People's Network request for a public apology from CHIRLA, CARECEN, MIWON

PEOPLE'S NETWORK in DEFENSE OF HUMAN RIGHTS



May 17, 2007



TO: CHIRLA, CARECEN, MIWON



RE: Request for a Public Apology



As your organizations are aware, on May 1st, 2007, the Los Angeles Police Department once again terrorized immigrant and non-immigrant members of our community at MacArthur Park, during a peaceful rally for comprehensive immigration reform.



Your organizations and organizations within our Network have correctly condemned the unwarranted, unjustified, brutal repression unleashed by the LAPD. People physically injured include, children, men, women, young and old, as well as journalists covering the peaceful rally.



However, shortly after the police attack riot, your organizations, publicly singled out "youth, anarchists, YJC, and CopWatch" and others as being instigators and outside agitators which caused the police violence.



All of us in the People's Network, were present at the march, because we are all concerned with social equality and social justice. Some of our member organizations, were specifically asked to participate in the march to assist with monitoring police abuse, given the repressive nature of the police. We are neither instigators nor "outside agitators", we are of the community and a part of the movement for in broad terms, social justice.



We, in the Network have had an initial meeting with your representatives to discuss these unfortunate accusations. We are now asking your organizations to issue a public apology via the same mediums which were used to falsely accuse others.



We can not allow the state to divide the movement for social justice. To divert the responsibility away from the police, is to commit an injustice, not only to those falsely accused, but to the larger movement which seeks to change this society and the world in general.



Please contact us, so that we can attempt to resolve this situation, so that we can continue to advance united in the struggle for social change.



for the People's Network





Guillermo Suárez M.

Legal Offense/Defense Commission