For Immediate Release:
5/29/2024
Contact:
Matthew Klein
332-251-7540
NY ANTI-TERRORISM POLICE: 3 ARRESTED AT FUR PROTEST
AT MARC JACOBS INTL HQ
New York, NY – NYPD Anti-terrorism squad officers arrested three members of the Coalition to Abolish the Fur Trade (CAFT) who were protesting peacefully in front of the headquarters of Marc Jacobs International in the trendy Soho district of Manhattan. At no time did the police give any warning nor did they order the protestors to disperse. An individual believed to be an off-duty officer in the employ of Marc Jacobs assaulted an activist who was merely filming the protest. After activists were pursued by plainclothes officers, three arrests were made for charges ranging from disorderly conduct to malicious mischief. One of those arrested was noted animal activist and author, Peter Young.
After the arrests, officers from an NYPD anti-terrorism unit at the Fifth Precinct arrived at the protest with photographs of individuals they believed to be involved in unlawful protest activity.
CAFT condemns the New York Police Department for their use of excessive force against peaceful protesters exercising their right to free speech.
CAFT emphasizes that arrests, assault, and other attempts to stifle the Marc Jacobs campaign will be futile. The one and only thing that will end the campaign is a public commitment to never using fur again.
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Throughout history the police have used military tactics to stifle the rights and voices of those on the right side of an issue – women’s rights, civil rights, LGBTQ, and animal rights. No surprise. They are to protect the laws of the state and that includes the right to protest. Hopefully the ACLU will get involved to “remind” them of their role!