>From the Autonomy and Solidarity website - http://auto_sol.tao.ca/A Gutsy Protest Against Police Sexual Assault Ignites in Guelph
Around 70 angry protesters took to the streets in Guelph Friday April 7 in response to the sexual assault by a police officer of a member of the Guelph Union of Tenants and Supporters which had occurred on International Women's day at an action to shut down the Ontario housing tribunal. Friday's march publicized as a "festively militant night march" was just that, featuring a high energy tour of downtown exposing local structures that exacerbate poverty. The Welfare office, Pawn shop and other businesses were targeted. All lanes of traffic were blocked and the downtown core was paralyzed for several hours. The event culminated in the burning in effigy of the police officer involved in the sexual assault [name removed at request of rabble admin] while demonstrators chanted and danced and voiced their outrage against this abuse of police power. Police presence at the march was overwhelming with over 40 police officers on duty surrounding the police station and containing and photographing the demonstrators. The community continues to demand that the Guelph Police and Officer [name removed at request of rabble admin] make a public apology to Ms. Freeborn, GUTS, and the public at large and that Officer [name removed at request of rabble admin] be fired immediately.
Please help! Write, call, fax, email, the Guelph police chief Robert Davis, to let him know you are outraged and that sexual assault will not be tolerated.
15 Wyndham St S
Guelph, ON N1H 4C6
Phone: 519-824-1212 ext 220,
Fax: 519-822-0949,
Email: [email protected]