I read the article on Police FBI/vigilante tactics on the Web site.
I wanted to pass along a similar report of something that happened in
Akron. It comes by way of Dana Williams, a volunteer with the Cleveland Indymedia Center.
cleveland.indymedia.org/front.php3?article_id=3709&group=webcast
Apparently, people holding a peace vigil were attacked and the Cops didn't do
anything about it.
On Saturday, another Indymedia reporter/videographer was arrested at a
demonstration near the Westside Market in Cleveland. He was on the scene
to cover a demonstration by peace activists. Several demonstrators attempted
to link arms and form a human chain blocking traffic at an intersection.
Police moved in to break up the action. As they shoved demonstrators, the Indymedia guy was knocked
down. The Police then told him to get up or he'd be arrested. He replied that
he couldn't get up because a Cop was practically standing on him.
Another Indymedia photographer at the scene
told me, via e-mail, that Patrick, the photographer who was arrested, was not
taking part in any civil disobedience. He was simply trying to shoot videotape of the
events.
During his arrest, someone else at the scene, an activist
I believe, scooped up Patrick's camera, so the Police did not get hold of it.
They haven't posted the video on the Indymedia site. I'm still
trying to get in touch with Patrick. There are some still photos
of some of the arrests taken by the other Indymedia photographer. They are on
the web site.
Here's a link with more info.
cleveland.indymedia.org/front.php3?article_id=3697&group=webcast
Keep up the good work. I'll send you any other reports from around
Columbus/Cleveland that I can get my hands on.
Peace,
Chris Shumway
