Journalist Amy Goodman Arrested/Released in MN (Update With Press Conference)

by Linda Milazzo

Amy Goodman of Pacifica Network's Democracy Now! was arrested in St. Paul, Minnesota, while trying to free two of her producers, Sharif Abdel Kouddous and Nicole Salazar, who were unlawfully detained. Also arrested was Associated Press photographer, Matt Rourke.

For many in America, Amy Goodman is the defining journalist of their generation. Amy's arrest, and the arrests of nearly 300 others, in addition to the warrantless raids, searches and seizures of private homes, and the creation of the police state of Minnesota in-service to the Republican Party, are unconscionable acts that SHOULD NOT be tolerated.

Since this video first posted, Amy Goodman has been released. Goodman was charged with "Obstruction." Producers Kouddous and Salazar face pending charges of "Felony Riot." Although Goodman is no longer being detained, please follow the suggestion of Democracy Now! and call the office of Mayor Chris Coleman at (651) 266-8535 to voice your disapproval of Amy's arrest. The above video is proof of the questionable judgement and harsh tactics of the arresting officers.

It's your fundamental responsibility to do ALL you can to protect The First and Fourth Amendments to the Constitution of the United States. Let your voice be heard. Tell the Mayor you are protecting the Constitution, the free press, the freedom of peaceable assembly, the freedom from unlawful detention, search and seizure, and the right to petition your government for redress of grievance. These are your unalienable rights!!!

Here are further contacts for use to support and defend your Constitution:

Governor Tim Pawlenty (R)
Telephone: (651) 296-3391
Toll Free: (800) 657-3717
Fax: (651) 296-2089
E-mail: tim.pawlenty@state.mn.us

Senator Amy Klobuchar (D)
302 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Main Line: 202-224-3244
Main Fax: 202-228-2186
Toll Free: 888-224-9043

Senator Norm Coleman (R)
Washington Office:
320 Senate Hart Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Main: 202-224-5641
Fax: 202-224-1152

Sen. Coleman Minnesota Office in St. Paul:
2550 University Ave W, Suite 100N
St. Paul, MN 55114
Main: 651-645-0323
Fax: 651-645-3110
Toll Free: 800-642-6041

US Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D):
Washington Office
1714 Longworth HOB
Washington, DC 20515
Office: 202 225-6631
Fax: 202 225-1968

McCollum Saint Paul District Office
165 Western Avenue North, Suite 17
St. Paul, MN 55102
Office: 651 224-9191
Fax: 651 224-3056

Contributing to this report are videographer Sharona L. Smith (VocieofAmericans2008) and Rob Kall (opednews.com)