A press conference this morning where the Poor People’s Campaign had set up Bushville to assist homeless people and to provide them a base for advancing lower and working class issues in America was held at 10 am this morning.
Sherry, Shamako, and J.R., all members of the Poor People’s Campaign addressed the press describing their actions. Many expressed a desire to address economic human rights more than the issues that have been occurring between protesters and police. The press was reluctant to respond favorably to the desire.
Any of these press conferences will expose you to the fact that the corporate media wishes to exploit divides in movements seeking to upend that which protects the status quo in America. This is done by asking questions that focus on the role of anarchists, whether fringe elements took over the message of the march or action that occurred, and whether or not they plan to be violent or disruptive to the people of the area where the protest is taking place.
Several members of the corporate media asked if fringe elements such as anarchists had started the violence that occurred last night. Sherry rightfully responded that any violence started was instigated by police who did not need to be there intimidating people who were peacefully marching and then trying to go home.
Shamako accurately described how the police seem to create these situations where they make it difficult for these marches and other actions to come to an end. As people go home, the police rush up to block streets and funnel people down to a certain area. Those who participated become drawn into the actions of the police and wind up lingering around expecting something to happen. And last night, something did happen when the police became tired of protesters lingering in the street.
Sherry said that the situation for them all week has been “move on or be arrested.”
A friend of the RNC Welcoming Committee stepped up to read a statement. He stated that the group is refusing to answer questions the press asks or have actual members speak and give their names because after appearing in public, they have been victim of targeting by police and Twin Cities authorities.
ColdSnapLegal offered a detailed glimpse into the terror and unlawful actions of the authorities in response to RNC protest plans this week.
The man who spoke from ColdSnapLegal said he was attacked by police unprovoked and was present when mass arrests happened down by the river. He went on to say that over 300 people have been arrested, 120 of those people are being held on felonies, and virtually none have been formally charged. All were being held on probable cause which expired at 12 pm today.
One hundred and fifty people are refusing to give their identity to protect people who might become vulnerable if they were to disclose their identity to the authorities.
Two minors who were arrested were charged with contempt on the spot and given a 30 day sentence. This is blatantly illegal because this is out of the jurisdiction of the Ramsey County court system, according to ColdSnapLegal. The minors should have been tried in juvenile court and also should not have been sent to an adult jail center, where they are being held now.
Brutality is happening inside the jails. People are being denied medical attention for asthma, hemophilia, broken fingers, etc. Doctors are being called upon to come assist people inside the jail but such assistance is being denied access.
According to a witness that spoke with ColdSnapLegal, Elliot Hughes was brutally assaulted for 5 minutes by sheriff’s deputies. Twelve officers with rubber gloves assaulted him and he has not been seen since.
Twenty-four people (at least) are on a hunger strike until those in jail who are in need of medical attention receive access to medical attention.
One person was sent to Regent’s Hospital and was told that coughing of blood was normal. The same hospital also reported police attempts to get into the hospital and attack and arrest protesters who were receiving medical attention inside.
After the press conference, a police officer claimed that the taxpayers of St. Paul would not want to pay for the disposal of remnants of Bushville, which were being piled on the side of the road for waste removal crews to pick up. A member of Poor People’s Campaign disputed this saying he believes the taxpayer would be okay and would be more upset with the decision to grant police 50 million dollars to use to secure the Twin Cities area during the RNC.
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