Watch CBS News

LA Protesters Slam Trutanich Crackdown

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Sign-toting protesters say Los Angeles City Attorney Carmen Trutanich is trying to criminalize dissent and compare themselves to Egyptians seeking justice.

In a demonstration outside the downtown criminal courts building Monday, some of the 24 people arrested last year spoke out for their right to protest Arizona's crackdown on illegal immigrants and to advocate an immigration amnesty law. Dozens of supporters were on hand.

Trutanich barred plea negotiations with those arrested and is seeking up to a year of jail time for them. He says they disrupted traffic and cost the city thousands of dollars in police time.

Demonstrators had chained themselves together and lay down in the street.

Trutanich says he wants to discourage those who stage illegal protests. Critics say he is chilling free speech.

(© Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.