Community groups accuse Oak Lawn, Illinois, police of assaulting 14-year-old Palestinian American

Community groups were set to rally Tuesday, accusing police in Oak Lawn, Illinois, of assaulting a 14-year-old Palestinian American and arresting the teen's mother.

The Arab American Action Network supplied video they said shows officers lifting the teenager up and putting the teen in a chokehold. The group also claims the child's mother was charged with assault and obstruction of justice after presenting herself for processing.

Oak Lawn police said what happened was that at a meeting of the Fire and Police Commission on Aug. 5, the 14-year-old approached the podium and addressed the commission chairman using obscene language. When officers tried to escort the teen from the podium, a woman interfered with officers and was removed from the meeting.

The woman has been arrested and charged, police said. Police did not specify whether she was the teen's mother referenced by activists.

Afterward, several others caused an additional disturbance, knocking over chairs and interfering with officers trying to restore order for the meeting to continue, police said.

Additional charges were pending Tuesday for others involved.

Oak Lawn police said members and supporters of the Arab American Action Network have routinely attended Oak Lawn Fire and Police Commission meetings to exercise their First Amendment rights, but in recent meetings, people have been disruptive and have interfered with the commission's ability to conduct official business.

"The Oak Lawn Police Department recognizes and respects the constitutional right of individuals to attend public meetings, express their views, and peacefully criticize government officials," police said. "Those rights, however, do not permit individuals to engage in conduct that threatens the safety of others, obstructs police officers, or prevents a public body from conducting its lawful business."

The Arab American Action plans a rally for the teen and mother at 6 p.m. Tuesday night outside Oak Lawn Village Hall before the village board of trustees meeting.

Oak Lawn police did not immediately respond to a request for a statement.