An Asian American activist in Portland, Oregon is being called out by fellow protesters as being a police informant, reportsOregon Live.
The suspicion gained traction after several text messages between June Davies and an Asian American officer became public.
Davies acknowledges regularly communicating with Sgt Jeff Niyya, but both deny the protester was being used by police.
“If somebody from the community talking to us at an event is characterized as an informant, then anybody who talks to the police would be labeled an informant,” said Lt. Ryan Lee.
Davies at one time considered becoming a police officer and said police for the most part are there to “protect and serve,” a position that put the activist at odds with some other protesters.
At the same time, Davies, who has been critical of some police tactics, has offered suggestions to police about how to best staffed planned demonstrations.
“I wanted the police to stop beating people up and making unnecessary arrests,” Davies said.
Some accused police of taking advantage of Davies, who admits at times being suicidal and suffering from depression. Davies has now drifted away from the activist community.
“Part of resistance culture involves civil disobedience or actions that can violate laws or social norms,” said Bob Brown, an anarchist. “You can easily incriminate yourself or your friends by talking to the police.”
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