DENVER - August 27 - CODEPINK member Alicia Forrest, 24, arrested yesterday on her way to a rally here during the Democratic convention, was released from Denver City Jail at 9 p.m. Tuesday. While tired from the ordeal, she's optimistic for further CODEPINK actions and progress for the rest of the week.

"I was standing up for my free speech rights, showing support for a fellow activist," Forrest said. "If anything, this showed me how powerful standing up for your beliefs can be, and how necessary it is for the truth to get out even in the face of resistance."

Before arresting Forrest, of the women's peace group, CODEPINK, officer Scott Stewart of the Denver police shoved the woman to the ground with a raised baton, left her on the ground in pain for several minutes. When she began answering questions to reporters nearby, Stewart pulled her roughly away by the elbows and arrested her on charges of interference.

Greg Campbell, a Denver police sergeant of internal affairs, told Forrest the officer who struck Forrest had been pulled from the line and can no longer interact with demonstrators.

"I was shocked that he did it," Forrest said. "We're a nonviolent organization, we were peacefully assembling for a march, and all of the officers I've encountered up until this point have been amazing and helpful. It's officers like (Stewart) who paint police in a bad light."

Forrest was arrested on charges of interference near 12 p.m. Tuesday, moments before the beginning of a demonstrator's march here during the Democratic National Convention. The Rocky Mountain News has released video documenting the events here (http://www.rockymountainnews.com/videos/detail/police-use-force/).