DEFENDING FREE PRESS FROM FEDERAL POLICE DURING PORTLAND BLM PROTESTS
BHB alongside the ACLU of Oregon filed a class-action lawsuit on June 28, 2020 against the City of Portland, DHS, and the U.S. Marshals Service on behalf of journalists and legal observers who were targeted and attacked by law enforcement while documenting protests in the city over the killing of George Floyd. Journalists and legal observers were subjected to rubber bullets, tear-gassed, pepper-sprayed, beaten with batons, flash bangs directed at them, and faced arrest
The District Court Judge issued a 14-day temporary restraining order blocking law enforcement from arresting, dispersing, threatening, or using physical force against journalists or legal observers covering the events. Additionally, the police were not allowed to seize any photographic equipment, audio- or video-recording equipment, press and legal observer passes, or order them to stop photographing, recording, or observing a protest - essentially preventing journalist and legal observers from doing their job and duty. In addition to seeking damages for injuries sustained, the lawsuit seeks an order declaring law enforcement’s actions unconstitutional and preventing them from further targeting journalist.
“Attacking the press is considered to be a violation of international human rights and international norms. It’s what happens in the most repressive countries in the world. It should not be happening here, and it should not be happening in Portland.”
Index Newspapers, LLC, et al. v. City of Portland, DHS, USMS, et al., No. 3:20-cv-01035-SI (D. Or.)
Partner organization: ACLU of Oregon
Important Documents:
Media Coverage: Portland Tribune, Politico; Associated Press, NPR, The Recorder, and CNBC