“Three young women who were arrested and strip-searched last month while rallying against abortion have filed a federal lawsuit against Harford County, Bel Air and state police, charging their First Amendment rights were violated. The protesters were held in a jail cell overnight and were charged with loitering, disorderly conduct and failure to obey a lawful order. But, 10 days later, the charges were dropped. Greg Shipley, a spokesman for state police, defended trooopers. ‘Maryland state troopers acted in the interest of public safety and in accordance with guidance from the county state’s attorney’s office,’ Shipley said. ‘We will be prepared to justify those actions in court.’” (09/04/08)