NYCLU sues city over right to shoot video, pictures in public at DVinfo.net

Christopher Lefchik · January 11th, 2006, 12:55 PM

NYCLU sues city over right to shoot video, pictures in public

By LARRY NEUMEISTER
Associated Press Writer

NEW YORK -- The New York Civil Liberties Union sued the city on Tuesday, challenging restrictions on people's right to photograph public places after an award-winning filmmaker from India was blocked from videotaping near the MetLife building.

In its lawsuit, the civil rights group highlighted the plight of Rakesh Sharma, who said he was left feeling ashamed and humiliated when he was detained in May 2005 after police saw him use a hand-held video camera on a public street in midtown Manhattan.

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John C. Chu · January 13th, 2006, 08:24 AM

I actually happened to be shooting some photos of the Pan Am Building/Met Life building in NYC a while back, and was told to stop by the building security guard.[Didn't want terrorists to see the structure of the building..]
He was nice about it--said it was policy...but unfortunately, in this post 9/11 world, some policies just seem extreme.

Recently the MTA/NYC subway system proposed banning photography inside all the stations and trains.[It didn't pass]

I used to runaround with a Steadicam JR, but I'm more shy about doing it, since I'm afraid cops think it is a rifle or something.

January 11th, 2006, 12:55 PM	#1
Christopher Lefchik Trustee Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: US Posts: 1,152	NYCLU sues city over right to shoot video, pictures in public NYCLU sues city over right to shoot video, pictures in public By LARRY NEUMEISTER Associated Press Writer NEW YORK -- The New York Civil Liberties Union sued the city on Tuesday, challenging restrictions on people's right to photograph public places after an award-winning filmmaker from India was blocked from videotaping near the MetLife building. In its lawsuit, the civil rights group highlighted the plight of Rakesh Sharma, who said he was left feeling ashamed and humiliated when he was detained in May 2005 after police saw him use a hand-held video camera on a public street in midtown Manhattan. Continue Reading

January 13th, 2006, 08:24 AM	#2
John C. Chu Major Player Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Rego Park , NYC Posts: 665	I actually happened to be shooting some photos of the Pan Am Building/Met Life building in NYC a while back, and was told to stop by the building security guard.[Didn't want terrorists to see the structure of the building..] He was nice about it--said it was policy...but unfortunately, in this post 9/11 world, some policies just seem extreme. Recently the MTA/NYC subway system proposed banning photography inside all the stations and trains.[It didn't pass] I used to runaround with a Steadicam JR, but I'm more shy about doing it, since I'm afraid cops think it is a rifle or something.