Activists decry Denver's 'secret' detention facility
By Tillie Fong, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Published August 16, 2008 at 12:05 a.m.
Activists who plan to demonstrate during the Democratic National Convention were outraged to learn that Denver was creating what they called a "secret" facility to hold protesters.
"We're offended that this is where they hope to keep the protesters," said Glenn Spagnuolo, an organizer with the Re-create 68 Alliance.
Spagnuolo was among nearly a dozen activists who gathered Friday in front of a brick warehouse on Steele Street to speak out against the temporary detention facility to house demonstrators if mass arrests are made during the DNC.
Members of Unconventional Denver, who had bandanas covering their faces, held up banners including one that read: "Gitmo on the Platte" - a reference to the American detention camp at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba used to hold suspected terrorists.
At one point during the news conference, three patrol cars - one belonging to the Denver sheriff's department and two to Denver police - drove up.
When demonstrators tried to approach two of the vehicles to ask officers for their business cards, they drove away but parked nearby.
The door of the warehouse had a sign posted that read: "Ring bell for assistance. You will display proper identification at all times." Two "No Parking" signs also were duct-taped to the railing in front of the warehouse.
When a few activists tried to peek into the door windows, a couple of Denver sheriff deputies came out and told them to get off the dock.
When a reporter and photographer from the Rocky approached the door after the activists had left, two Denver sheriff deputies came out but said the journalists could not enter the building.
Officer Marie Kielar said that the facility will be open for tours between 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Wednesday. As for the patrol cars, Kielar said they were there to prevent vandalism.
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August 16, 2008
5:58 a.m.
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ksells writes:
I am outraged by these tactics. I am a left of center Democrat and I say this; it's a lie that Denver has set up secret jails. It's been reported in the news that there is a facility being set up in case there are mass arrests. It's only responsible that Denver do so because it the worst happened, where would the DPD put them? And the use on handkerchiefs to cover their face is a terrorist ploy to hide their identity because they are willing to break the law without respect to showing that their cause is just! If you have a point to make, then face those you accuse face bared, proudly willing to face those you accuse!
August 16, 2008
6:34 a.m.
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ksells writes:
I go further in my outrage of the tactics of the so called activists leadership. I am coming to the conclusion that these leaders have no intention of leading a protest. These "leaders" are actually planning on civil disrupt and are using their followers as cannon fodder. They appear to be planning on mass arrests. They appear to blame the DPD of inhumane treatment prior to the fact. As I have said, I am a left of center Democrat, but that doesn't mean I'm stupid. In all of history there have been many leaders who have sent their zealots in to battle to be slaughtered while they stayed safely back. For what purpose this time I do not know. At this time I can only guess personal vanity.
August 16, 2008
7 a.m.
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ksells writes:
Bye the way, my love for the DPD is right up there with my ex-wife.
August 16, 2008
8:16 a.m.
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sweetie writes:
Here is the CBS4 News Video of what the warehouse looks like inside.
45273@kcnc.dayport.com">http://cbs4denver.com/video/?id=45273...
August 16, 2008
8:19 a.m.
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sweetie writes:
Try this http://cbs4denver.com/video/?id=45273
August 16, 2008
8:34 a.m.
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FCZ writes:
And closing I-25 during the rush ( four plus ) hours.
Denver Taxpayers grab your wallet.
August 16, 2008
8:52 a.m.
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sheepherder writes:
It's just a temp holding facilty...geeze, it's nicer than Sheriff Joe's tents. Nobody is going to be doing a year there people. I can't believe they give Spag-moron and tmcrisn coverage anymore. Liars! And peopel actually buy into their garbage! I did find it humorous that the would be criminals went to check out their new digs!
August 16, 2008
10:19 a.m.
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DDuke writes:
Lighten up people! first, Rick Salinger went into a building (door open or not)that was private. He should have been cited for trespass. Second, The building wasn't completed. Third these activists get something else to whine about. They have been whining since it was announced that Denver would host the convention. We didn't get our permits, the parade route isn't adequite, we can't get near the pepsi center,we can't stay overnight in the park (get a hotel) the cops this and the cops that...the list goes on and on..what next? Yell, scream and enjoy your 1st ammendment rights. break the law and go to jail. Regardless of how you feel I'm sure you will be taken care of in terms of toilets, phones, attorney's and food.Just remember that this is all provided to you at the taxpayer expense.
August 16, 2008
10:53 a.m.
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HolierThanThou writes:
The only thing missing from that prison is an appropriate slogan. I propose:
"Arbeit macht frei"
Der SS von Denver built this thing because they're planning to start a police riot. I was hoping that wasn't part of the plan but this building now shows proof that "law enforcement" is planning on instigating some serious trouble.
Keep your video cameras handy. Plenty of German Jews in the 1940s heard of the construction of concentration camps but they couldn't believe that the decent Germans they'd known their whole lives would condone such a thing as mass murder. No nation has ever built a concentration camp without later cramming it full of people. America is no exception to this rule.
