The family of Everardo Torres came to Fresno to attend the 12th National Day of Protest to Stop Police Brutality, Repression and the Criminalization of a Generation. On this day thousands of people across the country act to STOP police brutality, repression, and the way our youth are treated like criminals. It is also a day to resist the increasing moves towards a police state. Fresno joined over 30 cities nationwide who held actions of resistance on October 22.
Everardo Torres had his life stolen on the night of October 27, 2002. He was arrested, handcuffed, and put into the back of a Madera police car. Police officer Marcy Noriega came over to the car that Torres was in, pulled her service revolver and shot him to death. Noriega says it was all a big mistake, she thought she was using her Taser gun. Torres's family says Everardo was murdered by the police and they want justice. You can read more here:
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2005/08/09/17586931.php.
Also attending this event was Matilda Rangle whose son was killed by police 22 years ago. She said you never get over the loss and that she was there in solidarity with the other families who have lost loved ones to police shootings.
In a Press Release, organizer Gloria Hernandez wrote: DUI checkpoints sweep working class neighborhoods for minor infractions, impounding cars of those who can least afford it. Local police agencies benefit financially from impounds and tickets while also benefiting through increased social control and decreased community empowerment. Resisting these abuses of power is both necessary and possible. What happens when a government raises up law enforcement as an authority with unlimited powers that cannot be questioned, all in the name of "fighting terrorism"?
For more information see: http://www.october22.org/
A Reader Writes
Editor's note: The following letter was sent to the People's Tribune by a reader in Fresno, Calif.
Does this country need another civil war to "throw" this "evil empire" (USA) off the backs of the citizens of this country? The city of Fresno is becoming a city of tyranny, and is in violation of the 8th Amendment of the Constitution of this country. The city of Fresno is trashing the Declaration of Independence. A non-functioning turn signal light on my car and I could go to jail ?! Or pay $122 not to go to jail?! Will Fresno be the Watts of the 21st century?
Adib Maalik El Mulk, Fresno, Ca.
