2 Richmond Anarchists Arrested with Felony Charges at Occupy Richmond March

Last night, 2 good friends and members of the Richmond anarchist community were arrested during an Occupy Richmond march. Other people around them, posing no threat and in no way intervening were choked, slammed against cars, and even had a bicycle thrown at them by the Richmond Police. The events of last night were no anomaly, and instead are symptomatic of the unwarranted use of violence by police as a mainstay and default. Commanding officers were smug and relishing in the actions taken by their subordinates.

We are looking for more pictures, witness accounts, and video from the police violence last night. Please email them to sbhcopwatch@gmail.com
[Stop getting arrested!]

Over 25 people came out to court this morning to support Eric Scott and Hunter Singleton at their arraignment. Unfortunately, the system had changed plans, and done their arraignments by video earlier in the day. Hunter and Eric never left lockup for the court. This underhanded move by the court is just another example of the injustice present in the system.

Despite Eric and Hunter not being present, Hunter’s court appointed lawyer, Christopher Bradshaw was. The issue at hand was a preliminary bond hearing. For Eric Scott, whose lawyer William Efird was not present, bail/bond was set at $5,000 – Eric Scott is being charged with a Felony for allegedly wearing a mask in public, and disorderly conduct. Hunter Singleton is being charged with Felony for allegedly wearing a mask in public as well as a Felony for a controlled substance (his prescription medication) and disorderly conduct. Hunter’s bail/bond was set at $7,500.

Because Hunter’s attorney was not given an opportunity to meet Hunter, there should be another bail hearing early next week, and we sincerely hope that Hunter’s bail will be lowered.

The court and Commonwealth’s Attorney are clearly trying to harass and intimidate by the outrageously high bail’s set and the ridiculous felony charges.

The Richmond Anarchist Black Cross is working on support for Eric and Hunter. We will be trying to get in touch with them today and will be in contact with their lawyers. We will see if Hunter and Eric want to be bonded out. The issue with bond is that you pay 10% of the set bail, but you never see that money again. We would need $500 for Eric and $750 for Hunter, which we could not repay. If Hunter, a fulltime VCU student, and Eric want to be bonded out we would love help in raising these funds.

We just called Richmond City Lockup and got word that Eric Scott and Hunter Singleton are still there, and we are not allowed to talk to or visit them. They would not tell us if and when they will be transferred to the City Jail. They have also not updated their system to even show that Eric and Hunter have a bond as an option, so at this point, bonding them out is not yet on the table.

Tonight the Richmond Anarchist Black Cross will be holding a solidarity demonstration at 8pm outside of the Richmond City Jail at 1401 Fairfield Way (Location subject to change if Eric and Hunter are still at Richmond City Lockup [501 North 9th Street] at this time, we will keep you updated). Please come out to show support for Hunter and Eric. Bring candles, signs, banners, flags, whistles, songs, drums, and other things so we can let Eric (a long term Anarchist Black Cross member) and Hunter know that we are working for them on the outside. Anyone who would like to go to the jail as a group is welcome to meet at the Wingnut Anarchist Collective (2005 Barton Avenue) at 7:30pm.

More info, video, and pictures are online at www.wingnutrva.org

We just heard from Richmond City Lockup that Eric Scott and Hunter Singleton have been moved to the Richmond City Jail. We confirmed that they are both at the jail now. We have not been allowed to contact them and do not know if they have been able to have access to a phone.

Additionally, the Jail still does not have knowledge of any bail/bond for Eric or Hunter. So bailing or bonding them out is still not an option. This might mean they will have no choice but to be stuck in jail over the long holiday weekend. Just another wonderful aspect of the injustice system.

The Richmond Anarchist Black Cross will meet at the Richmond City Jail tonight for a solidarity rally with Hunter and Eric. The Richmond City Jail is located at 1401 Fairfield Way. Alternately, folks can meet up at the Wingnut at 7:30pm (2005 Barton Avenue).

We will be at the Wingnut all day making food, waiting for phone calls, talking to each other, and getting ready for the protest tonight. You can come by if you want to hangout, share food, talk, or get ready for tonight.

Take care of yourselves!

From Wednesday night:

Tonight the Occupy Richmond movement held an event at Gallery 5; screening movies about the Monroe Park Occupation back in March, the Occupy Wall Street movement, and the Occupy Richmond Movement. Afterwards, the folks who were at the event decided to divide into 3 groups and headed out on marches around the city.

One of the 3 groups of Occupy protesters headed towards Monroe Park, where there was a considerable police force waiting. While the protesters stayed on the sidewalk, having already changed their plans regarding which space to occupy, the Richmond Police Department decided to attack anyways.

People who were at Monroe Park are saying that Eric Scott was singled out from the crowd, and dragged off of the sidewalk by police. Then, Hunter Singleton was also dragged off. They were both handcuffed and put into a wagon. We have heard that they were allegedly charged with something regarding Virginia’s mask laws. Keep in mind that the police can and will change one’s charges at any time, that they can detain you for up to 72 hours with no charges, etc.

Many people involved with the Occupy Richmond movement had prepared for tonight’s marches by putting apple cider vinegar on bandannas in case of the police using tear gas on protesters.Participants received word of school buses waiting by the park, and an aggressive police presence. They had reasons to be concerned for their health and a bandanna soaked in vinegar can help to prevent bodily harm caused by tear gas.

http://www.anarchistnews.org/node/17466