General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsAmnesty International: Human Rights Abuses in Ferguson
On the Streets of America: Human Rights Abuses in Ferguson
Report - October 24, 2014
"Every day that Michael Brown doesn't receive justice, we are reminded that it's open season on black lives in Ferguson. How are we supposed to live everyday knowing that and not go crazy?" - Anonymous protester
<snip>
This briefing document outlines some of the human rights concerns witnessed by Amnesty International and a series of recommendations that need to be implemented with regards to the use of lethal force by law enforcement officers and the policing of protests.
<snip>
Irrespective of whether there was some sort of physical confrontation between Michael Brown and the police officer, Michael Brown was unarmed and thus unlikely to have presented a serious threat to the life of the police officer. As such, this calls into question whether the use of lethal force was justified, and the circumstances of the killing must be urgently clarified.
Also troubling is Missouri's broad statute on the use of deadly force. Amnesty International is very concerned that the statute may be unconstitutional and is clearly out of line with international standards on the intentional use of lethal force as it goes well beyond the doctrine that lethal force only be used to protect life.
Racial discrimination and excessive use of police force nationwide
The shooting of Michael Brown highlighted on a national level the persistent and widespread pattern of racially discriminatory treatment by law enforcement officers across the United States, including unjustified stops and searches, ill treatment and excessive, and sometimes lethal, use of force.
Much much more: http://www.amnestyusa.org/research/reports/on-the-streets-of-america-human-rights-abuses-in-ferguson?page=show
Please take the time to go to the link. This report is extensive and well worth the read.
It includes separate, well thought out and individualized recommendations to the Department of Justice, United States Congress, Ferguson Police Department, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Governor of Missouri, the Department of Justice and the United States Congress...
TYY
TeeYiYi
(8,028 posts)...at the protests at Shaw and Grand:
Bella Eiko:
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/oakland-2-ferguson-solidarity?utm_campaign=ustre.am&utm_source=ustre.am%2F1hFO4&utm_medium=social&utm_content=20141022150554
Rebelutionary_Z:
http://www.ustream.tv/z
Stackizshort:
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/stackizshort?utm_campaign=ustre.am&utm_source=ustre.am%2F1i2lw&utm_medium=social&utm_content=20141023222821
TYY
Edit to add live streams as I find them.
marym625
(17,997 posts)The St Louis Police, the St Louis County Police and all the little towns in St Louis County for causing history to be made. First time ever human rights violations documented by Amnesty International inside the US.
For streamers you needn't look any further than the St Louis County Cop Talk sight. Just check the post labeled "Thugs"
http://members.boardhost.com/stlouiscoptalk/msg/1414023253.html
TeeYiYi
(8,028 posts)Pretty scary for the streamers, especially bass and bella. They've been posting personal information.
They called stack's job at least a week ago and tried to get her fired.
The Amnesty International report gives me hope that the world is watching and that laws may finally be enacted to address racial profiling and other egregious civil right abuses by cops in the United States.
TYY
marym625
(17,997 posts)On redacted tonight. As soon as he tweets it, I will post it in DU
sabrina 1
(62,325 posts)concerns about the brutal treatment of protesters during OWS? Not sure, as I have not yet read the full report, if they went further than simply asking the US Govt to protect those protesters from the brutal cops, and wrote a more detailed report.
But many Civil Rights Orgs have expressed grave concerns about the brutality of the US Police Forces towards their own citizens, including peaceful protesters. So far, the US Govt has not responded much to these concerns.
Well, at least not like this. It is the first time they actually came to the US specifically for this and then reported violations
sabrina 1
(62,325 posts)during the OWS protests expressing grave concern over the brutality towards the protesters, asking the US Govt to protect them. As far as I know, there was no response.
Glad Amnesty is doing this. Not that I expect any different reaction from our Govt which appears to have a vested interest in silencing dissent using whatever means they believe is necessary.
marym625
(17,997 posts)The UN wrote up the US in March for human rights violations in the murders at Kent State. Gave the US 1 year to respond
Amnesty is going after Chicago now Just saw their tweet:
.@RahmEmanuel help us end impunity for Chicago police torture. #ReparationsNow #StopTorture #RahmRepNow http://t.co/eDEQFNg5KU
(https://twitter.com/amnesty/status/525747415521832960?s=03)
I don't think anyone will do a god damned thing.
sabrina 1
(62,325 posts)like Amnesty, keep on doing what they are doing. Maybe one day things will change, enough people will have had enough and all those reports can be used against them eventually.
marym625
(17,997 posts)Neither has the press. disgusting
marym625
(17,997 posts)It's not like it just went up. This is the first time in the history of Amnesty International that they have reported abuses inside the US.. This should be the headline of every news publication, the lead story on every news media site and TV show and the most talked about thing by the American people.
We are now a laughing stock worldwide. Not that we haven't been since dubya started an illegal war and sanctioned torture. But since we have made ourselves the appointed guardian of human rights in the world, this proves that hypocrisy.
And where the hell are all the democratic officials and candidates? If nothing else, they should be calling out Governor Nixon
TeeYiYi
(8,028 posts)Pretty sad that this story is being ignored here at DU...smh. Maybe it'll pick up interest today...
TYY
marym625
(17,997 posts)But, sometimes it's timing. I plan on posting something over the weekend. Let's see how far that goes. Your post is great. It isn't that. So hoping hoping hoping it's just timing
TeeYiYi
(8,028 posts)...at the indifference DU is showing toward the state sanctioned, racially motivated murders and subsequent uprising surrounding Ferguson, Missouri.
What's happening in St. Louis right now, regarding systemic racial profiling and militarized police corruption in the United States, and the ensuing nationwide protests, is one of the most important stories of the 21st century.
The fact that Amnesty International released the extensive report that they did yesterday is precedent setting!
I think I finally understand why bigtree got frustrated and left.
TYY
sabrina 1
(62,325 posts)here, unlike years ago when the 'left' was where the hope of ending these policies, lay. Today I see veiled and not so veiled defenses of the thugs in uniform and blaming the victims, both in OWS and Ferguson. It is really sad the at least the Dems we elected in 2008 didn't take advantage of the majority we gave them to start addressing these issues.
TeeYiYi
(8,028 posts)Last edited Fri Oct 24, 2014, 06:12 PM - Edit history (1)
...that something may start happening on a federal level, as a result of releasing this most recent report from Amnesty International.
Sad that it takes the eyes of the international community to spark interest and action inside the United States judicial system.
I continue to hope that Obama will switch up and try to enact some legacy changing laws while still in office; that he'll move to squash America's racially corrupt, militarized police force. I'm hoping that he can secure his legacy by enacting laws to address racial profiling, racial inequality and equal rights; basic human rights as they apply to America's police force and the diverse demographic that we hire them to protect.
The. World. Is. Watching.
TYY
marym625
(17,997 posts)But, for instance, riverwalker posted something about Ferguson a week or so ago that went nowhere. I was in disbelief at that. I cross posted it, and just because of timing, after nearly a day, it went from 12 to 54 recs in no time.
TeeYiYi
(8,028 posts)TYY
TeeYiYi
(8,028 posts)I'm just curious.
TYY
RedCappedBandit
(5,514 posts)TeeYiYi
(8,028 posts)...for the k+r.
This Amnesty International report and the issues it dares to address is precedent setting in the 21st century.
The. World. Is. Watching.
TYY
RedCappedBandit
(5,514 posts)Sad what it takes to bring it to this point, though.
leftynyc
(26,060 posts)marym625
(17,997 posts)A new Fuck Hate video
http://www.democraticunderground.com/1017222592
TeeYiYi
(8,028 posts)...political stance toward increasingly militarized police corruption, racial profiling and state sanctioned murder by cops in America. They've effectively drawn a line in the sand.
What's happening in St. Louis right now, regarding protests in the wake of state sanctioned, racially motivated murder by militarized cops, is one of the most important stories of the 21st century.
The ambivalence of DUers toward this most important, precedent setting report by Amnesty International is disturbing to say the least.
We have the internet and the advent of social media to thank for shining a past due disinfecting light on this cockroach of injustice in America.
The. World. Is. Watching.
TYY
logosoco
(3,208 posts)This story punched me in the git from day one. I am happy it has been heard everywhere. What is really disheartening is reading the comments in the local (gone down the toilet fast) papers website.
I am glad AI exists and yeah, how sad this was their job in the USA.
I am still reading every post on this subject but find my blood pressure rising some when I think about it or hear someone try to defend the cop.
I am fearful for what the future holds but am also trying to be optimistic that this will be the case that changes how a cops word is taken in our system. I don't usually wear a tinfoil style cap, but if this case does not go to trial, we will probably see more of those "is this America" photos in the news. Not just here, and not just about this case.
JustAnotherGen
(31,828 posts)MerryBlooms
(11,769 posts)Thanks for finding and sharing.
Faux pas
(14,681 posts)bravenak
(34,648 posts)This is important!!
TeeYiYi
(8,028 posts)Federal, state and local authorities should ensure that investigations into the shooting of Michael Brown are thorough, transparent, independent and impartial, and concluded as promptly as possible; Michael Brown's family must be kept informed throughout the investigation; If the evidence indicates that the killing was unlawful, the police officer responsible should be criminally prosecuted.
The Ferguson Police Department should:
Cooperate fully with the investigation into Michael Brown's death;
Undertake a review of its law enforcement policies and training on the use of force and firearms, to ensure that they conform fully to international standards, including those set out under the U.N. Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials and the Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms.
Undertake a review of its law enforcement policies and training related to race and policing diverse communities.
The Missouri Legislature should amend the Missouri statute that authorizes the use of lethal force (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 563.046) to bring the law in line with international standards, by limiting the use of lethal force by law enforcement to those instances in which it is necessary protect life.
All states should review and revise their use of lethal force statutes to bring laws in line with international standards and ensure that police departments publish regular statistics on the number of people shot and killed or injured by police officers. Police departments should also provide information on the internal disciplinary process by publishing regular statistical data on the type and outcome of complaints and disciplinary action.
The Department of Justice should:
Conduct an independent, transparent and impartial investigation into the death of Michael Brown;
Ensure the collection and publication of nationwide statistics on police shootings in accordance with the Violent Crime Control and Enforcement Act (1994). The data collected should be disaggregated by race, ethnicity and gender;
Review and update the Department of Justice's Guidance on the Use of Deadly Force by law enforcement officials to ensure compliance with international law and standards, by limiting the use of lethal force by law enforcement to only in those instances where it is needed to protect life and to ensure that sure that firearms are used as a last resort only if other means have failed or are not likely to be efficient, and even where the use of a firearm is unavoidable that this is done in a way that seeks to minimize harm and loss of life.
Promptly implement a Department of Justice led review of police tactics and practices nationwide;
champion a national commission to examine and produce recommendations on policing issues, including use of excessive and lethal force; policing of protests and adherence of all law enforcement agencies to human rights standards for law enforcement;
Update the Department of Justice's Guidance on the Use of Race by law enforcement officials, to include a comprehensive ban on racial profiling by federal law enforcement agencies.
The United States Congress should:
Pass the End Racial Profiling Act
Ensure that the Department of Justice is able to fulfil its obligation to ensure adherence to international standards related to policing and the use of force by law enforcement officers.
Recommendations on the Policing of Protests
To Ferguson Police Department, Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Governor of Missouri
Review and revise all policies and training on policing of protests to ensure that there is compliance at all times with international human rights obligations and with international standards on policing, in particular The U.N. Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials and the U.N. Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials must be the guiding principles underpinning all operations before, during and after demonstrations.
Ensure that all allegations of human rights violations by police officials during the protests in Ferguson, Missouri are investigated effectively, impartially and promptly, including unlawful use of force, arbitrary arrest and detention; and all those found responsible, including commanding officers, are brought to account through criminal or disciplinary proceedings as appropriate, and provide full redress to victims.
To the Department of Justice
Review and revise Department of Justice guidelines to law enforcement agencies on the policing of protests to ensure that there is compliance at all times with international human rights obligations and with international standards on policing, in particular The U.N. Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials and the U.N. Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials must be the guiding principles underpinning all operations before, during and after demonstrations.
The DOJ should ensure that all allegations of human rights violations by police officials during the protests in Ferguson, Missouri are investigated effectively, impartially and promptly, including unlawful use of force, arbitrary arrest and detention; as well as the failure to protect peaceful protesters from counter-protesters. All those found responsible, including commanding officers, must be brought to account through criminal or disciplinary proceedings as appropriate, and victims provided full redress.
To the United States Congress
Pass the Stop Militarizing Law Enforcement Act.
More: http://www.amnestyusa.org/research/reports/on-the-streets-of-america-human-rights-abuses-in-ferguson?page=show
The. World. Is. Watching.
TYY
jwirr
(39,215 posts)TeeYiYi
(8,028 posts)...the Department of Justice and the United States Congress are listening.
Hopefully, President Obama is listening...
TYY
jwirr
(39,215 posts)TeeYiYi
(8,028 posts)...has already shown itself to be corrupt from the inside out. My only hope is for help on a federal level. That, and international...
The. World. Is. Watching.
TYY
jwirr
(39,215 posts)TeeYiYi
(8,028 posts)<snip>
Police and protesters have repeatedly clashed since the shooting, which prompted a national conversation about race and police tactics. Images of officers in riot gear and armored vehicles confronting protesters have drawn widespread criticism.
Many protesters want Darren Wilson indicted for murder. Grand jury proceedings are secret, but legal analysts say recently leaked information about Wilsons testimony to investigators may be an attempt to prepare the public for the possibility that he might not be charged.
The decision could be made public within the next month.
<snip>
Amnesty International on Thursday released a report documenting what it described as human rights abuses by police during the protests following Browns death. The report accuses police of violating citizens rights by intimidating protesters using riot gear, aiming high-powered weapons at people, using tear gas, firing rubber bullets and flash-bangs, and setting curfews.
<snip>
After the initial clashes with protesters, the state Highway Patrol purchased more shields and equipment for its officers. St. Louis city police recently spent $325,000 upgrading helmets, sticks and other civil disobedience equipment, said Police Chief Sam Dotson.
More: http://stlouis.cbslocal.com/2014/10/24/missouri-police-stocking-up-on-riot-gear-ahead-of-grand-jurys-decision-about-whether-to-charge-officer-darren-wilson/#.VEpWqjWNEt8.twitter
TYY
jwirr
(39,215 posts)KingCharlemagne
(7,908 posts)etherealtruth
(22,165 posts)TeeYiYi
(8,028 posts)...etherealtruth, for the k+r.
TYY
etherealtruth
(22,165 posts)It is so important.
Again, thank you for finding this and posting it!
TeeYiYi
(8,028 posts)...and Amnesty International's recommendations!
The. World. Is. Watching.
TYY
sheshe2
(83,773 posts)So painfully important to read.
I posted here as part of another Blog post. 3Chicspolitico
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10025711061
So many tears~
TeeYiYi
(8,028 posts)The sound of crickets chirping on DU is deafening...
The. World. Is. Watching.
TYY
KingCharlemagne
(7,908 posts)sound of crickets is overwhelming.
TYY
TYY