AFL-CIO President John Sweeney called on Attorney General John Ashcroft and Florida Governor Jeb Bush today to conduct independent investigations of police abuse and intimidation during the Free Trade of the Americas (FTAA) demonstrations, November 20 - 21.

In the letters sent on behalf of the 13 million working men and women of the AFL-CIO, President Sweeney cites numerous instances of obstruction, intimidation, harassment, and violence at the hands of police in Miami police against union members, retirees and others during a peaceful, permitted demonstration in downtown Miami on November 20.  These abuses include: unlawful arrests and trumped-up charges against peaceful, innocent protestors; unjustifiably long hours in handcuffs; denial of medical treatment; illegal searches and seizures; and destruction of personal property, among others.

"This abuse at the hands of Miami police is an insult to the American labor movement, and to all Americans who believe in the basic rights guaranteed by our Constitution.  It disgraces our country's proud tradition of respect for civil liberties and peaceful political protest.  Not since the days of the civil rights movement have I witnessed such outrageous and inexcusable behavior by the police who are sworn to protect us," wrote Sweeney.

In addition to demanding a comprehensive, independent investigation of the police behavior, President Sweeney is urging Attorney General Ashcroft and Governor Bush to: drop unlawful charges against peaceful protestors; determine how Miami police used federal funds appropriated for the FTAA ministerial to carry out repressive tactics; and demand the resignation of Miami Police Chief John Timoney.