|
.jpg)
Recent Similar Articlesoccupy protests:
|
OpEd News - "Occupy, the 'Battles of Oakland', and the Face of US Police Abuse"
by
Ritt Goldstein | 10.30.2011
We have seen the current 'Battle of Oakland', but this wasn't the first such 'battle' the City's police have waged on peaceful protesters. In a democratic society, one would hope it's 'a crime' if those exercising their constitutionally guaranteed right to dissent become targeted as 'an enemy', with no small paradox when an Iraq vet -- who supposedly fought to bring democracy and freedom -- is seriously wounded for peacefully demonstrating at home.  Courageous 2003 protester On Tuesday riot police raided the ongoing Occupy demonstration in Oakland, California, beginning a period of sustained police violence against the protesters. But, this 'battle' against those exercising the right to peaceful protest isn't Oakland's first. The first 'Battle of Oakland' took place on April 7, 2003, Wikipedia noting that "police fired wooden dowels, sting balls, concussion grendades, tear gas and other non-lethal weapons when protesters at the gates of two shipping lines at the port refused an order to disperse. Longshoremen and protestors were injured in the exchange." Longshoreman were also quoted as saying the police gave those present two minutes to disperse, then simply opened fire, not attempting to make any arrests. Protesters, which included a cross-section of the community, were reported as attempting to hide from the police onslaught and barrage. Many were wounded in the back, suggesting they were not attacking police when fired upon. Contrary to police claims at the time, protesters emphasized that they were acting peacefully, and "accused the police of using excessive force". Notably, nine longshoremen that were not part of the protest were injured by the police fire. Continue reading at: http://www.opednews.com/articles/Occupy-The-Battles-Of-Oa-by-Ritt-Goldstein-111027-569.html |
|
© 1999–2008 Philadelphia Independent Media Center |
|
Unless otherwise stated by the author, all content is free for non-commercial reuse, reprint, and rebroadcast, on the net and elsewhere. Opinions are those of the contributors and are not necessarily endorsed by PhillyIMC.
|
Comentarios
Enviar un comentario nuevo