LA Taco reporter files lawsuit against LAPD over accusations of media mistreatment by police forces
Journalist Files Federal Lawsuit Against LAPD Over Alleged Harassment
In a move that underscores ongoing tensions between the press and law enforcement, Los Angeles-based journalist Lexis-Olivier Ray, of L.A. Taco, has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD).
The lawsuit alleges that officers have interfered with Ray's constitutional right to document homeless encampment sweeps and chaotic celebrations, and singled him out during these incidents. This is not the first time the department has faced accusations of retaliation against Ray.
Last October, an LAPD officer handcuffed Ray on suspicion of interfering with a cleanup, but he was never formally arrested or charged with a crime. In another incident in September, an officer approached Ray and demanded he leave the area. In August and November of last year, Ray claims officers threatened him with arrest and placed him in handcuffs during encampment sweeps in Skid Row and West L.A.
Ray's attorney, Peter Bibring, argues that yellow crime scene tape used in some incidents was put up by sanitation workers and that none of the incidents were active crime scenes. He contends that other members of the public were able to walk through the area, and that Ray created no disruption.
In response, LAPD's communications director, Jennifer Forkish, acknowledges the rights of the press to cover public spaces and police activity, but did not comment further due to pending litigation. The city attorney's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
A judge has barred LAPD and federal law enforcement from using less-lethal weapons on journalists, underscoring the importance of press freedom. This comes as the city has recently settled two lawsuits filed by journalists who claimed they were injured or wrongfully arrested during protests.
Ray asserts that at a time when the First Amendment is under threat, it's crucial to reaffirm rights to film police and government officials in public spaces without threats of arrest. He emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability in the actions of law enforcement.
The lawsuit seeks damages for violations of Ray's First Amendment rights, Fourth Amendment rights, and due process rights, as well as a permanent injunction against the LAPD from interfering with his right to document public events. The case is ongoing.
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