Statue Six Legal Defense Fund
Legal Defense for Protestors Arrested Leaving a Protest and Charged with Felonies
On Thursday, August 13th, a small direct action was undertaken to remove a symbol of colonialism from public land in Downtown Los Angeles. This action was led by black and brown activists.
Upon leaving the demonstration a group of 6 protestors were arrested by LAPD. They were held overnight, denied phone calls, and charged with Felony Vandalism. All six have been released on bail.
The police have said that they targeted this group because they believe them to have been at other actions, not because they believe they helped in the removal of the symbol of colonialism. While in custody activists were denied their medication. One member of the Metropolitan Detention Center medical staff said "white power" to an arrested activist during a medical examination. A male ranking officer told a female arrestee "you don't have the rights you think you have" after touching her face in an inappropriate and sexual manner. Throughout their entire time in custody officers consistently failed to wear masks. A ranking officer told arrestees they were "going to COVID-infested jail". No social distancing or COVID-19 safety measures were taken.
It's clear from the charges and behavior of the LAPD that the goal is to intimidate these activists and not to seek a legal remedy for this direct action. These activists will not be intimidated by LAPD, but they need legal help to fight this case. Due to COVID-19 all of these activists are unemployed and some are unhoused. They are asking for the community to show solidarity and for those who can, to donate towards their legal defense fund. The goal is high since there are 6 of them needing representation.
On 8/15/2020 The LAPD doxed all arrestees putting them in extreme risk. The department posted arrestees' full names, date of birth, and booking numbers on every major social media platform. This is an unprecedented intimidation tactic that further goes to show the intent of the LAPD is to crush dissent and not address a specific direct action.
Thank you.
