[mobglob-discuss] URGENT!!! Woodwards Support Needed at Vancouver Courthouse (fwd)

[Tony Tracy]

---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Sat, 21 Sep 2002 15:52:57 -0000
From: blain at dojo.tao.ca
Reply-To: apc at resist.ca
Subject: URGENT!!! Woodwards Support Needed at Vancouver Courthouse

For Immediate Release
Anti-Poverty Committee

September 21st, 2002

APC Denounces the Forcible and Brutal Eviction of the Woodwards Squat

At 6 am Saturday morning, the police forcibly evicted and arrested the
squatters from their home in the Woodwards building.  The police used
pepper spray as well as arresting some people as they were trying to leave
peacefully.  Of the approximatly 60 arrested, two are pregnant women and
others have medical conditions which may require immediate attention.

Since last Saturday, September 14th, thousands of people, including
federal, provincial and civic politicians, the BC Federation of Labour,
the Vancouver District Labour Council, Canadian Federation of Students,
and residents of the Downtown Eastside and Vancouver, have been rallying
around the vacant Woodwards building.

The Woodwards squatters demand that the Woodwards building be developed
into social housing immediately and that any information regarding the
proposed sale and development be made with public consultation.  Decent
and dignified housing must be given to all the homeless squatters asked to
leave the building.

The Anti-Poverty Committee denounces the police attack on the squatters
and the government that would arrest and evict the homeless rather than
deal with a massive housing crisis in BC.  Gordon Campbell’s response to
the situation is shamefully inadequate and does not provide a solution to
this crisis.

We demand that the squatters be immediately released without charge.  A
hearing is being held at the Courthouse at Robson Square (800 Hornby) at
9:30am this morning.  We call on all supporters to come down and demand
the safe release of all those arrested.


For more information contact:
Kara (604) 725-8415


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