“Democracy Now!” reporter Amy Goodman won’t face a riot charge stemming from her coverage of a protest against construction of the Dakota Access oil pipeline in North Dakota.
Judge John Grinsteiner on Monday refused to sign off on the charge against Goodman, finding there was no cause for it.
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A group of about 200 people gathered outside the county courthouse as Goodman was set to appear for the hearing. Many held signs, including some that said “this is not a riot.”
About 100 officers in riot gear were also stationed outside the courthouse to monitor those protesters.
Prosecutor Ladd Erickson dismissed a misdemeanour criminal trespass charge against Goodman on Friday. Defence attorney Tom Dickson said Monday that Erickson wanted to replace it with a misdemeanour charge of engaging in a riot.
Goodman said Grinsteiner’s decision is a vindication for all journalists.
Goodman was reporting on a clash between protesters and pipeline security at a construction site Sept. 3 when she was arrested. Dickson maintains Goodman was doing only her job.
Opponents worry the pipeline will contaminate water supply and destroy cultural artifacts.
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