Prayers are in order upon recieving the following email from our Ryan Rice reporting frrom Oakland...
On Nov 4, 2011, at 7:49 AM, Ryan Rice wrote:
hey guys, i was tear-gassed and arrested early wednesday night. about 9 other OccupyLA'ers were as well. some were beaten with night sticks, some were shot with rubber bullets. One of ours was meditated on the front line and was hit with a billy-club across his spine, momentarily losing all feeling below his waste. He was denied medical attention during the 15-hour incarceration.
i'm not sure what's been going on down in LA, but I just wanted to communicate briefly what's been going on up in oakland.
Having never experienced police brutality before this, i am shocked and speechless that those hired to protect and serve have become a private paramilitary force that beats innocent people for exercising their first amendment rights.
i will be joining the anti-police brutality committee upon my return.
peace, love, and unity,
Ryan Rice
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On Fri, Nov 4, 2011 at 8:05 AM, Stacey wrote:
Thanks for this info Ryan. It sounds scary. Can you confirm that police were from Alameda and Contra Costa Counties? Or OPD? I heard they covered their helmets and badges with tape. I hope that turns into a bad ass law suit!
Other than solidarity, what can OLA do for our folks up there and the Oakland Occupiers? Aside from the brutality, was it just completely amazing to participate in the general strike while it was peaceful all day?
Thanks for being there. It sucks but it's important work. Wish I could have been there with you ;-)
Let us know what you need!
In solidarity,
Stacey
Sent from my iPhone
Sent from my iPhone
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On Fri, Nov 4, 2011 at 8:14 AM, Ryan Rice wrote:
the police were from EVERYWHERE. apparently they made a call for assistance... there were cops from all over surrounding towns, cities, counties, and even a few privatized BART assholes there too. they DID cover their names... i wanted to get the officer's name that pointed the shotgun directly in my face, but he was unmarked.
the police were from EVERYWHERE. apparently they made a call for assistance... there were cops from all over surrounding towns, cities, counties, and even a few privatized BART assholes there too. they DID cover their names... i wanted to get the officer's name that pointed the shotgun directly in my face, but he was unmarked.
OLA can start pushing the envelope a little bit, in my opinion. a couple hundred arrests at California Plaza as a radically nonviolent sit-in that blocks traffic will do wonders for solidarity, galvanization, and support throughout the city. the oakland occupiers are inspiring individuals, and they have "their shit together" with their message. Their GA's are extremely well-organized, and they immediately shout down, en masse, anyone not in stack, anyone that heckles, anyone that doesn't respect the process.
I love LA, and know we'll get there... that I do not doubt. We need to prep the camp and the occupiers for worst-case scenarios while at the same time pushing the envelope with civil disobedience.
Peace, Love, and Unity,
Ryan Rice
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On Fri, Nov 4, 2011 at 10:23 AM, Paul J wrote:
Ryan,
Thanks for your actions and report.
Do you think you could describe the processing of your arrest for those of us who have never been arrested and are deciding if and where and when we may get involved with CD? I understand it's different in every case and jurisdiction but just curious how long you were detained, if it cost money to get out, what your charges were, etcetera if you are willing to share that.
Thanks!
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On Nov 4, 2011, at 10:31 AM, Ryan Rice wrote:
After being zip-tied, we were all put on a sheriff's bus and taken to Alameda County Sheriffs Detention Center. frisked, all gear and personal items bagged and tagged, including shoe laces
After being zip-tied, we were all put on a sheriff's bus and taken to Alameda County Sheriffs Detention Center. frisked, all gear and personal items bagged and tagged, including shoe laces
put into holding facility with no miranda read, no formal charge announced
the next 10 hours were just stagnation. moved from cell to cell at random
offered bologna sandwiches, orange, and juice twice, i refused along with a few others as a hunger strike for false imprisonment
finally begin process of mug shot, finger printing.
15 hours total, received a "Cite and Release" of "Remaining at the Scene: Riot/Etc" charge and signed a promise to appear in court for DECEMBER 5TH, all gear and personal effects returned.
released.
National Lawyers Guild considered class action lawsuits against OPD
was back on the frontlines 20 minutes after release, sign in hand and gas mask at the ready.
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From: Anthony C
Subject: Re: [occupyla] Date: Friday, November 4, 2011, 10:41 AM
Subject: Re: [occupyla] Date: Friday, November 4, 2011, 10:41 AM
I want to add you were lucky "all personal items released". Many of my comrades had their stuff "lost" (stolen?) by the cops in Oakland. My wife and I also personally had a journal (priceless), clothes, audio recorder and lesser things "lost" when we were arrested.Don't have valuables on you when engaging in civil disobedience!Also in case you don't know: many have heard this but seem to forget it in the heat of arrest: DO NOT talk to the cops. Not in the car. Not at the station. Many think explaining or showing how rational and harmless you are helps. No. Claim your right to say nothing whatsoever except to your lawyer.Solidarity,A
Sent from the heart of the revolution.-------------------- end trnscpt
Anthony C. wrote:
"
Also in case you don't know: many have heard this but seem to forget it in the heat of arrest: DO NOT talk to the cops. Not in the car. Not at the station. Many think explaining or showing how rational and harmless you are helps. No. Claim your right to say nothing whatsoever except to your lawyer.Solidarity,A "-------------------- end trnscpt
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