Trump administration charges 30 more people for Minnesota church protest

"Today, [the Justice Department] unsealed an indictment charging 30 more people who took part in the attack on Cities Church in Minnesota, Bondi wrote. At my direction, federal agents have already arrested 25 of them, with more to come throughout the day. She added a warning to other protesters who might seek to disrupt a religious service."

"YOU CANNOT ATTACK A HOUSE OF WORSHIP, Bondi said. If you do so, you cannot hide from us we will find you, arrest you, and prosecute you. This Department of Justice STANDS for Christians and all Americans of faith."

"Some of those indicted deny even being a part of the January 18 protest. Defendants like former CNN anchor Don Lemon and reporter Georgia Fort say they attended in their capacity as journalists. Both have pleaded not guilty to the charges and have publicly questioned whether their prosecution is an attempt to curtail freedom of the press."

The Trump administration has significantly expanded its prosecution of protesters who demonstrated at Cities Church in St. Paul against immigration policies, increasing charges from 9 to 39 people. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the expanded indictment, stating that 25 arrests have been made with more expected. The administration frames the January 18 protest as an attack on religious freedom and warns other protesters against disrupting religious services. However, critics contend the prosecution represents an attempt to suppress opposition and political dissent. Some defendants, including former CNN anchor Don Lemon and reporter Georgia Fort, claim they attended as journalists and have pleaded not guilty, questioning whether their prosecution violates press freedom.

Read at www.aljazeera.com