Arrested Peace Demonstrators Not Forgotten

Vigil was held for fifty arrested peace demonstrators at the San Francisco Detention Center in front of the 425 Seventh Street entrance. Almost all of the arrested were non-violent participants of the Eighth and Market blockade.

One woman participating in a human chain at the intersection was choked by a police officer in attempt to force her to break the chain. Unable to breathe or free her hands the woman defended herself by biting the officer. She was charged with assault and is not expected to be released until Tuesday due to observation of President’s Day. The woman obtain visible bruising all around her neck. Police prohibited anyone from photographing her. Bond was set at $7,000. Friends and volunteers are still seeking to obtain bail.

At least two others were not released. One man charged with vandalism had bail set at $75,000.

Around 8:30 pm, the police bus carried off the arrested from Eighth and Market and a second march began toward the Seventh and Bryant. Eighty supporters arrived at the Detention Center. Included among them were drummers, a guitar player, a trombonist and dancers, one with a hoop. The whole group chanted, “ Let them go... Let them go...“ Of course SF Indy Media was there first, quickly followed by SF Gate then the television news vans, KTVU, KNTV, KGO and KPIX.

Supporters made use of their cell phones calling the detentions center for updates. A liaison was established between the group and police. The first report police released to her was that those who were arrested were charged with illegal assembly and would be processed and released within an hour if they didn‘t have outstanding warrants and gave their names. The police would release several subsequent reports all promising release in a half an hour more. At one point police reported the demonstrator’s be given a meal and something to drink. Not only was this not true, but one man whose arm was broken during his arrest was not granted medical treatment until after his release, over four hours later.

Some supporters pressured by the amount of time waiting and encouraged by the news of an upcoming release, would leave, dwindling the crowd to forty. These forty supporters would stay until almost all of the arrested were released. But release would not happen for any of the fifty demonstrators until 11:20, minutes after the last television van left.

A list with names of the arrested demonstrators was obtained from the police. One supporter checked off each release to ensure no one was left behind. Volunteers from Food Not Bombs ensured those released had food and water. By 1:00 am, anyone who was going to be released was released. Those with cars gave rides to the released and supporters, one taxi cab driver made multiple pickups for free.

Those involved with the Eighth and Market blockade were charged with disturbing the peace not illegal assembly. They have a court date of Tuesday at 9:00 am.