After being followed all over town by 11-20 police, the ultimate irony ensued at the corner of 9th and Island.
After the Biojustice march was herded by police into a 'kill box,' five of us decided to regroup and come up with a new plan. As soon as we left the area, we were followed by 11 cops; two on motorcycles that drove into the park across from the Convention Center and another 9 bicycle cops that seemed to quite enjoy eating up the taxpayers' money to sit around chatting with each other. Naturally, the minute we moved farther into the park, so did they. At some point, we decided to use the public restrooms at Horton Plaza. We were followed by anywhere from 11-20 cops at any given time as we used the restrooms, perused magazine articles in a bookstore and got something to drink. They were so intent on following us that they exerted the extra effort to carry their bikes up the stairs. (I think we all know how they hate to do the little extra bit to protect and serve.) All this for five people, not even all dressed in black.
They eventually dropped us as we moved farther and farther away from the respectable businesses of the area only to meet up with us a short while later.
Approximately 30 seconds after the sound of breaking glass, we rounded the corner only to see a police cruiser rolling up. They immediately got out of the car and approached us aggressively. In the space of two minutes tops, we were surrounded by 5 cruisers, and 6-8 motorcycles. The mockery of the law that ensued is worth relating along with the ultimate irony. When all was said and done, we had the honor of being harassed by 19 different officers plus two undercovers all over a charge of littering made by a citizen. Or, at least that's what they told us. The immediately handcuffed our friend and led him away as they poked and prodded us for our information.
As we were 'detained' by the cops milling about the parking lot on the corner of 9th and Island, our medic's backpack was confiscated, and we were subject to verbal attacks by one female officer in particular, and had our photos taken even though we refused. After refusing the officer's request to take individual photographs of us, she spoke with the officer holding the camera. He then snapped a picture as he approached us, confirmed that we didn't want individual pictures taken, and then continued to snap another group picture without giving us an opportunity to refuse. It was when we were so graciously allowed to sit on a doorstep that I heard the only intelligent thing said there by an officer.
"I'm just a pawn here man. I don't know what I'm doing." The owner of this gem was Officer Sherman whom I later witnessed littering on the very site. He left a sandwich in a plastic bag, a crushed soda can, and a pair of latex gloves sitting on the same doorstep. The irony of it all is, quite frankly, disgusting. That five individuals could incite such fear in the hearts of 'law enforcement'; that they feel the need to follow us through our little field trip is a victory. For all those people who don't think that an individual or a small group can make waves, eat your words. That an officer who is obviously above any of us miscreants he is forced to deal with commits the same crime he has been called to a scene to process, is a true indicator of where this world stands. That we were later being followed and checked up on every four minutes while waiting for the Biojustice legal team, is yet more proof that the law is irrelevant. That even our friend's clothing is being confiscated as 'evidence' is proof that they have no interest in protecting or serving.
We will be present at the South Shores Beach regular Sunday night bonfire in an effort to take up donations for his legal fund and that of others as well. Further information will be posted as available. We ask that you stand up against this sort of blatant hypocrisy. Even if you don't march with the Bloc, put a little black in your life. Let the pigs know that we do not intend to play their game. If you didn't make it today, there are still three more days to be heard and seen.
In solidarity for those taken today and everyday
Be Disobedient!
Original: Bogus arrest at Island and 9th