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Protest Against Kelly Thomas Verdict Planned For Downtown Tonight
Tonight citizens angered by the verdict exonerating two police officers involved in the fatal beating of Kelly Thomas are gathering in downtown to protest.
The "emergency" protest starts at 5 p.m. at Pershing Square, and the group Answer Los Angeles is promoting the event "Justice for Kelly Thomas! The people say 'GUILTY.'" The group's Facebook page says the case sets "a dangerous precedent for future trials of killer cops." The group—along with the Thomas family—is demanding that federal prosecutors go after the officers who were involved in the case. That includes Manuel Ramos and Jay Cicinelli, who were prosecuted by the Orange County District Attorney. They weren't found guilty of the anything, including second-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter or even excessive use of force.
In Fullerton, there were spontaneous protests in front of the transit depot and the Fullerton Police Department last night and today, and we expect those to continue. The case—which touches on police brutality, treatment for the mentally ill and homeless and our criminal justice system—has struck a nerve far outside the Fullerton Police Department's jurisdiction. There's a protest against the verdict scheduled all the way up in Redding on Friday. Groups affiliated with Anonymous have thrown their weight behind promoting protests, as well.
If you know of other protests, send us a tip or add them in the comments.
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Related:
Photos, Videos: Protesters Rally Against Kelly Thomas Verdict
OC Jury: Cops Who Fatally Beat Kelly Thomas Not Guilty Of Anything
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