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April 10, 2015

California: Black Activist Faces "Lynching" Charge for Trying to Free Protester 
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In Sacramento, California, an African-Amercan activist is facing up to
four years in prison for "lynching," after she allegedly tried to pull a
fellow protester away from police. Under a 1933 California law designed
to protect black people from white mobs, the act of attempting to free
someone from police custody can be defined as "lynching," a felony
offense. The law has been used repeatedly against activists, including
Maile Hampton, who was arrested for her actions at a protest against
police brutality. On Thursday, protesters packed a court hearing to
support Hampton, who returns to court again on April 30. Following an
outcry, local and state officials have vowed to remove the word
"lynching" from California law.

 

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