At the federal level, the FBI is also on alert. “The announcement of the grand jury’s decision … will likely be exploited by some individuals to justify threats and attacks against law enforcement and critical infrastructure,” it said in an intelligence bulletin, which also “stresses the importance of remaining aware of the protections afforded to all U.S. persons exercising their First Amendment rights of freedom of speech and freedom of assembly.” But civil rights organizations like the NAACP argue that the declaration quells free speech, and is actually fueling tensions ahead of the jury’s verdict. “Governor Nixon’s decision to declare a state of emergency without evidence of violence or danger only threatens to stir up tensions and denigrate the peaceful efforts of countless non-violent activists. We at the NAACP will work tirelessly to ensure that the civil rights of the demonstrators are upheld. And finally, we commend as well as stand with those practitioners of democracy who have stood strong for over 100 days.” Local groups and activists who have continuously organized in Ferguson since August 9, took to social media to vocalize their anger.
Posted on: Tue, 18 Nov 2014 22:44:22 +0000
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