And Democracy Now! host and executive producer Amy Goodman, along with producers Sharif Abdel Kouddous and Nicole Salazar, are filing a federal lawsuit- today that challenges the police crackdown on journalists at the Republican National Convention in 2008. The suit is filed against the Minneapolis and St. Paul police departments, the Ramsey County Sheriff and unidentified Secret Service personnel. The lawsuit challenges the policies and conduct of law enforcement during the RNC that resulted in the arrests, one of dozens among journalists arrested in St. Paul. On the opening day of the convention, Nicole and Sharif were covering a police crackdown on a street protest. Nicole’s camera captured her arrest and assault by the officers.

Video of Nicole’s arrest

That was Nicole shouting, “Press, press!” as the police shouted, “On your face!” And that was her screaming as they took her down. Shortly after, I arrived and was arrested while questioning the officers about Sharif and Nicole’s arrests.

Video of Amy’s arrest

The lawsuit seeks compensation and an injunction against law enforcement’s unjustified encroachment on First Amendment rights, including freedom of the press and the independence of the media. (Related coverage: Amy Goodman & 2 Democracy Now! Producers Arrested at RNC Protest)