TV, Radio Artists Seek Investigation of May Day Actions by L.A. Police

[Omaha Steve]

http://blog.aflcio.org/2007/05/09/tv-radio-artists-seek-investigation-of-may-day-actions-by-la-police/

TV, Radio Artists Seek Investigation of May Day Actions by L.A. Police

by James Parks, May 9, 2007

The mayor, the police chief and the Los Angeles Times have condemned the actions by Los Angeles police who attacked marchers and media covering the massive march and rally May 1 by immigrant workers.

Now the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) is calling for a thorough investigation of the alleged police misconduct. The union also is seeking appropriate punishment of those responsible and a comprehensive plan to protect the public and media from future violence.

Says Lawrence Mayberry, AFTRA director of broadcast:

The attacks on media workers were despicable and unlawful. Some media workers—including an AFTRA member—were seriously injured, and most, if not all, were terrified by the open display of police brutality.

The attacks trampled our members’ rights to a safe work environment and also had a chilling effect on the general public’s right to know and be fully informed about issues and situations facing our community.

Click here to read more about AFTRA’s call for an investigation: http://www.aftra.com/press/pr_2007_05_08_lamediamelee.html