|
The two members of the group and four fans alleged that their
constitutional rights were violated because they were identified
as a criminal gang, and they sued the U.S. Department of Justice
and Federal Bureau of Investigation in a federal court in
Michigan.
The FBI's National Gang Intelligence Center released a
congressionally mandated report in 2011 that identified Juggalos
as a "hybrid gang" and included information about their criminal
activity, according to a court document.
An FBI spokesman declined to comment on ongoing litigation. A
spokeswoman for the Justice Department said it was reviewing the
opinion but would have no further comment.
The Michigan-based Insane Clown Posse paint their faces to look
like clowns and are known for rebellious and provocative music
that includes songs such "My Axe" and "Night of the Chainsaw"
that often use harsh themes and language.
The Juggalos, who the group has said are about a million strong,
paint their faces to look like clowns and display a logo of a
hatchet man on their clothes and jewelry.
The fans, who were plaintiffs in the lawsuit in the U.S.
District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan at Detroit,
claimed they were stopped, detained and questioned by local law
enforcement in 2012 and 2013, and were or may be denied
opportunities with the Army because of their Insane Clown Posse
logos and tattoos, the document said.
In addition, the document said the group alleged a 2012
performance was canceled because of the federal gang
designation.
Last year, the district court dismissed the suit on grounds that
the Juggalos failed to show injuries suffered and that their
alleged injuries were actions taken by third parties not before
the court.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit in Cincinnati on
Thursday reversed the district court's decision to dismiss for
lack of standing and ordered that the case be considered, the
document said.
(Reporting by Suzannah Gonzales; Editing by Eric Walsh)
[© 2015 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.] Copyright 2015 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
|
|
