Thirty additional individuals charged in connection with Minnesota church protest

US Administration Expands Indictment Against Protesters at Minnesota Church

The US Department of Justice has expanded its indictment against individuals involved in a protest at Cities Church in St Paul, Minnesota. The original nine individuals were charged with conspiracy against the right of religious freedom and efforts to injure or intimidate congregants. Thirty additional people have been added to the list, bringing the total number of defendants to 39.

Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the expansion on Friday, stating that federal agents had already arrested 25 of the new defendants. The indictment alleges that the protesters engaged in menacing and threatening behavior, including chanting and yelling loudly, and obstructing exits.

The protest was held in response to President Donald Trump’s immigration surge in Minnesota, which has been criticized for its impact on the Somali American population. The administration had surged federal immigration agents to the region, with reports of excessive violence towards detainees and protesters.

Twenty-five defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges, including former CNN anchor Don Lemon and reporter Georgia Fort, who claim they were at the protest in their capacity as journalists. The superseding indictment levies two counts against all 39 defendants, accusing them of conspiracy against the right of religious freedom and efforts to injure or intimidate congregants.

A magistrate judge initially rejected the Justice Department’s attempt to charge nine attendees who were at the protest. However, a grand jury indictment was filed on January 29 and made public the next day. The administration has stated that it will continue to pursue those involved in the protest, warning others not to disrupt religious services.

The case has sparked controversy, with some accusing the administration of attempting to stifle opposition through its prosecution of protesters.

Source: Al Jazeera