The Los Angeles Times reports that eight members of a group planning protests at the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis have been arrested by the Ramsey County Sheriff's Department and charged with conspiracy to commit terrorist acts. According to the article, the group planned to block traffic and "considered barricading bridges, spraying delegates with urine and possibly kidnapping delegates." The charges could result in prison sentences of up to five years and fines of $10,000 or both. A trial on these charges will raise important issues about the definition of terrorism and how it can or should be distinguished from free speech, including protests. OMB Watch raised concerns about political use of Patriot Act powers in this 2001 report. We will continue to track this case and report on new developments.