The Army Corps of Engineers has denied an easement for construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline on sacred burial ground belonging to the Standing Rock Sioux Nation and through a reservoir formed by a dam on the Missouri River. The decision was an important victory for the indigenous community, climate activists and clean water advocates across the globe. But what of the thousands who have been arrested while fighting for this crucial cause and brought up on frivolous charges?
We’re asking President Obama and the Justice Department to drop all federal charges brought against water protectors, and to do whatever is in their power to pressure local prosecutors to do the same. All protectors serving sentences for non-violent offenses should have their sentences commuted to time served.