FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 6, 2012
November 6, 2012
Defense to Begin Wednesday in Queens Stop-and-Frisk Protest Trial; Will Move to Dismiss Charges
What: Press Conference/Photo Op
Where: Queens Criminal Court 125-01 Queens Blvd, Kew Gardens
When: 1:00 pm Wednesday November 7
Queens, NY – The defense is expected to begin Wednesday afternoon in the case of four men arrested a year ago at the NYPD 103rd precinct while protesting the police practice of stop-and-frisk. Carl Dix, Jamel Mims, Morgan Rhodewalt and Robert Parsons are part of a group of 20 arrested by the Queens South Task Force on November 19, 2011, and are now on trial for two counts of Obstructing Government Administration and for Disorderly Conduct.
Deputy Inspector Charles McEvoy testified yesterday, as the principal prosecution witness, saying that he followed the protesters rallying and marching for about two hours before they arrived at the precinct. Under cross examination by defense attorneys, McEvoy stated that he “had no reason to expect the protest would be violent, and stated that it was non-violent. He could name no members of the public who were obstructed, or even inconvenienced by the protest, nor could he testify that any activities of the 103rd precinct were affected or curtailed during the protest,” said Debra Sweet, Director of World Can’t Wait and a participant in the protest. “He also testified that he conferred with other officers on site, and decided to let the protesters come inside a block-long barricaded area in front of the precinct where they were arrested within minutes.”
If convicted, the four could face two 12 month jail terms. Supporters will deliver hundreds of messages to Richard Brown, the Queens District Attorney, tomorrow, demanding that charges against all thirteen defendants be dropped. The trial is adjourned today for a court holiday.
Cornel West, who along with Dix called for the non-violent protests against stop-and-frisk said, "I declare my full support for my dear brothers Carl Dix, Jamel Mims, Morgan Rhodewalt and Robert Parsons who are facing a year in prison for protesting Stop & Frisk, that racist and immoral policy of the New York Police Department. These 4 brothers, and all the Stop & Frisk Freedom Fighters, put their bodies on the line because they refuse to sit by while young Blacks and Latinos are disproportionately targeted by law enforcement of all colors. Carl, Jamel, Morgan and Robert acted out of love for their brothers and sisters. Their actions were not criminal. They should not be on trial. Drop the charges and salute these people for standing up for justice."
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The Stop Mass Incarceration Network is a project of the Alliance for Global Justice, a 501c3 tax-exempt
organization. Tax-deductible contributions accepted online or checks made payable to the "Alliance for Global Justice," with "Mass Incarceration Network" in the memo line may be sent to:
Stop Mass Incarceration Network
c/o P.O. Box 941 Knickerbocker Station
New York City, New York 10002-0900
Phone: 347-979-SMIN (7646) * Email: [email protected] * Facebook: stopmassincerationnetwork * Twitter: @StopMassIncNet