Snap. You're under arrest.
Gabe Rottman, ACLU
Dozens of journalists and bystanders have been arrested at protests over the past several months. Their "crime"? Taking photographs and videos of political protests in public spaces.
The law is clear: It's everyone's right to document police activity in public areas. But it's become alarmingly obvious that law enforcement has lost sight of this constitutional right. That means it's time you and the ACLU gave them a reminder.
Please sign our letter calling on Attorney General Eric Holder to stop the police assault on our First Amendment protections and defend everyone's "right to record." (Do not forward: This link will open a page with your information already filled in.)
Whether you're a credentialed journalist, a protester or just an observer with a camera, the freedoms of speech, of assembly and of access to information are vital.
Bearing witness to protests and police activity isn't just a fundamental individual right — it creates an independent record of an event, helping prevent police abuses from taking place, and giving legal recourse when such abuse is perpetrated.
As presidential campaign politics heat up this year, we're sure to see more and more public rallies and protests. That's why it's more important than ever for us to stand together and put up a relentless defense of our First Amendment "right to record."
Thanks for speaking out,
Gabe Rottman
Legislative Counsel, ACLU
P.S. To learn more about your rights when photographing, check out our Know Your Rights materials.