[IMC-Boston-Dispatch] Wed 27: PACK THE COURT & MARCH for the Quincy 4!

[Sofia JarrinT]

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Huibin Amelia Chew <hachew at gmail.com>
Date: Jul 21, 2006 1:09 PM 
Subject: [stoppb] Wed: PACK THE COURT & MARCH for the Quincy 4!
To: stoppb at lists.riseup.net, aarw-activists at aarw.org
 
SUPPORT THE QUINCY 4: Asian American Police Brutality Victims
============================================================
** PACK THE COURT AND MARCH! **

Support the Quincy 4! Drop the False Charges! An Open & Public Investigation! 

9 am - Wed., July 26
Quincy District Court
1 Dennis Ryan Parkway, near Quincy Center T-stop
(for directions, see
http://www.mass.gov/courts/courtsandjudges/courts/quincy.pdf )

On Sunday, April 30, Chinese Progressive Association organizer Karen
Chen and three of her friends were brutally assaulted by the Quincy
police without provocation, while coming home from a traditional
 wedding engagement party. All are young Asian Americans. Karen was
tackled by three male cops and received a black eye, while the
groom-to-be was knocked unconscious. All four are now facing
illegitimate charges for disorderly conduct and/or resisting arrest! 

The Quincy 4's next pre-trial hearing is on Wed., July 26. At the
first hearing we packed the court with 70 supporters. Now the judge
will consider a motion to DROP THE CHARGES -- let's pack the court
again! 

The hearing will possibly be followed by a march to Quincy City Hall
to present the mayor with petitions calling for an open investigation
and to drop the charges.

============================================================ 
BACKGROUND:

On April 30, 2006, Quincy Police viciously assaulted Chinese
Progressive Association organizer, Karen Chen; Quan Manh Thin and Tat
M. Yuen of Quincy; and Howard Ng of Somerville while they were coming 
home from a Chinese wedding engagement party. All are young Asian
Americans.

While the victims were talking with the state trooper next to Super 88
Market, a Quincy police car pulled up. Without warning, a police 
officer jumped out and pepper-sprayed three of them directly in the
eyes at close range.

Karen Chen, who is just over five feet tall, was then tackled by three
male officers; receiving a black eye, a swollen face, and bruises from 
the attack. Another victim, Tat M. Yuen was knocked unconscious by the
police officer. Throughout the incident, the police officers
repeatedly yelled at the victims, used profanities, and called them
derogatory names. 

The Quincy Police took the four innocent Asian Americans to the police
station in handcuffs and falsely charged them with resisting arrest
and/or disorderly conduct. If convicted, they may face jail sentences 
of up to 2.5 years and a criminal record detrimental to their future.

Over 150 people attended the first community meeting that was held on
May 21, 2006 in show of support and solidarity for the Quincy 4. Since 
that first meeting, Karen Chen and Joanna Ng, a witness to the
incident, have filed formal complaints with the Quincy Police
Department about the police misconduct. The Patriot Ledger reported
that the City is hiring an "outside agency" to investigate. But we 
want an open and public investigation, more public accountability and
all the charges dropped.

SUPPORT THE QUINCY 4 & JOIN US TO DEMAND POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY!

============================================================ 
** CALL or FAX the Mayor, Police Chief, & D.A. NOW! **

Write, fax, or call the Mayor of Quincy, Norfolk District Attorney,
and the Quincy Police Chief to voice your concerns, and support the
following community demands: 

1) Drop the false charges
2) Compensate the victims for lost work and other damages
3) Suspend the officers without pay
4) A public apology from the Quincy police department
5) An open and public investigation of this case 
6) Diversify the police force and implement sensitivity training
7) Public inquiry into police misconduct and the use of force

CONTACT NUMBERS:

* Mayor of Quincy, William J. Phelan, 1305 Hancock St., Quincy, MA 02169, 
ph: (617)376-1990, fax: (617)376-1995, email: Mayorphelan at ci.quincy.ma.us
* Quincy Police Chief, Robert F. Crowley, 1 Sea St., Quincy, MA 02169,
ph: (617)479-1212, fax: (617)745-5749 
* Norfolk District Attorney, William R. Keating, 45 Shawmut Rd., Canton,
MA 02022, ph: (781)830-4800, fax: (781)830-4801


For more information, contact the Chinese Progressive Association at
(617)357-4499 or visit 
http://www.cpaboston.org/news_and_events/quincy4.html

-------------------------------
Chinese Progressive Association
28 Ash Street
Boston, MA 02111 
phone: (617)357-4499
fax: (617)357-9611
www.cpaboston.org
 

 		
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