G20 protesters will speak out against police misconduct at a press conference this Tuesday, March 15, 2011.
This date marks the 15th International Day Against Police Brutality. The press conference will be from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Lillian H. Smith Library, 239 College St., Toronto.
Some of the protesters will also file lawsuits that day in the Toronto Small Claims Court. After the press conference, participants will walk to Toronto Police Service (TPS) headquarters at 40 College St. and serve the claims on the TPS Board.
The press conference is organized by Davin Charney, a lawyer, and founder of the Centre for Police Accountability (http://www.c4pa.ca). Those attending the press conference will hear first-hand accounts of secret police infiltration, police misconduct, false arrests, and police brutality.
Secret police: Protesters will recount stories of Orwellian secret police who infiltrated meetings for more than a year and half leading up to the G20. People who were never charged with any offense will speak publicly for the first time about a housemate, who they later found out was an undercover police officer. Other stories of infiltration will be shared.
Illegal arrests: One lawsuit will be filed alleging the Toronto Police Service officers illegally arrested and imprisoned a person in a sweep outside of an activist convergence centre in Parkdale.
Conditions at the Eastern Ave. Detention Centre: Arrestees will share their experiences of the miserable conditions at the G20 holding centre which included illegal strip searches, women having to go to the bathroom in front of male officers, overcrowding, and denial of the right to speak to a lawyer.
Police brutality: Victims of the police sweep and clearing of the Queen’s Park designated “free speech zone” will recount being clubbed, kicked, punched and pepper sprayed during this peaceful protest. Photographs and video of injuries will be shown.
Illegal searches: One lawsuit will focus specifically on the widespread illegal searches of protesters throughout the downtown. Video will show police illegally search a man and steal his property as he attempts to join a protest at Allen Gardens.
10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Lillian H. Smith Library
239 College St. Toronto ON
For more information call Davin Charney at 647-342-7334 or [email protected]
Please note: The Toronto Public Library (TPL) asks that media limit their photo-taking and filming to the press conference room only. Please do not take photos or film elsewhere on Toronto Public Library property. Thank you.
Note: There will be a demonstration against police brutality starting at Police 51 Division (Front and Parliament St.) starting at 5:00 p.m. the same day.
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