Standing Rock protesters hold out against extraordinary police violence Read moreThe militarized police response, mass arrests and felony cases are part of what critics say is an unconstitutional strategy to silence and bully activists, who argue that the pipeline threatens the Standing Rock Sioux tribe’s water supply and sacred grounds. Law enforcement officials have not commented on the dismissal, except to note that Fallis has been transferred to federal court where she is now facing only a firearm possession charge. Chad Nodland, another attorney who has represented Standing Rock activists, estimated that more than 130 people have had charges dropped, signaling the “unprecedented” nature of Morton County pursuing baseless cases. Law enforcement will issue fines of up to $1,000 to vehicles delivering supplies to the Standing Rock encampments, officials said Tuesday. His Horse Is Thunder, a former Standing Rock chairman, said the “bogus charges” and police tactics would not discourage water protectors from standing their ground.

Source: The Guardian November 30, 2016 12:00 UTC