A Message To Those Arrested on May 1st in Montreal

This past May 1st, in the hours following the anti-capitalist demonstration organized by CLAC-Montreal (the Anti-Capitalist Convergence), 107 people were arrested and several were brutalized by the police. So far as we know, most of those arrested received tickets for unlawful assembly, while some people received criminal charges. Everyone was released during the night of the demonstration or over the two days that followed.

If you are one of those who were arrested on May 1st, this message is for you.

If you received a ticket after being arrested on May 1st, it is important to challenge it! This can be a long procedure, but it is our opinion that we should refuse to pay these illegitimate tickets which are another method the State uses to discourage us from rebelling. Let’s show them that their strategy isn’t going to work! In this vein, we are going to organize as a group to challenge the tickets, with the help of a lawyer. So if you would like to challenge your ticket, write to us at: defense@clac-montreal.net and we will contact you for a meeting to share information and organize to challenge the tickets.

If you were arrested on May 1st and you have been charged with a criminal offense, contact us at: defense@clac-montreal.net and we will get in touch for a meeting to share information and organize the defense of those charged.

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us, it is easier and less discouraging to defend yourself with other people and this way we can work together to raise the funds necessary for the defense!

WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW:
Whether you are challenging a ticket or defending yourself against criminal charges, here are some important things you can do:

• As soon as possible, write down what happened before, during, and after your arrest, to help you remember later on, as trials can last for months and even years. Include what was happening at the time, the names or badge numbers of the police you were dealing with, the circumstances of your arrest, etc. In other words, include any details that could be relevant to your defense.
• Take photos of any injuries you sustained and keep proof of any visits to a healthcare provider.
• If you know people who witnessed your arrest, ask them to also write down what happened, in order to help them remember later on.
• If you have any video footage or photos of what happened, keep the original and make sure to have the contact information for the person who took the video or photos in question.

If you have any questions or need any information or if you need help to lodge a complaint against the police, contact us at : defense@clac-montreal.net

CLAC-Montreal Follow-Up Committee