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06/21/08-06/23/08

Amnesty International Urges Chicago to End Police Brutality Toward Gays

The Chicago Sun Times reported Friday that Amnesty International has taken an active role in trying to end the police brutality suffered by some of the city’s LGBT citizens.

According to civil rights activists, the Chicago Police Department has a contract in place that prevents any investigation by or involvement from the Independent Police Review Authority. The activists suggested that this contract offers too much protection for the city’s crooked cops.

Amnesty International’s involvement comes at a crucial time for the Windy City, which currently has an Olympic bid for the 2016 games. Ariel Herrera of Amnesty International’s USA human rights program told the Sun Times , “At a time when Chicago is competing to host the 2016 Olympics, Amnesty International believes the city must meet its obligation to respect international human rights protections.”

Herrera referenced the case of Alexander Ruppert, who in June 2006 sustained a broken nose and 16 stitches to his left eye after allegedly being kicked, punched, and verbally abused by police officers.

Along with pressuring Chicago mayor Richard Daley to find a solution, Amnesty International may recommend that the city’s Olympic bid be denied, according to the Sun Times. (The Advocate)

Reader Comments

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  • Name: Chris Sullivan
    Date posted: 2008-06-23 10:16 AM
    Hometown: Chicago, IL

    Comment:

    whyuask: If you had actually read my post, I was referring to "THE cops" - not ALL cops. When referencing other people's supposed "ignorant blanketed statements" - you might do well to not actually write one yourself.


  • Name: Roger Burr
    Date posted: 2008-06-22 5:02 PM
    Hometown: Marble Hill, MO

    Comment:

    I'm shocked and saddened that any city; much less one the size of Chicago with such a large and 'out' gay population, would still be suffering from such homophobia. I don't live there and can't, therefore, comment as to why this might be happening, but it sets a dangerous precedent for other major urban areas with similar populations. This abuse must be identified, investigated and punished without delay. Only when we stand up for our rights and DEMAND equal protection, will the homophobes learn they can't attack us with impunity.


  • Name: Bobbyjones
    Date posted: 2008-06-21 11:33 PM
    Hometown: Los Angeles

    Comment:

    This is similar to when the police beat up the girl at Reagan National Airport in DC. Torture is totally legal in America. The only thing is, you must be beaten out by a cop, have them file false criminal charges against you, and let the justice system cover up for their misconduct and assault. It's a bigger problem than in Chicago. It's a pandemic that is nationwide. There needs to be a federal overhaul of police brutality immediately.


  • Name: whyuask
    Date posted: 2008-06-20 6:36 PM
    Hometown: usa

    Comment:

    What an ignorant blanketed statement.


  • Name: Chris Sullivan
    Date posted: 2008-06-20 12:33 PM
    Hometown: Chicago, IL

    Comment:

    Living in Chicago and having experienced first hand the anti-gay bias of "Chicago's Finest" - I'm glad to hear that someone is stepping up the pressure on the cops who get far too carried away and comlacent with their position - essentially acting as if they are above the law.


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