewonline.com/Stories/0,1413,88~10973~2103221,00.html

[lostnfound]

1. A rather biased headline

Broadcasts on Pacifica after that protest had several protesters talking about the rubber bullets that were used against them, and how shocked they were that their peaceful protest became the target of repressive tactics.

The popular tactic at protests (especially trade issues) these days is to arrest for harassment purposes, even though the charges can't stick.

So here, the headline portrays it as if the city of Oakland is being generous and forgiving, when the reality, more likely, is that they arrested people without cause.

[Snoggera]

2. Who should be prosecuted here?

This says it all: