Remember when we citizens assumed our civil liberties would enable us to take photographs of public events? Thanks, Bush voters, for creating a climate of fear and intolerance.
ctnewsjunkie.com - Reporter Arrested for Political Activism (Updated with Police Report) A freelance journalist, who has worked on political campaigns, was arrested by Hartford Police Wednesday as he took photos of Gov. M. Jodi Rell’s inaugural parade in downtown Hartford.Ken Krayeske, who worked on Green Party candidate Cliff Thornton’s campaign for governor against Rell, was near the corner of Ford and Pearl Street photographing Rell’s inaugural parade when, according to the police report, he was identified as a “political activist” and a threat to the governor. Krayeske was arrested and charged with breach of peace and interfering with an officer.
Norman A. Pattis, one of the state’s best known criminal defense and civil rights attorney, called the charges “ridiculous.” Pattis entered an appearance on Krayeske’s behalf Friday in Hartford Community Court where Krayeske was arraigned and entered a “not guilty” plea.
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According to the police report, plainclothes Hartford Police Officers recognized Krayeske from a photo they were given by the Connecticut Intelligence Center and the State Police Central Intelligence Unit that “briefed us on possible threats to Gov. Rell by a political activist.”How does a political activist end up on the list? State Police Lt. Paul Vance said the intelligence division collects information from all over the world, but would not give specifics Friday morning on how a local political activist and journalist may end up on the list. Instead he suggested calling the Hartford Police Department.
Disgusting abuse of power. I have no idea about who Ms. Jodi Rell is, even what party she belongs too (her website doesn't say, so I'm assuming she's a liberal Republican), but she should personally apologize to Mr. Krayeske, or face the wrath of voters.
Tags: civil_liberties, /civil_rights, /Photography
