June 27, 1998
For Immediate Release
Contact: Steve Yip (212) 979-7878 x3920
Statement by the October 22nd Coalition (NY Committee) on the Livoti Verdict
It's about time! The conviction in Federal Court of ex-NYPD police officer Francis Livoti for violating the civil rights of Anthony Baez is a victory in the battle for justice for Anthony Baez and his family. It's also a victory in the war against police brutality and police murder. And the New York Committee of the October 22nd Coalition to Stop Police Brutality welcomes it.
The Baez family has been relentless in its pursuit on the rough road toward justice. First, the Bronx DA's office dropped the case due to a minor technicality. When the case was reinstated after close-quartered struggle, the family still had to endure repulsive attempts by the PBA and the defense to denigrate the circumstances. Always, it was the victim's fault that he died--he had asthma! In the first murder trial of Francis Livoti in Bronx Criminal Court in 1996, the presiding judge declared defense witnesses of NYPD officers as "a nest of perjury"-- yet at the conclusion of the bench trial the judge went on and found Livotti innocent!
Yes, justice has finally arrived and it is sweet. But it still hasn't been fully served. We remind all concerned that Francis Livoti continues to walk the streets a free man. He has yet to spend one day in jail. His sentencing is not until September 24, 1998, and his lawyer has vowed to appeal the verdict. We must continue the pressure and not sink away from sight. The struggle, as many say, continues. Frances Livoti needs to be brought to justice! The movement against police brutality will continue!
* * *
The Anthony Baez Foundation will be hosting a Town Hall Meeting and Speakout Against Police Brutality on Monday, June 29, 1998, at 6pm, at the Second Christian Church, 595 East 169th Street, Bronx (718) 374-8006. Join the October 22nd Coalition at this excellent opportunity to celebrate our victory and hear of other plans to build the struggle against police brutality. The progress of the Stolen Lives Project will also be discussed.
The October 22nd Coalition is getting ready for the third annual National Day of Protest to Stop Police Brutality, Repression and the Criminalization of a Generation on October 22, 1998. Our next general meeting will be on July 11, 1998 (Saturday). Please call us at (212) 979-7878 x3920 for location. The 1998 Call for October 22nd is attached.
[posted June 28, 1998]
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