support the quincy 4

This just got forwarded along to me, about the trial of the "Quincy 4." Some of you might be familiar with the case, which I've discussed here a few times. The case starts today, June 18th. Community activists are asking folks to show their support for the Quincy 4 by filling the courtroom. Here are all the details, along with some background information for those who unfamiliar with the case:

The Quincy 4 case starts on MONDAY – June 18th. We need your help again: show your support for the Quincy 4 by filling the courtroom. We need to make a strong show of support for the Quincy 4 and send a clear message that these abuses will not be tolerated, and to demand that these victims of police brutality will be cleared of all false charges! Join us in fill-the-courthouse to show solidarity for these 4 victims! (information below) Contact me directly at lisette@cpaboston.org or 617-970-0052. Encourage your friends to come also!

We are signing people up for shifts from 9am-1pm and 2pm-5:00 pm, for Monday 6/18, Tuesday 6/19, and Wednesday 6/20.

Monday June 18th
-- Morning 9:00am-1:00pm
-- Afternoon 2:00pm-5:00pm

Tuesday June 19th
-- Morning 9:00am-1:00pm
-- Afternoon 2:00pm-5:00pm

Wednesday June 20th
-- Morning 9:00am-1:00pm
-- Afternoon 2:00pm-5:00pm

LOCATION:
Quincy District Court
1 Dennis Ryan Parkway, Quincy Center
(Red Line to Quincy Center)

Background:

The four young Chinese American victims (Karen, Quan, Tat, and Howard) were coming home from a Chinese engagement party on the night of April 30, 2006. They were first questioned by a state trooper near the Super 88 Market. While standing and talking to the state trooper, a Quincy police car pulled up. Without warning, a police officer jumped out and pepper-sprayed three of them directly in the eyes at close range.

Karen, who is just over five feet tall, was tackled by three male officers; receiving a black eye, a swollen face, and bruises from the attack. Another victim was knocked unconscious. Throughout the incident, the police officers repeatedly yelled at the victims, used profanities, and called them derogatory names. The four were then taken to the police station in handcuffs and falsely charged with resisting arrest and/or disorderly conduct. They now have a criminal record detrimental to their futures and could face jail sentences if convicted. Karen Chen and Joanna Ng, a witness to the incident, have filed formal complaints of police misconduct with the Quincy Police Department.

The Quincy Police took the four innocent Asian Americans to the police station in handcuffs and falsely charged them with resisting arrest and/or disorderly conduct. If convicted, they may face jail sentences of up to 2.5 years and a criminal record detrimental to their future.

Over 150 people attended the first community meeting that was held on May 21, 2006 in show of support and solidarity for the Quincy 4. Since that first meeting, Karen Chen and Joanna Ng, a witness to the incident, have filed formal complaints with the Quincy Police Department about the police misconduct. The complaint is now being investigated by the FBI.

If you're in the area and free this week, consider coming out to the Quincy courthouse and showing your support! Fill the courthouse! Free the Quincy 4!

UPDATE: For the latest information and announcements on the trial, and how you can get involved (fill the courtroom!), visit Quincy4.com and Myspace.com/thequincy4. Or contact: justice@cpaboston.org / 617-357-4499. They need your packing the courtroom for the rest of this week, both in the mornings and afternoons.