[news] 50 Re-allocated Police Occupying the DTES

[resist admin]

Under the pretext of the War on Drugs, Vancouver city police have
invaded the Downtown Eastside and are holding it hostage: the streets
are lined with people up against the walls being illegally searched;
people are stopped for looking poor and their belongings are
confiscated. The people of the DTES refuse to live under these
conditions without fighting back!

For the last two weeks, in response to the 50 new police patrolling the
downtown eastside streets, a safe place has been opened at 327 Carol St
for people to take refuge off the streets. It has been operating on
volunteer donations of supplies and people's time.

The space provides sanctuary and safety for people under constant
harrassement by the police. There is opportunity to exchange needles,
access supplies, access medical aid, health care and have something warm
to drink.

The police say their sweeps are targeting drug dealers but the reality
is that they are indiscriminate in their intimidation.

Every night Witness Shifts equipped with camera's and legal rights
cards, walk East Hastings observing the police and informing people of
their legal rights when being detained and searched by the police. These
shifts happen from 10 pm- 2am. They prevent the police from using
excessive force and unneccessary questioning of people who live and work
in the Downtown eastside.

The space relys on donations and volunteer support to stay open. The
following donations are currently needed:

Coffee, Cream, Sugar
Snacks, cookies, sandwiches, fruit.
Juice or Juice Crystals
Styrofoam Cups
Tobacco
Cleaning Supplies, napkins
Blankets, socks and jackets
Feminine Supplies
Art Supplies
First Aid Supplies
Disposable camera's for the witness shifts

If you have donations to be picked up call 604-682-2726.

Donation drop offs can be made at 42 Blood Alley in the Anti-Poverty
Committee Office, or between 10pm and 2am at 327 Carol st.