The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office will refuse to prosecute cases against Protestants in which the most serious crime does not involve business damage, theft, threats or use of force against another person, District Attorney Mike Schmidt said Tuesday. Costs of resisting arrest and assault by a public safety officer will be further monitored before prosecution, he said.
“If we use the full force of the criminal justice system on individuals who peacefully protest and demand to be heard, we will cause them irreparable damage individually and for our society,” Schmidt said.
“As prosecutors, we recognize the depth of emotion that motivates these demonstrations and support those who are protesting civilly through peaceful protests. We will undermine public safety, not promote it, if we do not take action to bring about immediate change. bring, “said Schmidt.
Violations involving acts of intentional physical violence, such as assault and arson, will continue to be prosecuted under their prior policies, Schmidt said.
Protests escalated last month, local and state officials said, when the Trump administration sent federal agents to the city with the stated intent to protect federal property.
Demonstrations have been going on every night for more than two months, police said
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