Drop the charges of resisting arrest against KPFA’s Frank Sterling.

https://www.change.org/p/drop-the-charges-support-kpfa-staff-independent-journalist-frank-sterling/u/30374303

Update: New Court Date April 25th at 8:30 am Contra Costa Superior Court

There is no indication yet that Contra Costa DA Diana Becton is willing to drop the charges of resisting arrest against Frank Sterling. We would like to let Frank’s supporters know that the court date has been changed to April 25th, 2022 and we will hold a brief rally outside of the courthouse to show our support. We will also go inside to pack the courtroom.

The DA needs to be aware that the community supports Frank Sterling who was exercising his First Amendment right to protest against outgoing Chief of Police Chauncey Brooks. Brooks was resigning as Chief of the Antoich Police Department to become the Deputy Chief of Police of Boise Idaho amidst controversy over how he handled the cases of police violence especially the case of the police killing of Angela Quinto. Frank is an independent journalist and KPFA staff, Director of the Apprenticeship program.

DROP THE CHARGES! Support KPFA staff & Independent journalist Frank Sterling!

On September 17th 2021, KPFA staff member and journalist Frank Sterling was attacked by police while covering a demonstration in Antioch. He was tackled, held down, tasered, and his recording equipment taken. Compounding the injustice, Frank has been charged with resisting arrest.

Frank is Technical Director of KPFA’s Apprenticeship Program; a contributor to Friday evening’s Full Circle show; and a staff representative to the KPFA Local Station Board. Frank is part of the Bay Area’s Native American community, active in exposing police brutality and denouncing police killings and has already endured a previous attack by the Antioch police.

Take action: Sign this petition. Call Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton’s office at 925-957-2200 or tweet at @DADianaBecton and demand the dismissal of charges.

Email the DA at DAOffice@contracostada.org. Please use Subject heading:Drop the Charges.

The DA ran on criminal justice reform. We are asking she uphold her promise. We must end the criminalization of protest and of independent journalists covering these events.

For more information:
Report by Black Agenda Report contributing editor Ann Garrison: https://blackagendareport.com/activist-journalist-frank-sterling-trial