Defending Dissent Foundation Condemns Excessive Police Force
For Immediate Release
Contact: Sue Udry 202-529-4225 or info@defendingdissent.org
Washington, DC | www.defendingdissent.org |, October 27, 2011-- On Tuesday evening, police in Oakland, California, armed with lethal and “non-lethal” weapons, dressed in riot gear, protected by helmets, shields and bullet proof vests responded to unarmed protesters with excessive force, resulting in the critical injury of one protester, Scott Olsen. See the video here
The Defending Dissent Foundation condemns the use of excessive force and calls on police departments across the country to immediately pledge to stop using “non-lethal” weapons including rubber bullets, bean bags, tear gas, baton rounds or concussive (“flash bang”) grenades against unarmed protesters. DDF Executive Director, Sue Udry said “There is no justification for employing these weapons against unarmed protesters. Use of these weapons can seriously injure protesters, and make a volatile situation more dangerous for both protesters and police. Our police are sworn to uphold the Constitution, we urge police to respect that pledge, and to respect the rights and well-being of protesters.”
The Defending Dissent Foundation is a fifty year old civil liberties advocacy organization. More information can be found at: www.defendingdissent.org