LOS ANGELES - The ACLU of Southern California is saddened by Michael Zinzun's death.

The ACLU/SC represented Michael and others in their brave fight against police abuse of our constitutional rights. Our litigation was instrumental in ending spying by the LAPD, which had illegally gathered millions of pages of surveillance on political activists, peace groups and public officials in the 1970's.

Without Michael's courage the LAPD might still be wasting millions of taxpayer dollars infiltrating, spying and collecting information on the political activities and even medical conditions of law-abiding Americans.

Michael's generosity of heart and commitment to principle made Los Angeles a far better and more humane city. As we see renewed government surveillance of innocent Americans we must remember Michael's example and continue his struggle for respect and dignity for all.