Black group allegedly intimidated voters
Federal officials Wednesday accused a black activist organization of intimidating Philadelphia voters and those helping them during the Nov. 4 election.
The Justice Department filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court against the New Black Panther Party for Self-Defense and three of its members, alleging they violated the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
The federal government claims Minister King Samir Shabazz and Jerry Jackson were deployed at the entrance to a Philadelphia polling location wearing the uniform of the New Black Panther Party for Self-Defense, and that Samir Shabazz repeatedly brandished a police-style baton weapon.
Intimidation outside of a polling place is contrary to the democratic process,
said Acting Assistant Attorney General Grace Chung Becker. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was passed to protect the fundamental right to vote and the department takes allegations of voter intimidation seriously.
The government alleges New Black Panther Party Chairman Malik Zulu Shabazz confirmed the placement of Samir Shabazz and Jackson in Philadelphia was part of a nationwide effort to deploy party members at polling locations on Election Day.
The Justice Department seeks an injunction preventing any future deployment of, or display of weapons by, New Black Panther Party members at polling locations.
The organization, which claims active chapters nationwide, is distinct from the Black Panther Party founded by Bobby Seale in the 1960s, Justice officials noted.
UPI
- Visiting U.S. diplomat pledges support for Moldova
- Yatseniuk proposes neo-isolationist third way for Ukraine
- Two ex-Transnistrian parliament speakers ask Smirnov to resign
- Moldova finances confidence building projects with Transnistria
- PM Vlad Filat: Moldova is not going to join NATO
- Moldovan Government appoints new deputy ministers
- Analysis: Black Sea Rivalry
- Iraq: Saddam Hussein and another ex-senior officials sentenced to death by hanging
- The rise and fall of Saddam Hussein
- 10 most important world events of 2005
- Report: Saddam Hussein has been executed
- Deadly blast at checkpoint near Peshawar
- Saddam Hussein handed over to Iraqi authorities, say lawyers
- Saddam Hussein's execution could be within next 48-36 hours
- Hillary Clinton determined to win the White House
- John Edwards running for White House
