The Governor of Florida, Republican Ron DeSantis, has signed a controversial law to prohibit rioting during street protests. The state president had made this proposal in September, after several altercations occurred during the Black Lives Matters marches after the death of George Floyd.
DeSantis has kept its promise and says it does so to ensure that Florida is a “state of law and order.” “ We saw truly unprecedented riots and disorders during the summer of 2020 , and we said that it will not happen here in the state of Florida, ”he commented during a press conference in Polk County and accompanied by Sheriff Grady Judd.
You may be interested in: Michel Gallero, the surprising magician who leaves the famous in Miami with their mouths open
Florida GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed a new law that increases penalties for protesters who block roadways or deface public monuments, creates a new crime of “mob intimidation” and requires that anyone arrested at a protest initially be denied bail. https://t.co/oFjXWFa1Pj
– NPR Politics (@nprpolitics) April 19, 2021
The governor admitted that this regulation supposes “ the strongest law against riots in the country “.
The law also penalizes those governments that try to withdraw funds from their police departments and holds them liable for damages.
It also applies more penalties to people who block roads during protests, demolish monuments or intimidate others. “ We saw images of people sitting outside eating in a restaurant , then you have this crazy mob around you and they start screaming and intimately. It is unacceptable and they will be held responsible ”, he pointed out in this regard.
It may interest you: They arrest a Miami nurse for threatening to kill Kamala Harris
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed into law a controversial bill that aims to crack down on riots and property damage in the face of fierce opposition from Democrats in the state, who argue it will have a chilling effect on peaceful protests https://t.co/pgxZtqok5u
– CNN (@CNN) April 20, 2021
DeSantis also spoke of the increased penalties for any violent confrontation with the forces of order during protests . “If you harm others, especially a law enforcement officer during these violent assemblies, you will go to jail,” he warned.
The regulation has not been well received by some Florida organizations that consider that the law “ was intentionally designed to embolden police treatment ”.
“Today is a sad day for Florida. The governor signed HB1 and the bill is racist, discriminatory, reckless, illegal, and unfair. The governor put his stamp on this discriminatory law full of criminalization and deprivation of civil rights directed at black and brown Floridians. We will not remain silent on this issue and we will not allow this to stop peaceful protests across the state of Florida, ”criticized Adora Obi Nweae, president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).