Man thrown out of Edison courthouse in New Jersey for waving ‘banned’ American flag | video

Man thrown from Edison courthouse

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After waving an American flag, which was prohibited by new municipal ordinances, a man was escorted by police from a city council meeting in Edison, New Jersey. The incident occurred during a controversial debate over the council’s decision to restrict public access to meetings.

Council approves controversial new rules

The new policy was passed in a previous session and limits the use of “props” such as the U.S. Constitution and the American flag in public statements. These restrictions are part of a broader attempt to regulate the often boisterous public gatherings that have traditionally served as a forum for locals to air their grievances.

In addition to restricting the use of these products, the regulation also shortens the duration of public discussions to four minutes. Public rebuttals are now prohibited and certain etiquette guidelines have been implemented. Council members said the goal is to improve meetings and ensure they remain in order.

Protests against restrictions on public expression

Another resident, Joel Bassoff, expressed displeasure with the time limit on public comments. He accused the council of trying to limit public participation, particularly on issues such as unnecessary spending and public safety issues that have not been adequately considered by local authorities. “The council is trying to silence the public,” Bassoff said before tearing up a copy of the ordinance in protest.

Bassoff attempted to challenge the council’s norms by holding up a copy of the U.S. Constitution as a symbolic gesture. However, Council President Nishith Patel intervened and accused Bassoff of violating recently enacted regulations by using the Constitution as a backing. Bassoff missed the opportunity to speak out and Patel threatened to remove him from office if he continued his disobedience, My Central Jersey reported.

Council reaction and escalating tensions

Tension in the meeting escalated as council members defended the new rules and stressed their need to restore order. Patel addressed the public and said that Bassoff was breaking the rules and could be fired if he persisted.

Another resident raised concerns that the council was acting in a dictatorial manner by restricting the public’s right to freedom of expression. “This is a dictatorship when residents try to stand up for their rights,” the resident remarked, expressing frustration over what he perceived as a violation of free speech, according to My Central Jersey.