Boston should avoid mistakes made by carrying out heavy-handed crackdowns against peaceful protestors.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 8, 2011
CONTACT: Christopher Ott, ACLU of Massachusetts Communications Director, 617-482-3170 x322, cott at aclum.org Urszula Masny-Latos, Executive Director, National Lawyers Guild, Massachusetts Chapter, 617-227-7335 Howard Cooper, Todd & Weld LLP, 617-720-2626
BOSTON -- In response to Mayor Menino's announcement this morning that Occupy Boston protestors must leave their Dewey Square encampment by midnight tonight or the city will take "further action", the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts and the National Lawyers Guild-Massachusetts issued the following statement:
"Across the country, even people who have not been sympathetic to the Occupy movement have been shocked by images of the force used against peaceful protestors, including beatings, and the use of pepper spray.
Mayor Menino's announcement today has ensured nationwide attention for whatever happens next in Boston. We call on the City to show restraint and not repeat the mistakes made by carrying out heavy-handed crackdowns. If the City feels it must act, it at least has the responsibility to ensure a peaceful transition. Midnight deadlines and actions taken suddenly or under cover of darkness are rash and unhelpful.
Boston, as part of the long New England tradition of town meeting and grassroots democracy, has an important role to play again in how it responds to Occupy Boston. We believe that Boston can--and must--set an example for the entire nation in protecting the rights of Occupy Boston participants, and the many other concerned citizens they represent."
The ACLU of Massachusetts and National Lawyers Guild-Massachusetts Chapter, through attorney Howard Cooper of Todd & Weld, have sought to protect the rights of Occupy Boston protestors. For more information, see:
-- -- Chris Sturr Co-editor, Dollars & Sense 29 Winter St. Boston, Mass. 02108 phone: 617-447-2177, ext. 205 fax: 617-447-2179 email: sturr at dollarsandsense.org