[Passed at 1.29.2012 GA] Anti-Repression Cmte proposal for Feb 6 Action against police repression

Anti-Repression Cmte proposal for Feb 6 Action against police repression

Occupy Oakland has faced heavy police repression since its inception.  From the first police  raid on October 25th,  when the camp was violently destroyed and people were brutally tear gassed and shot with rubber bullets to the recent arbitrary arrests in the past  several weeks the Oakland Police Department and city government have  made it clear that they will continue  to target and repress those in occupy Oakland . Often those arrested have their charges dropped after spending several days in jail due to lack of evidence.  The newest tactic being used by the state are stay orders, given to those arrested, making it illegal for those arrested to be in the vicinity of Oscar Grant Plaza, essentially making it illegal to participate in future Occupy Oakland events. Many of these people have been around since the beginning of Occupy and are key organizers for different committees and actions.

While many members of Occupy have come to support those arrested at arraignments, picked people up from jail when they were released, and called local officials or marched in solidarity with those who have been repressed, Occupy Oakland has yet to have a chance to present our side of the facts in court. Feb 6th will be Occupy Oakland’s day for that.  It will be the first time that lawyers working with Occupy will be able to argue against the repressive tactics used by the OPD and present evidence or unlawful activities and arrests.

We the Anti-Repression Committee of Occupy Oakland are proposing a day of action in solidarity with those that have been arrested and targeted by the local government and OPD. We will begin the day with Coffee not Cops at the Wiley Manuel courthouse starting at 9:00 AM, then at noon we will be organizing a rally at OGP with speakers that will address the local and state police repression and the prison industrual complex, as well as music. At 1:00 PM, we will march to the courthouse to stand in solidarity with those in court at 2:00 PM.  We are asking for the support of all members Occupy Oakland to stand in solidarity with those who have been arrested and who have faced any form of police repression to stand with us on Feb 6th.