© Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
according to a new bill approved by the state Senate. Republicans want to
crack down on "paid rioters," while Democrats warned of "chilling" effects on protests.
SB1142 would make participating in or helping organize a protest that turns violent a criminal offense under the state's racketeering (RICO) laws. Even those who have committed no overt action could be prosecuted on
charges of conspiracy to riot, and their property seized under RICO statutes, AP reported.
The bill was proposed by Senator Sonny Borrelli (R- Lake Havasu City), who said it was needed to deter violent riots and go after groups paying protesters, according to
Arizona Capitol Times. Republican lawmakers pointed to the
violence during President Donald Trump's inauguration in Washington, DC, as well as the
Berkeley, California protest against controversial speaker Milo Yiannopoulos that
escalated into a riot.
The bill was needed to crack down on
"full-time, almost professional agent-provocateurs that attempt to create public disorder," argued Senator John Kavanagh (R-Fountain Hills). "A lot of them are
ideologues, some of them are
anarchists," Kavanagh said during the debate in the Senate on Wednesday.
"But this stuff is all planned." "There's a difference between a protest and a riot. And what we have been watching is riots," said Senator Sylvia Allen (R-Snowflake).
Democrats opposing the bill said it would establish guilt by association and enable the government to criminally prosecute everyone who participated in the protest and seize their assets.
Comment: The threat of paid rioters is real and has been demonstrated all around the country to great effect. Democrats want to defuse this claim, knowing full well their party has engaged such provocateurs, not only in the USA but also abroad. Drastic times, drastic measures, therefore the push to criminalize protests. Arizona crosses the line if it gives the police the power to arrest anyone involved in a peaceful demonstration that may or may not turn bad, may or may not be a provocateur. Citizens have the right to peacefully assemble and petition the government for a redress of grievances. First Amendment and all that. Seize their property? Good luck. Curtailing paid rioters...that would be most helpful.