Charges Dropped Against Protestor Arrested at Bush Tampa Rally
TAMPA FLORIDA - July 27, 2001 - Today State Attorney Mark Ober announced the dismissal of charges against Grandmother Janis Lentz, who was arrested after Republican operatives pointed her out to Police for removal from an event at Tampa’s Legends Field.
Ms. Lentz, Grandmother Suni Haught, and a friend were arrested June 4, 2001. One was accosted for holding a sign that read in part, “Boo!” Supporters of President Bush were allowed to remain, displaying signs that were supportive of Mr. Bush, while the grandmothers, whose signs requested an investigation into the Florida election, were forcibly removed from the stadium when they insisted that they had a right to display their signs too.
Defense Attorneys W.F. “Casey” Ebsary, Jr. and Luke Lirot of Tampa, represent the trio who has been charged since their June arrest with trespassing, and in the case of Grandmother Suni Haught, an additional charge of disorderly conduct.
Mr. Ebsary states, “It was a dark day for Democracy when the rights of this Grandmother were trampled by operatives who found her protestations offensive. It is too bad that someone in law enforcement with the courage of the State Attorney was not at the stadium to stop this assault and the arrest of these people. Democracy shines in Tampa today."
Original Press Release Acrobat Format
Press Coverage of the Investigation
Zones hinder free speech Series: EDITORIALS
St. Petersburg Times; St. Petersburg, Fla.; Nov 9, 2002
7 protesters arrested; ticketholders kept out
St. Petersburg Times; St. Petersburg, Fla.; Nov 3, 2002; Author: JOHN BALZ
3 protesters sue Tampa police
St. Petersburg Times; St. Petersburg, Fla.; Nov 2, 2002; Author: Graham Brink
THE WEEK IN REVIEW Series: THE WEEK IN REVIEW
St. Petersburg Times; St. Petersburg, Fla.; Aug 25, 2002
Bush rally protesters plan to sue city, police
St. Petersburg Times; St. Petersburg, Fla.; Oct 20, 2002; Author: Graham Brink
Police wronged the protesters
St. Petersburg Times; St. Petersburg, Fla.; Aug 2, 2001; Editorial
Charges dropped against protesters
St. Petersburg Times; St. Petersburg, Fla.; Jul 28, 2001; Author: David Karp
Hearing for two activists delayed
St. Petersburg Times; St. Petersburg, Fla.; Jul 17, 2001; Author: David Karp
Counterdemonstrators' brave protest deserves protection
St. Petersburg Times; St. Petersburg, Fla.; Jun 17, 2001; Author: Robyn E. Blumner
2 GOP workers triggered arrests
St. Petersburg Times; St. Petersburg, Fla.; Jun 15, 2001; Author: Christopher Goffard
Dissent if you want, but don't do it here
St. Petersburg Times; St. Petersburg, Fla.; Jun 8, 2001; Author: Jan Glidewell
Foul call at Legends
St. Petersburg Times; St. Petersburg, Fla.; Jun 8, 2001; Editorial
Suppression of rights at Bush rally is wrong
St. Petersburg Times; St. Petersburg, Fla.; Jun 8, 2001; Letters to the Editor
Bush protesters say rights were muzzled
St. Petersburg Times; St. Petersburg, Fla.; Jun 6, 2001; Author: Christopher Goffard
Protests not seen or heard: How polite
St. Petersburg Times; St. Petersburg, Fla.; Jun 6, 2001; Author: Howard Troxler
Protesters kept at a distance; three arrested
St. Petersburg Times; St. Petersburg, Fla.; Jun 5, 2001; Authors: Kevin Graham;Angela Moore
For additional information on this story, please contact the Zone Master at Protest Zone by email ZoneMaster@ProtestZone.com.
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