community-based, non-corporate, participatory media
community-based, non-corporate, participatory media
POG media advisory
by pog
Sunday, Aug. 21, 2005 at 2:37 AM
pog@mutualaid.org
Pittsburgh Organizing Group to Hold Press Conference on Sunday, 2:3pm
For Immediate Release
August 20, 2005
Contact: David Meieran, 412-996-4986, Nathan Shaffer, 412-720-9276
POLICE ATTACK NON-VIOLENT DEMONSTRATORS WITH TASERS, PEPPER SPRAY AND K-9S
Pittsburgh Organizing Group to Hold Press Conference Showing Graphic Video of Police Violence
Tomorrow, Sunday August 21st, Pittsburgh Organizing Group will hold a press conference to demand accountability of the Pittsburgh Police Department after their excessive use of force at a demonstration earlier today outside Oakland’s military recruitment station. Five were arrested, two were hospitalized, one was cited and others received injuries.
Today’s protest marks the first time in the City’s history that police used Tasers on demonstrators, marking a clear violation of police official guidelines for the use of these controversial weapons. More than 150 people have been killed by Tasers, and the manufacturer, Taser International, is facing multiple lawsuits. Amnesty International, the ACLU and other groups have called for a moratorium on their use.
One of the protestors was tasered while already subdued on the ground with multiple police officers surrounding her. The press conference will feature video documenting that and other police abuses at today’s demonstration.
In addition to the Tasers, Retracting Batons and Pepper-Spray, the Police used on non-violent protesters, Police also used K-9 units to chase away protestors on the sidewalk. A 68-year old grandmother was bitten from behind by a police dog. She was arrested and placed in an unventilated police van in the hot sun where she remained for 45 minutes before she was taken to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital for treatment.
WHAT: A Press Conference with first hand testimony and damning video.
WHEN: 2:30pm, Sunday, August 21, 2005
WHERE: Pittsburgh Friends Meeting House, 4836 Ellsworth Ave., Pittsburgh 15213 (Oakland)
WHO: Pittsburgh Organizing Group, http://www.OrganizePittsburgh.org
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