ACLU criticizing law enforcement for recent protest actions

The American Civil Liberties Union of Utah is calling out law enforcement's actions at recent protests for an overwhelming demonstration of militarized, state-sanctioned police violence.

Officials say their legal observers saw a concerning pattern of viewpoint discrimination and disproportionate and militarized police action in response to protest and free speech criticizing leaders and law enforcement.

The ACLU statement points out that COVID-19-related protests saw no police intervention and police force was only used on those protesting the law.

The ACLU added that the right to protest and freedom of speech belongs to everyone and the government cannot discriminate because they don't like what is being said.