Posted on 05 January 2012 by Cami Graves
OPD photographs, then arrests Occupy Oakland protestors
The past couple of weeks have marked a disturbing rise in arrests of Occupy Oakland protestors in Oscar Grant Plaza. Last night was no exception, as cops in riot gear arrested over a dozen vigilers suddenly and without apparent cause. Other Occupiers immediately mobilized, gathering in the plaza and outside of the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office, where they were told to leave.
Occupy Oakland Media’s Adam and Anti Repression Committee’s Laleh on KPFA discussing the arrests
Members of the Interfaith tent called for an autonomous action at 2pm today at City Hall to demand the release of all arrestees and an end to the persecution of protestors. In response, City Hall locked its doors and would not let anyone into the building. Two more protestors, Lawrence “Toby” Barton and Greg Fernandez, were arrested when the doors suddenly opened and cops appeared, adding to the numbers of Occupiers now in jail.
We’ve learned that those arrested last night were charged with “resisting, delaying, or obstructing an officer,” even though there were many others present and at least two people were followed by cops and arrested as they crossed the street in a peaceful attempt to avoid a confrontation with authorities. A legal status update from the Occupy Oakland Anti-Repression Committee on OccupyOakland.org states:
Naomi, Svend, Knowledge, Dominic, Adam, Bunny, Stephanie & Nneka have all been charged with misdemeanor obstruction (148) [they’ve added a second misdemeanor for Stephanie] and will be arraigned tomorrow morning at 9am in Dept 107. Bail is set at $5000 for all of them except Stephanie whose bail is $10,000.
Ali has also been charged with an additional felony. His arraignment is tomorrow at 2pm in Dept 112. His bail is set at $15,000.
Chris has also been charged with 2 additional felonies. His arraignment is Monday at 2pm in Dept 112. His bail is set at $25,000.
Sean has also been charged with 1 additional felony. His arraignment is Monday at 2pm in Dept 112. His bail is set at $30,000.
WHAT YOU CAN DO!
1) Let’s flood the numbers below with calls and bring as much pressure today as we can so that they drop charges tomorrow morning. Get everyone you know to call…
Nancy O’Malley (Alameda District Attorney): (510) 272-6222
Jean Quan (Mayor): (510) 238-3301
Deanna Santana (City Administrator): (510) 238-3301
Howard Jordan (Chief of Police): (510) 238-3076
2) Make sure to attend the arraignments tomorrow!!
http://www.facebook.com/events/305210996187282/
Stay Strong and Support your comrades!!!
Solidarity,
Anti-Repression Committee
Most of those arrested last night were members of the Occupy Oakland media team, and many believe they were purposefully targeted. Media team member Adam Katz (@geekeasy) was among those taken in last night. Adam was released at 2pm today along with one other person. Here is Adam’s firsthand video of his own arrest, as well as video of an officer filming him one day prior.
