Justice Department condemns SFPD practices
After a nine-month review of the SFPD, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has released a critical 432-page report detailing a host of problems with the department. The review was launched in the wake of a number of officer-involved shooting deaths over the past few years. The final report found “sufficient deficiencies in every operational area assessed” and “numerous indicators of implicit and institutionalized bias against minority groups.” It also offered more than 270 recommendations for reforming the department’s transparency, its use of force practices and other policies.
Journalist covering North Dakota pipeline protest cleared of riot charges
Judge John Grinsteiner ruled the state of North Dakota lacked probable cause to charge Democracy Now journalist Amy Goodman with helping incite a “riot.” Goodman—an award-winning journalist who in early September was one of few covering the massive Dakota Access Pipeline protest—was arrested after her broadcast crew filmed security dogs being used to attack demonstrators, and the video went viral. “I feel vindicated,” she said. “Most importantly, journalism is vindicated.”
Brazil legislator who led impeachment arrested
Eduardo Cunha, former speaker of Brazil’s lower house of congress, has been arrested on charges of corruption for allegedly taking millions of dollars in bribes, which he deposited in overseas bank accounts. A judge ordered that the disgraced politician, who has both Brazilian and Italian citizenship, be detained because of the high possibility that he would flee the country to avoid trial. Cunha is widely credited with orchestrating the impeachment of former president Dilma Rousseff in August.