John Acosta Legal Fund
Donation protected
John Acosta is a well-known, liked and respected figure within the Black Lives Matter and anti-oppression movement in NYC and is facing serious manufactured charges by the Bergen County Sheriff that could lead to substantial time in prison, all for something that he absolutely did not do.
These charges are an aggressive tactic to suppress the voices of those willing to speak out against severe injustices and this will not stand.
John is fighting the case but needs the help of a strong criminal defense attorney to do this as public defenders are overworked and unable to give this case the attention it deserves. He has found the right attorney but now must raise the funds to hire him.
John was arrested at a protest on December 12th in support of ICE detainees being held in the Bergen County Jail who were in the middle of a 30+ day hunger strike in protest of the inhumane conditions in which they were forced to live.
At this protest, Bergen County Sheriff's officers used absurd tactics from physical and verbal intimidation to pepper spray, tear gas and sheer brute force on a crowd of approximately 100 people of all ages and walks of life. A 61-year-old woman was even brutalized, arrested and charged with assaulting a police officer, as were several members of the press.
We are working directly with John and all funds raised will go directly toward his legal expenses. The amount of $7,500 reflects the amount that John's attorney has quoted to fight to have the charges completely dropped. Should the state uphold the charges and move forward to trial, there will be a need for more funding.
The People's Media NYC is an independent media organization supporting, and amplifying stories from, the frontlines of the anti-oppression movement in NYC.
These charges are an aggressive tactic to suppress the voices of those willing to speak out against severe injustices and this will not stand.
John is fighting the case but needs the help of a strong criminal defense attorney to do this as public defenders are overworked and unable to give this case the attention it deserves. He has found the right attorney but now must raise the funds to hire him.
John was arrested at a protest on December 12th in support of ICE detainees being held in the Bergen County Jail who were in the middle of a 30+ day hunger strike in protest of the inhumane conditions in which they were forced to live.
At this protest, Bergen County Sheriff's officers used absurd tactics from physical and verbal intimidation to pepper spray, tear gas and sheer brute force on a crowd of approximately 100 people of all ages and walks of life. A 61-year-old woman was even brutalized, arrested and charged with assaulting a police officer, as were several members of the press.
We are working directly with John and all funds raised will go directly toward his legal expenses. The amount of $7,500 reflects the amount that John's attorney has quoted to fight to have the charges completely dropped. Should the state uphold the charges and move forward to trial, there will be a need for more funding.
The People's Media NYC is an independent media organization supporting, and amplifying stories from, the frontlines of the anti-oppression movement in NYC.
Organiser
The People#039;s Media
Organiser
New York, NY
