Protesting? Know Your Rights

[TBF]

I found this great pamphlet created by the NLG (National Lawyers Guild). Very helpful information for citizens and non-citizens alike.

Whether or not you’re a citizen, you have rights under the United States Constitution. The Fifth Amendment
gives every person the right to remain silent: not to answer questions asked by a police officer or government agent.
The Fourth Amendment restricts the government’s power to enter and search your home or workplace, although there are
many exceptions and new laws have expanded the government’s power to conduct surveillance. The First Amendment
protects your right to speak freely and to advocate for social change. However, if you are a non-citizen, the Department
of Homeland Security may target you based on your political activities...

Read the rest here: http://www.nlg.org/wp-content/files_flutter/1290534630final.pdf

[gratuitous]

1. Useful information from the NLG

Practical information from gratuitous: If you get tear-gassed, and you throw the canister back at the folks who fired it at you, wash your hands thoroughly before using the toilet.

[duhneece]

2. Memorize: Am I under arrest or am I free to go? nt

[TBF]

3. More on your rights from the ACLU

Know Your Rights: Demonstrations and Protests
General guidelines

Can my free speech be restricted because of what I say -- even if it is
controversial?
No. The First Amendment prohibits restrictions based on the content of speech.
However, this does not mean that the Constitution completely protects all types
of free speech activity in every circumstance. Police and government officials are
allowed to place certain non-discriminatory and narrowly drawn "time, place and
manner" restrictions on the exercise of First Amendment rights.


More here: http://www.rightsmatter.org/students/Protests.pdf

[TBF]

4. Specific tips on protesting in NYC:

Interested in joining them? Here’s a few things to keep in mind when you’re protesting in New York City:

You have a right to stand or march on sidewalks without a permit.
You may photograph or video the cops, but do not interfere with police action.
Remember officers’ badge numbers, names and physical descriptions.
File complaints about misconduct by calling 311.
If you march in the street without a permit, you risk arrest.
If ordered to disperse, do so unless you want to be arrested.


http://www.aclu.org/blog/free-speech/nyclu-scene-wall-street-protests

[Starry Messenger]

5. k&r