"Journalism Is Not a Crime": Georgia Fort & Don Lemon Arrested for Covering St. Paul Church Protest

As protests continue in Minnesota over the federal government’s immigration crackdown, former CNN anchor Don Lemon and independent journalist Georgia Fort now face federal charges stemming from their reporting on a January 18 demonstration at a St. Paul church, where a senior ICE official works as a pastor. The two journalists were released Friday without bail following initial court hearings and could face fines or prison time if convicted. Their charges stem from the FACE Act, a 1994 law intended to protect access to abortion clinics which also prohibits interference with religious worship. Seven activists who took part in the demonstration also face charges.

“We’re having a constitutional crisis,” Fort tells Democracy Now! “What we’re seeing here in Minnesota is the people are continuing to stand. They are continuing to demand that our Constitution be upheld. I believe that journalism is not a crime.”