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Tuesday, Jun 12, 2012 1:15 PM UTC

Fla. task force begins review of self-defense law

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Topics: From the Wires,

LONGWOOD, Fla. (AP) — A Florida task force will hold its first public meeting just miles from where 17-year-old Trayvon Martin was killed to examine a state self-defense law being used by the man who shot him.

Gov. Rick Scott’s task force on Citizen Safety and Protection is scheduled to hold the first of several meetings on the “stand your ground” law at a church Tuesday. The review was prompted by Martin’s shooting, which came after an altercation with neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman.

A previous task force organized by Democratic state Sen. Chris Smith also has looked at the law.

George Zimmerman has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder and is in jail awaiting trial. He claims he shot the unarmed Martin in self-defense.

Mike Schneider

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Gripping photos: The people of the Turkey protests (slideshow)

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  • The protests take on a festive element as police forces move out of the park and square. Wearing a gas mask, this young man dances to traditional Turkish music in front of Taksim Square’s Ataturk Monument.

  • In Gezi Park since March 31st, this protester, originally caught off-guard by the Government’s teargas and water cannons, went out and bought a Russian army mask from WWII, preparing for what was to come.

  • This rambunctious boy seems to be enjoying the chaos. After taking this picture he threw a stone at the already destroyed building in the background.

  • Forming a line, the police face off directly with protesters in Taksim Square. After a while, they retreated and there was a general cheer – a back-and-forth dance that has been common since the beginning of this protest.

  • An elderly woman in Gezi Park reads the news. The tent community occupying the park was violently destroyed on June 16th.

  • Many different groups had set up booths to promote their cause in Taksim Square and Gezi Park. Standing in front of one, this man waves his flag while posing with conviction.

  • Many home-remedies are used to minimize the effects of tear gas. This woman has put a milky solution on her face, removing her mask after the tear gas dissipated. Before sunrise, the police came again for another round of teargasing.

  • People capitalize on the uprising -- selling flags, beer, gas masks, sky lanterns and spray paint to name just a few of the popular items.

  • On Monday morning, June 11, the police execute a strong offensive. Many plain-clothed police officers, like the ones seen here, clash with protesters in the side streets away from the main stand-off in Taksim.

  • The authorities seem to be most aggressive in the night, pushing protesters away from the square and park. After being teargassed this young woman catches her breath with other protesters on Siraselviler Street.

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