Checkpoint Charlie in D.C.

Posted on June 9, 2008 by Barbara Peterson

Lanier plans to seal off rough ‘hoods in latest effort to stop wave of violence 

Under an executive order expected to be announced today (June 4), police Chief Cathy L. Lanier will have the authority to designate “Neighborhood Safety Zones.” At least six officers will man cordons around those zones and demand identification from people coming in and out of them. As of June 7, the Trinidad neighborhood was cordoned off.  

Papers, please! 

In Face of Protests, Police Call Area Checkpoints a Success 

Representatives of several civil and housing rights organizations protested the plan as they gathered in the 1400 block of Montello Avenue NE. Eleanor Johnson, of the D.C. Coalition for Housing Justice, said the police were “creating a police state.”   

About 15 demonstrators decried the checkpoints, saying they violate the residents’ rights. “Trinidad, yes; Baghdad, no!” they yelled. “Don’t turn Trinidad into Baghdad!” 

Only 15 people demonstrated??? Are we so brainwashed that the majority of people think this is okay?

 

Barb

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