AltWeeklies Wire
Trying Out a 'Sonic Cannon'new
Watch out for police agencies in your area seeking to buy LRADs -- long range acoustic devices. They're not nearly as benign as cops make them out to be.
Portland Phoenix |
Jeff Inglis |
07-17-2008 |
Civil Liberties
A Night in Guantánamonew
I'd volunteered to spend the night in the replica cell (which is modeled on the ones at Gitmo) because we've all heard stories about unlivable conditions at Gitmo but can't come close to imagining what it must be like.
Portland Phoenix |
Jeff Inglis |
06-12-2008 |
Civil Liberties
Maine Prison Bosses Violate Court Ordersnew
The Maine Department of Corrections is violating at least two of three 35-year-old federal court orders that grant prisoners access to the press, allow them to write to newspapers, and prohibit prison officials from arbitrarily transferring prisoners out of state if they exercise their rights.
Portland Phoenix |
Lance Tapley |
06-29-2007 |
Civil Liberties
Tags: civil liberties
Maine Inmate Sues Prison Officials in Federal Courtnew
The case could be important in preserving the media's access to prisons and inmates.
Portland Phoenix |
Lance Tapley |
05-18-2007 |
Civil Liberties
Tags: civil liberties
One Santa OK, Another No Waynew
Maine regulators have refused to approve an English beer's label featuring Santa Claus holding a beer, saying it makes the product attractive to children. But they didn’t balk at approving a similar label for Gritty's Christmas Ale.
Portland Phoenix |
Jeff Inglis |
12-08-2006 |
Civil Liberties
Tags: civil liberties
The Governor's 'Political Prisoner'new
Governor John Baldacci's administration sent the Maine State Prison's chief human-rights advocate, inmate Deane Brown, to a dangerous prison more than 500 miles away.
Portland Phoenix |
Lance Tapley |
11-22-2006 |
Civil Liberties
Tags: civil liberties
Feds Raid Pacifist Organizationnew
If you'd like to enliven your dull party, federal agents appear to be eager to conduct raids or searches, especially if the location is a known hangout for people of the left-wing, pacifist, resource-sharing persuasion.
Portland Phoenix |
Lance Tapley |
11-17-2006 |
Civil Liberties
Tags: civil liberties
Police Censor Cop-Killer's Art Exhibitnew
When the University of Southern Maine hung an exhibit of convicted killer and political activist Thomas William Manning's art, three powerful police unions shut it down -- when you see the paintings, you'll wonder what the fuss is all about.
Portland Phoenix |
Rick Wormwood |
09-13-2006 |
Civil Liberties
Tags: civil liberties
They're Watching Younew
Bugged Levis, unauthorized sex tapes, leaked medical records -- is nothing sacred anymore? Here are 10 ways to keep your privacy to yourself.
Portland Phoenix |
Sara Donnelly |
08-31-2006 |
Civil Liberties
Tags: civil liberties
