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Manhattan DA Declines To Charge Peaceful Protesters
By
David Cruz
Published Jun 5, 2020
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Gretchen Robinette / Gothamist
By
David Cruz
Published Jun 5, 2020
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On the ninth day of protests against police violence, which has resulted in hundreds of demonstrators detained by the NYPD, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office announced it will not prosecute non-violent protesters “in the interest of justice.”
In a press release sent out late Friday afternoon, the office updated its policy that would have dismissed a protesters case after six months.
“The prosecution of protestors charged with these low-level offenses undermines critical bonds between law enforcement and the communities we serve. Days after the killing of George Floyd, our nation and our city are at a crossroads in our continuing endeavor to confront racism and systemic injustice wherever it exists. Our office has a moral imperative to enact public policies which assure all New Yorkers that in our justice system and our society, black lives matter and police violence is a crime,” said Manhattan DA Cy Vance. “We commend the thousands of our fellow New Yorkers who have peacefully assembled to demand these achievable aims, and our door is open to any New Yorker who wishes to be heard."
Many have criticized the decision to detain hundreds of protesters, revealing some were not offered masks to help prevent transmission of COVID-19. While it’s unclear how many protesters have been charged in Manhattan, there have been a substantial number of arrests made in the borough in recent days.
The Manhattan DA’s Office stressed that while protesters will be given a break for exercising their First Amendment rights, those found fighting with officers, looting, or destroying property will be still be charged.
Vance’s decision runs contrary to that of the Staten Island District Attorney who has asked for pre-trial detention.
“It cannot continue that those who commit destructive crimes in our City are released before officers have even finished their paperwork,” Staten Island District Attorney Ed McMahon wrote on Twitter on Thursday.
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David Cruz
David is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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