His Excellency, David H. Wilkins, Ambassador
The Embassy of the United States of America
PO Box 866
Station B
Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5T1 Canada

September 2, 2008

Excellency,

Dear Ambassador, I am writing on behalf of Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE), a non-profit, non-governmental organization that works to promote and protect press freedom and freedom of expression around the world.

CJFE is concerned by the recent incident that occurred on the morning of the opening day of the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minneapolis, USA, September 1. More than 280 people were arrested during a protest organized by the Coalition to March on the RNC and Stop the War. Among those arrested were journalists Amy Goodman, Sharif Abdel Kouddous and Nicole Salazar from Democracy Now!

Democracy Now! host Amy Goodman, was imprisoned while questioning police about the unlawful detention of producers Kouddous and Salazar who were arrested while they covered street demonstrations at the RCN. All three journalists were manhandled by law enforcement officers.

Although they were released later the same day, they are still facing charges. Amy Goodman is charged with obstruction of a legal process and interference with a peace officer. There are felony riot charges pending against Sharif Abdel Kouddous and Nicole Salazar.

CJFE calls on His Excellency, David H. Wilkins, U.S. Ambassador to Canada, to immediately drop all the charges against journalists Amy Goodman, Sharif Abdel Kouddous and Nicole Salazar. Furthermore, we ask you to use your office to ensure that the right to free expression is protected and the media is given the freedom to do its work.

We thank you for your attention and look forward to your reply. Yours sincerely,

Arnold Amber, President

CC: Mr. Michael Wilson, Canadian Ambassador to the United States of America
Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher
Mr. Chris Coleman, Mayor of St. Paul, Minneapolis