In 2000, the Los Angeles Police Department broke up a politically themed rock concert adjacent to the Democratic convention at Staples Center, using pepper spray and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd of 8,000 after a small group of anarchists pelted them with glass bottles, concrete and metal rods.
The city paid $4.1 million in lawsuit settlements with demonstrators who were injured or contended they were arrested without cause during other protests.
About 90% of the New York Police Department's 1,700 arrests of activists during the 2004 Republican convention resulted in acquittals or dismissed charges, spurring allegations that the department had preemptively arrested activists to cut down on protests.
Denver and St. Paul have been bracing for controversy. Denver officials won't talk about police tactics, but they promise to respect activists' rights to demonstrate legally.
"It is a tricky balancing act to accommodate the interests of everyone who is coming to Denver to participate in convention-related activities," said Denver City Atty. David Fine. "We are creating an environment which will maximize the ability of people to speak."
In both cities, the local chapters of the American Civil Liberties Union are suing on behalf of protesters, contending that the cities are forcing the protesters into areas that activists have dubbed "freedom cages" -- which are out of earshot of the delegates -- and allowing marches only during hours when the conventions are not in session.
St. Paul City Atty. John Choi said the city had already altered the parade schedule and mapped the route to get marchers "within the very shadows" of the arena where the convention will meet.
"I honestly don't know how to make these folks happy," Choi said.
Mark Silverstein, legal director of the ACLU of Colorado, attributed the restrictions to increased sensitivity about security since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. He said federal officials had initially labeled the parade route in Denver confidential because of national security concerns.
Spagnuolo, the Denver protest organizer, cited Saul Alinsky, a legendary Chicago organizer who was a major influence on Obama, to explain why liberal groups needed to protest at the convention nominating the Illinois senator.
Spagnuolo said Alinsky argued that activists would have a better chance of achieving their goals if they pressured people sympathetic to their cause. "You protest the person closest to your beliefs," he said.
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nicholas.riccardi@latimes.com
p.j.huffstutter@latimes.com
