Mar 6, 2008 8:39 am US/Mountain
Groups Complain About Denver Convention Permits
DENVER (CBS4) ―
Protest groups and the American Civil Liberties Union have complained about the city of Denver's permit process for allowing demonstrations at this summer's Democratic National Convention.
The groups said the city is dragging its heels. They want to know where protests and marches will be allowed.
The city said as of Wednesday, it had received four requests from groups wanting to use parks during the convention in late August. Denver has declared the convention an extraordinary event that requires special permits and licensing.
Protestors said it is hard to apply if they don't know where they can demonstrate.
The protest group Recreate '68 is planning a Festival of Democracy at Civic Center Park, an End the Occupation March set for 11 a.m. the Thursday of the convention at Pepsi Center, and other marches at the Federal Courthouse and Denver Mint.
The group complains that the city has yet to issue any permits, designate parade routes or free speech zones.
"This type of behavior on the city's part lends itself to a style of oppression that creates a hostile and confrontational environment," said a statement from Recreate '68.
"If there was violence, it would be created on the city's part," said Glenn Spagnuolo, a member of Recreate '68. "You know, we're working pretty hard to keep this protest peaceful and non-violent."
Denver city officials said the city will allow a parade route ending within sight and sound of the convention site. It is also accepting requests for use of parks.
The ACLU said it is trying to avoid a situation like the one at the last Democratic National Convention.
"Boston set things up so demonstrators had to go into what was compared to a concentration camp with barbed wire and barriers," said Mark Silverstein of the local ACLU chapter.
Recreate '68 is also concerned Denver police may get to use advanced military technology like a weapon shown on CBS' 60 Minutes this past Sunday. A so-called ray gun can fire invisible heat rays that stop protestors in their tracks.
Denver police said it won't discuss tactics for the convention.
The Secret Service said it is still working on plans for a protest area and parade route. Protestors worry that may come too late for an effective challenge in court.
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