MPD Detains Three Indy Journalists; Confiscates Equipment

UPDATE 8/27:

Three video artists/journalists associated with Glass Bead Collective who were subject to an unconstitutional stop and seizure of their video equipment, personal property, notebooks, and phones in the early morning hours of August 26th, 2008, in Minneapolis, had all of their equipment and personal property returned in the morning of August 27th. Police obtained a search warrant on August 26th, presumably viewed all pictures and video pursuant to the warrant,and then released the property. The stated purpose of the warrant was to seek photographic evidence in support of an investigation of "criminal trespass." No charges have been filed or are expected.

Lawyers for the three are obtaining copies of the warrants and seeking to preserve evidence related to stop to consider possible further legal action. The three were assisted by the Minnesota Chapter of the National Lawyers Guild and held a press conference on August 27th, which resulted in widespread media coverage and substantial pressure on the City of Minneapolis, resulting in the prompt release of the seized property.

[TC-IMC UPDATE: Minnesota Public Radio is reporting on other assaults & threats against people with cameras: A Choice of Weapons? Tim Nelson @ timnelson@mpr.org]
[TC-IMC UPDATE 2: Cyclist Detained and Suspected of Domestic Terrorism for taking Pictures of Cops]
[TC-IMC UPDATE 3: Press conf scheduled for 4 PM. Incident reported by Pioneer Press, MPR News Cut & Democracy Now!]

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota (August 26, 2008) – Minneapolis Police officers detained three journalists early this morning, confiscating each of the their personal belongings including cell phones, video cameras, still cameras, a computer, hard drive, clothing, personal objects and money. The journalists are all members of New York City based Glass Bead Collective and are in town to document the events around the Republican National Convention. Police officer York photographed the three journalists and questioned them individually about their travel plans and what they intended to report on. The officers refused to file an official report of the incident or a receipt of the items taken, claiming that they were allowed to conduct the search and seizure under the jurisdiction of Homeland Security due to security risks leading up to the Republican National Convention.

The journalists were detained and then released after their belongings were seized. The journalists were clear that they did not consent to being searched at any point during the detainment.

Contact: Vlad - 917-650-2486
vlad@glassbeadcollective.org