ACLU of the Nation’s Capital Offers Assistance to “Occupy D.C.” Demonstrators

Know-Your-Rights Pamphlet Provides Advice to Demonstrators, Offers Help

ACLU-NCA Attorneys Art Spitzer, Fritz Mulhauser and Johnny Barnes to provide "On Site" Training Session for Demonstrators 

In response to planned demonstrations in Washington, D.C., the American Civil Liberties Union of the Nation’s Capital has released a demonstrator’s know-your-rights informational pamphlet. The pamphlet offers basic information about the rights of demonstrators, the limitations on those rights, and what to do when rights are violated.

“Peaceful protests are a culturally accepted and constitutionally protected practice,” said ACLU of the Nation’s Capital Executive Director Johnny Barnes, “but we have had some problems in the past with overreaction by law enforcement.”

"While this pamphlet is designed for demonstrators, we hope law enforcement personnel will read it also," added Barnes. “If everyone – protesters and law enforcement – knows the law and their limits, we will all come through these protests uneventfully.”

Protest groups are emerging around the states, many affiliated with the “Occupy Wall Street” movement in New York City. The demonstrations in New York attracted national attention when over 700 protesters were arrested while marching on the Brooklyn Bridge.

“At bottom, demonstrators who believe their free speech rights have been violated should call us,” said Barnes. “We can help.”

View the pamphlet »