INDIANAPOLIS (WTWO/WAWV) – The plaintiffs in a lawsuit claiming Indiana State Police interfered with death penalty protests at the federal prison in Terre Haute have agreed to dismiss the action.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana had filed the lawsuit on behalf of Death Penalty Action, Indiana Abolition Coalition, Providence of Saint-Mary-of-the-Woods Indiana and individuals who protested and stood vigil in opposition to the July executions.
The lawsuit alleged that Indiana State Police erected barricades and closed roads leading to the prison, forcing protestors to gather almost two miles away. The lawsuit claimed these restrictions violated the protestors’ First Amendment rights.
In a joint stipulation filed Friday, Indiana State Police says it does not agree with the plaintiffs’ allegations.
However, the document states ISP will not erect any roadblocks or other barriers on or around State Road 63 – Prairieton Road, and West Springhill Drive, that would prevent the plaintiffs and their members from gathering near and within sight of the prison’s entrance.
The groups plan to protest executions that are scheduled later this month and in September.
