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Associated Press - November 6, 2009 5:34 AM ET
NEW ORLEANS (AP) - The Louisiana American Civil Liberties Union says New Orleans Police Superintendent Warren Riley needs to institute mandatory First Amendment training for all his officers.
The ACLU sent a letter to Riley on Thursday, saying police interference with two peaceful protests at a restaurant on Bourbon Street last month prompted it.
The ACLU says the protesters were "prevented from engaging in their legal right to distribute leaflets and hold signs," which interfered with their First Amendment right to engage in peaceful protest.
No one was arrested.
ACLU executive director Marjorie Esman says the ACLU has learned of multiple incidents involving the issue. She says one case is pending in court.
Police spokesman Bob Young says officers last month "merely asked the demonstrators to comply with French Quarter regulations" that ban the use of megaphones and distribution of flyers. He says the group complied after reading the ordinances.
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