All articles tagged with #civil rights violations
Originally Published 3 months ago — by ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos
Chicago City Council approved a $90 million settlement for nearly 200 civil rights violations linked to former police sergeant Ronald Watts, who was involved in framing residents for crimes and misconduct, ending a major chapter in the city's police misconduct history.
Originally Published 4 months ago — by U.S. Department of Education (.gov)
The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights found that George Mason University violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act by implementing policies that unlawfully consider race in hiring and promotion practices, and has issued a proposed resolution requiring the university to amend its policies, issue apologies, and conduct annual training to ensure compliance.
Originally Published 5 months ago — by Honolulu Star-Advertiser
The U.S. Justice Department has requested a one-day prison sentence for former Louisville police officer Brett Hankison, convicted of civil rights violations related to Breonna Taylor's death, arguing he did not shoot Taylor and should receive credit for time served, despite the conviction's potential for life imprisonment.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Willamette Week
Eddie Dong, owner of Pho Gabo, plans to sue the city for civil rights violations after the closure of his Roseway location due to the city’s odor code. The legal document, sent by lawyer Julie Parrish, alleges discriminatory enforcement and concealment of the complainant's identity. The closure resulted in economic and noneconomic damages for Dong, who is seeking compensation for lease default, fines, and reputational harm. City Commissioner Carmen Rubio has suspended enforcement of the odor code pending an internal review.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by CNN
Daniel Opdyke, the third of six former Mississippi law enforcement officers involved in the torture of two Black men, was sentenced to more than 17 years in prison. The officers raided a home without a warrant, subjected the residents to racist vitriol, tased them, beat them, and shot one in the mouth, leaving him to bleed as they planted a gun on the victims and plotted their cover story. The FBI director described their acts as "atrocious" and "pure hell." Other defendants have also been sentenced, and additional disturbing cases involving the ex-officers have emerged.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by NPR
Newly released video and audio recordings shed light on the actions and comments of first responders, including the five fired police officers charged in the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols in Memphis. The recordings reveal officers' fixation on the idea that Nichols was high on drugs, despite later autopsy findings showing only low levels of alcohol and THC in his system. The material also captures officers' statements about the traffic stop, their interactions with Nichols' family, and their reactions to the absence of drugs in his car. The case has sparked outrage and calls for police reform, leading to federal and state charges against the officers involved and ongoing investigations into the Memphis Police Department's use of force and racially discriminatory policing.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by NBC News
Newly released video and audio recordings shed light on the actions and statements of first responders, including the five fired police officers charged in the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols in Memphis. The recordings reveal officers' fixation on the idea that Nichols was high on drugs, despite autopsy findings showing low levels of alcohol and THC in his system. The footage also shows officers' interactions with Nichols' parents and raises questions about the justification for the traffic stop and the subsequent beating. Attorneys for Nichols' family assert that the additional video affirms the unjustifiably brutal and inhumane actions of the officers, while the former officers facing charges declined to comment. The case has sparked outrage and intensified calls for police reform, leading to federal and state trials for the officers involved.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Yahoo News
Newly released video and audio recordings shed light on the actions and statements of first responders, including the five fired police officers charged in the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols. The material reveals officers' fixation on the idea that Nichols was high on drugs, despite later autopsy findings showing low levels of alcohol and THC in his system. The recordings also capture officers' comments before, during, and after the beating, including interactions with Nichols' family. The case has sparked outrage and intensified calls for police reform, leading to federal and state charges against the officers and ongoing investigations into the Memphis Police Department's use of force and racially discriminatory policing.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The Associated Press
The New Hampshire attorney general has filed a civil complaint against the white nationalist group Nationalist Social Club-131 (NSC-131) and its leader, Christopher Hood, accusing them of civil rights violations. The complaint alleges that NSC-131 members stood outside a café hosting a drag story hour event, shouting homophobic slurs, making intimidating gestures, and attempting to coerce the business into refusing access based on sexual orientation or gender identity. This is the second complaint filed against NSC-131 in New Hampshire, following a similar complaint filed by the Massachusetts attorney general. The attorney general's office aims to send a clear message that New Hampshire will not tolerate hate groups that commit illegal acts harming its citizens.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by USA TODAY
FBI Director Christopher Wray defended the controversial surveillance program, Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, in a Senate hearing, arguing that it is crucial for combating cybercrime and terrorism. However, critics, including Senator Mike Lee, accused the FBI of abusing the program to surveil Americans. The program, which is set to expire at the end of the month, allows intelligence agencies to monitor foreign communications but has raised concerns about civil rights violations. Wray assured lawmakers that past issues have been addressed, but critics remain skeptical and are pushing for reforms to protect Americans' privacy.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by New York Post
The federal civil rights trial of former Louisville police officer Brett Hankison, charged with civil rights violations for the death of Breonna Taylor, has ended in a mistrial after the jury failed to reach a unanimous verdict. Hankison, who was acquitted in a separate state trial last year, was the only officer to face criminal charges for firing his weapon during the botched raid on Taylor's apartment. Federal prosecutors will now decide whether to retry Hankison. Three other officers have also been charged in connection with the case.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Atlanta Black Star
Relatives of Stephen Perkins, a Black man killed by Alabama police during a car repossession gone wrong, are demanding more information and access to body camera footage. Perkins was shot seven times outside his home, with family members disputing the police's account of the incident. Videos from neighbors' homes show what appears to be an excessive use of force. The police chief has refused to release the footage, citing an ongoing investigation. The family and supporters have protested and petitioned for its release. Perkins was described as a family man and gym enthusiast, and his attorney claims he was ambushed by the police.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by CNN
The family of Miya Marcano, a 19-year-old woman found dead in the woods near her Orlando apartment, is suing the Orange County sheriff's office and two deputies for negligence and civil rights violations. The lawsuit alleges that the deputies failed to properly investigate Marcano's disappearance, despite evidence that could have led to her discovery sooner. The family had previously settled a wrongful death lawsuit against the apartment complex and its management partner. Last year, the deputies were disciplined for violating department policies in connection with the case.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The Guardian US
Two federal court lawsuits have been filed against the Baton Rouge police department (BRPD) in Louisiana, alleging that officers took detained individuals to a warehouse known as the "Brave Cave" and subjected them to brutal treatment. The allegations include illegal strip-searches, physical abuse, and humiliation. The lawsuits accuse the police of violating civil rights, and the plaintiffs are seeking damages. Following the lawsuits, the Brave unit was disbanded, and the warehouse was closed. The FBI has opened a civil rights investigation into the matter. Lawyers involved in the case believe that additional lawsuits may follow, and they are calling for meaningful changes within the Baton Rouge police department.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by New York Post
Five former Memphis police officers have been charged with federal civil rights violations in the beating death of Tyre Nichols, in addition to fighting second-degree murder charges in state courts. The officers were indicted on charges including excessive force, failure to intervene, witness tampering, and obstruction of justice. The violent beating occurred during a traffic stop in January, where the officers punched, kicked, and hit Nichols with a baton as he cried out for his mother. Nichols died three days later. The officers have pleaded not guilty to the state charges. The federal charges come after an investigation into the incident, which was caught on police video and sparked protests and renewed debate about police brutality and reform.