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OpEdNews Op Eds    H2'ed 8/18/12

Silencing Dissent in America

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False charges remain sealed. Fundamental rights are criminalized. Post-9/11, similar raids were conducted. At issue is political dissent as well as America's ongoing war on Islam.

Disproportionate force is used. Victims were handcuffed while homes were searched. Arrests weren't made, but about six protesters were subpoenaed to appear before grand juries.

On August 1, Dennison Williams and Leah Plante read a statement outside a Portland, OR courthouse, saying:

"This grand jury is a tool of political repression. It is attempting to turn individuals against each other by coercing those subpoenaed to testify against their communities." 

"The secret nature of grand jury proceedings creates mistrust and can undermine solidarity. And imprisoning us takes us from our loved ones and our responsibilities."

Williams and Plante said they'll invoke the Fifth Amendment rights and refuse to answer grand jury questions.

America's Grand Jury System

They're convened to determine possible probable cause to return  indictments. Critics say they rubber stamp aggressive prosecutions.

Federally, they have extraordinary investigative powers. Prosecutors abuse them to manipulate proceedings for outcomes they wish. Victims are vulnerable to bogus indictments. The Fifth Amendment requires grand jury indictments for federal criminal charges.

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