Non-Violent Resistance
Advice
If
the US invades Iraq, I pledge to engage in peaceful and nonviolent acts of
resistance. All PeaceAware events are peaceful
and non-violent. We are peacemakers. We do not engage in the tactics of
oppression. We respect other people's property and space. Please exhibit
outer peace that comes from inner peace. Please Sign Petition
agreeing to Non-Violence This is advice, not legal council about what
a police officer can legally do. If you are approached by a police officer and
(s)he asks you questions, state in a voice that can be heard these
constitutional rights. Say them LOUDLY so a passerby can hear you:
- "I HAVE THE
RIGHT TO REMAIN SILENT." The Fifth
Amendment to the U.S. Constitution gives me the right not to answer questions
asked by a police officer or any government agent. I do not
have to speak to police. I have a right to remain silent. To exercise
this right say: "I am going to remain silent. I
want to speak to an attorney."
- "I DO NOT
CONSENT TO THIS SEARCH" (unless
you have a warrant). I have the Right to be Free from
"Unreasonable Searches and Seizures." The Fourth Amendment is
supposed to protect our privacy. Without a warrant, police or government
agents may not search our home or office without our consent, and I have the
right to refuse to let them in. They can enter and search without a warrant in
an emergency. New laws have expanded the government's authority to conduct
surveillance. It is possible that my e-mail, cell and other telephone calls,
and conversations in our home, office, car or meeting place are being
monitored without your knowledge. Interfering physically
with a police search may result in VERY SERIOUS charges.
- I have the Right
to Advocate for Change. The First Amendment to the U.S.
Constitution protects the rights of groups and individuals who advocate
changes in laws, government practices, and even the form of government.
However, the INS can target non-citizens for deportation because of their
First Amendment activities, and deport for other reasons.
- Am I being
detained. If police are NOT detaining me -
I can leave. "AM
I FREE TO GO?" If you are stopped at an event. ask if you can
go, If they say yes, just walk away. If the police officer says "yes"
ask "WHY?" You do
not have to show police any ID. Not showing ID does raise suspicion. If you
show ID to the police, they will check for warrants for your arrest. If you do
not bring ID, they will either book you as John/ Jane Doe or release you
without charge. Sometimes police arrest demonstrators, remove them from the
area and release them without charge, simply to clear the area.
- What is your
badge number and name? I
will remember what witnesses were present during any confrontation. Try
to remember the officer's badge number and/or name.
- "I AM NOT
RESISTING ARREST!" If I get arrested, I will be
respectful, courteous, and non-violent in words and actions. I will show
solidarity with someone else getting arrested, and HOLD
ON to them. If I am arrested in such a case and asked for my address, I
will give a good address because charges may be filed even years later, and if
the address if bad, notices may be mailed to it that you never get, and
warrants will be issued for your arrest.
- Please Call 532-1794
PeaceAware.com if you arrested or detained in Las
Cruces or Dona Ana County. We will put out a call on the Peace@nmsu.edu
list for donations for your bail and for legal assistance.
National Lawyer's Guild pdf Fact Sheet on No
Iraq Attack; Rights in English Web
Version Download
Printable PDF File Conozca Sus Derechos Download
Printable PDF File in Spanish
Thank you from PeaceAware.com
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