Kelley Square protestors
Protestors block traffic at Kelley Square in Worcester back in January.
(Future Focus Media YouTube.com video)
WORCESTER -- A city group will hold a rally in front of City Hall Tuesday asking city officials to reconsider the criminal charges filed against a group of protesters who blocked traffic in Kelley Square earlier this year as part of a "Black Lives Matter" protest.
Some of the protesters have been summonsed to court on charges in connection to the January demonstration where people blocked traffic and sang a song about Worcester police. Protesters are being charged with disorderly person and disturbing the peace.
The rally, organized by the Communities United Collective group, will begin at 6 p.m. The group said in a news release that it is calling on community activists in the city to gather and speak out against what they called an attempt to "silence and intimidate protestors."
Police Chief Gary J. Gemme said Monday that his department has seen protests in the past and has not interfered with people exercising their First Amendment rights. He said the protest was not peaceful, blocked traffic and an emergency response vehicle. The video also shows one person jumping on a truck, the chief said.
"It is absolutely untrue that we are trying to intimidate someone," Gemme said. "In fact we went well beyond our responsibilities not to bring criminal complaints forward."
Gemme said prior to the complaints being filed, a deputy chief from his department along with the city manager met with representatives of the group. The group was asked for a commitment not to block public travel and if they agreed, the charges wouldn't be filed.
Gemme said the group rejected the proposal. He said if the group did agree prior to the clerk hearings in the case, the city would work to have the charges dismissed or some other resolution reached.
There be a press conference and a statement read by members of Communities United Collective about the charges being filed. The rally is behind held on the eve of a magistrate's hearing against some of the protestors.
Protesters blocked Kelley Square traffic for roughly four-and-a-half minutes in January. The group said the event was non-violent and organizers cleared the street to allow for an emergency vehicle to pass.
"In response to that incident, the City of Worcester has issued summonses to protesters, threatened criminal charges against those who took part, and openly condemned those who participate in non-violent, open protest against city policies, as well as actions taken in support of the national Black Lives Matter movement," the group's news release said.
The group believes the city is using the charges to intimidate protesters and silence the voices of those who protest in the city. If the city is successful in pursuing charges, the group believes a precedent will be set.
"Communities United Collective is not intimidated and will not be silenced. The group is calling on other organizations and individuals who value their right to protest to join with them at City Hall, standing in solidarity against the suppression of protest, and in support of those who are facing intimidation through the threat of criminal charges," the release said.