To: Assignment Desk, Daybook Editor
Contact: Naomi Archer, 305-790-4813; Carolina Delgado, 305-510-1748, both for South Floridians for Fair Trade and Global Justice
News Advisory:
-- Diverse Coalition Denounces Unprecedented Militarization of Miami and the Brutal Police Tactics Applied Against Activists and Residents During The Recent FTAA Ministerial
-- Victims of police abuse testify on the civil and human rights violations carried out by police including random detentions, unlawful arrests and use of excessive force
WHAT: Press Conference
Last week marked the worst and most brutal attack in recent history on the civil and human rights of activists and residents of Florida, according to South Floridians for Fair Trade and Global Justice. Many demonstrations, rallies and vigils were disrupted and participants detained, attacked and arrested both during and on their way to and from events. The most recent evidence shows that approximately two hundred and 250 people were arrested. While in custody more than five people were denied medical care, food and/or water for over 14 hours. There are 10 cases of sexual harassments and four cases of sexual assault. Thirty people endured serious hand cuff abuse. Ten people were pepper sprayed or beaten while handcuffed; as well as, 10 death threats and six other threats of bodily harm. Video footage of abuses will be shown.
WHERE: First United Methodist Church -- 400 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, Fla.
WHEN: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 am, Wednesday - Nov. 26
WHO: Speakers include:
-- Kameelah Benjamin-Fuller, Citizens Trade Campaign
-- Beatrice Gilbert, Power U
-- Lisa Fithian, United for Peace and Justice
-- Naomi Archer, South Floridians for Fair Trade and Global Justice
-- Gretchen Gordon, Citizens Trade Campaign & USWA
-- Edmund Campbell, Postal Workers Union -- AFL-CIO
-- Max Rameau, Miami Workers Center
-- Randall Marshall, ACLU
-- Brenna Bell, Miami Activists Defense
-- several victims and eye witnesses to an array of civil and human rights violations.
South Floridians for Fair Trade and Global Justice is a coalition of 17 labor, environmental, and global justice organizations working to oppose the disastrous trade policies of the FTAA trade proposal. The Coalition makes up the largest anti-FTAA network in South Florida and believes that working people, a healthy environment, democracy and our civil and human rights should be the priorities in a global economy, not corporate profit. For more information contact 305-790-4813 / 305-510-1748
http://www.usnewswire.com/
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