Plenty of Americans would be more than happy to put their fellow citizens in prison to shut them up. Rush Limbaugh and Mike Rosen are two that come immediately to mind. The sycophants who obey their nonsense would whole-heartedly support the silencing, unlimited detention, and murder of peace demonstrators.
While the ACLU was looking at the budget maybe they missed this one. Your conservative self-service politicians are masters of the slush fund. It's time to reopen that investigation and case. It's also time to take Denver to court and have this concentration camp shut down and demolished before it has time to open for business.
August 16, 2008
12:30 p.m.
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Denverboy1 writes:
Come on where are all the people who come out praise the DP for there professionalism ?? Anybody ?
Could it be this mini-Gitmo for people expressing there RIGHTS has shocked them into silence ? Let us only hope they see that where POLICE STATES lead... another concern is the DP going to be out there being shutter-bugs creating SECRET FILES on the protesters as well ??? We all know how the BILL OF RIGHTS is a major hinderance to National Security...Just ask that guy Livin at 1600 Penn Ave...Washington D.C... all one has to do is write a book about him and POW your on a Terrorist Watch List...
I would like to thank the DP for showing Colorado and the Nation..there true colors...where they stand on the Land Of The Free and The Home Of The Brave.... See ya at the protest...oh ya dont cover your face...be proud of what you stand for...Left or Right..Red or Blue.. stand and be (in Colorado) counted..We have a right to protest PEACEFULLY !! With but our voice we can and will be heard.....
August 16, 2008
5:08 p.m.
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HopiMedicineMan writes:
Ksells
Your take is what I've experienced personally. Liberals use minorities, young people, ex-felons and the gullible to build their fame and their income. The irony is this is Democrat on Democrat. Soros, the major shareholder of the Democratic Party, knows what he's doing. Use protesters to dissuade pro-life demonstrations and intimidate Democrats inside.
Trouble is, there are thousands descending on this town already. We could see a Woodstock crowd.
As far as a concentration camp, I drove by there and saw them off loading the ovens from the unmarked trucks. No doubt anyone arrested will be incinerated, along with their video. Holier is so smart.
August 16, 2008
10:49 p.m.
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freetree writes:
No war but class war.
August 16, 2008
11:29 p.m.
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Professor_D writes:
Just another example of Hickenlooper as a moral coward.
August 17, 2008
8:17 a.m.
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sheepherder writes:
Holier...once again you show your true ignorance! Denver boy...same. The protestors called it "secret" because they are a narrow minded as you. The TEMPORARY FACILITY" was mentioned in a PUBLIC city council meeting many times. POlice riot...you make me laugh HTH!
August 17, 2008
1:26 p.m.
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Denverboy1 writes:
Mr.... Sheepherder
If they mentioned it in a Public meeting then SECRET would not be a good name for this temp facility....Did they mention there building files on protesters complete with photos ?? I'm sure they did not want to bother the PUBLIC with that.... Perhaps next time you wish to speak out against something you deem wrong or unjust there will be a police person there snapping your pic and commenting on what THEY view your dangers are to society because you practice your rights under the Bill Of Rights...ignorance is simply following in a path you are told to. Lift your head up and see the landscape surrounding that path and perhaps you will sing a different tune....But we live in a FREE country....do as you wish....
August 17, 2008
2:15 p.m.
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STOPUSAGiveaway writes:
MILLIONS of ILLEGALS invade this land, our cities: D A I L Y: where are they? Our government doesn't know or doesn't care since l964 thanks to former Pres Johnson and still treasoning today Ted...aiding and abetting ALL....
Ad up the ILLEGALS and their illegitimacy....
Yet WHO is THE TARGET of TRUTH: USA CITIZENS while their, our sons, daughters, fathers, mothers, grandfathers and grandmothers have been and still are being systematcally sacrificed on foreign soil for OPEN BORDERS CRIMINAL ILLEGAL ALIEN INVADERS aka drug runners, gangs like MS-13 killers of ALL who even look in their direction or are sleeping in our own beds....diseased crossing into USA serving me and you in restaurants; school cafeterias, supposedly cleaning hospitals, hotels, etc.
WHOSE THE TARGET of our own so called REPUBLIC: me and you who live by the law; pay taxes, work til we die and nurture our sons to die in wars for the same CFR elites while their sons are safe to arrest us.
Do Unto Others...
How much longer do we have as a sovereign nation?
One Nation Under GOD
August 18, 2008
1:02 a.m.
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Jazzwoman53 writes:
Professor_D writes: "Just another example of Hickenlooper as a moral coward"
Would someone please explain to me why Hickenlooper takes such a beating in these posts? I just don't see it. Is it just because he wanted to be mayor and was duly elected that makes him a target? Would y'all do it to who ever was elected if it wasn't him?
I was an employee of the City & County during seven years of the Webb administration...what a corrupt mess that was..It has discouraged me from wanting to work in public service ever again.
August 18, 2008
3:46 p.m.
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chief writes:
Exactly, what is the "secret"?