Legal Observers to be Trained for G20

The ACLU of Pennsylvania is in the process of finding 200 volunteers to serve as legal observers during the G20 Pittsburgh Summit. Legal director Vic Walczak says some of the observers may have to be brought in from other regions of the country. Each observer will be trained in the coming weeks and during the event will take notes during any police/protester confrontation. He says the observers will also try to get the names of anyone arrested so the ACLU can monitor their trip through the legal system. An ACLU web page indicates the goal of the legal observers is to:

• Help people exercise their rights to speak, assemble, and petition the government
• Remain a neutral observer and document, as thoroughly as possible, any incidents, arrests, or official misconduct during a protest
• Provide protesters and the general public with Know Your Rights information

Walczak says the training includes a section on remaining neutral and not taking sides during a confrontation. The call for volunteers reads in part:

As a legal observer, you will not:

• Get actively involved or serve as an intermediary between the protesters and the police
• Take a position of support for any party involved (be it police, demonstrators or counter-protesters)
• Interfere with arrests or other actions taken by the police

Walczak says some potential volunteers have asked if they can protest on days they are not observing and the answer has been, “no.” The ACLU plans to set up a “Legal Command Post” downtown that will be in contact with the observes and provide a point of access for anyone with legal questions or needs. Walczak says layers will be ready to represent arrestees if needed and will be ready to take first amendment issue before a federal judge.