On Wednesday, June 12, the U.S. District Court in Rapid City will hear the case that challenges three South Dakota laws, including the newly-enacted “Riot Boosting” Act, that threaten advocates who encourage or organize protests – like protests against the Keystone XL pipeline or mining in the Black Hills – with fines, civil liabilities, and/or criminal penalties of up to 25 years in prison.

 

This case impacts so many people – activists, water protectors, organizations, and others. Before the lawyers make their arguments in front of the judge on Wednesday, Dakota Rural Action, NDNCollective, Black Hills Clean Water Alliance, the Indigenous Environmental Network, the Sierra Club South Dakota, the ACLU of South Dakota, and other organizers are gathering for a day of peaceful action.