Press Release for March Against Police Terror Brutality

Philadelphia, PA --  A rally and march against police terror and brutality will be held by Occupy Philly on Saturday,  January 21 at 2pm  in Mt. Airy.  The action is being held because of the events which took place on October, 15th 2011, where members of the 14th and 35th Police Districts violently and illegally evicted Florence Mason and her five children from their residence in Mount Airy.   During the eviction police officers are accused of killing the Mason family dog and brutalizing her children, leaving them with significant injuries. More recently, on December 14th, 2011, Florence Mason and OP organizer Arturo Castillon were slammed with felony charges by the same police for holding their ground against further attempts at eviction.

Supporters of the Mason family and Castillon outraged by these vicious and unjust actions, and demand justice for the Mason family. Far from protecting her rights, the Philadelphia Housing Authority, the courts and the police have taken advantage of Ms. Florence’s status as a single parent of color living in public housing. Occupy Philly demands that these institutions be held accountable and stands in solidarity with Ms. Mason in her struggle to bring these institutions to book.

Occupy Philly rejects the police brutality and institutional callousness that Philadelphia residents are being subjected to. OP will rally on Saturday, January 21st, 2012 in front of Ms. Florence’s residence (160 East Meehan Ave.) and march to the 14th District (43 West Haines St.) where supporters will enunciate their demands.