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April 10, 2009

Terrorism Charges Dropped Against RNC 8
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In Minnesota, state prosecutors have dropped terrorism charges against
eight activists involved in protests at the Republican National
Convention last September. The RNC 8 were believed to be the first
people ever charged under the 2002 Minnesota version of the federal
PATRIOT Act. On Thursday, Ramsey County Attorney Susan Gaertner said the
terrorism charges were removed because they had become a “distraction.”
But her office had faced widespread criticism following the disclosure
the RNC 8 weren’t accused of committing the alleged offenses themselves,
but were charged for actions carried out by others. The RNC 8 will still
face conspiracy charges on rioting and damaging property.



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