Brutal Police Land 3 Fur Protesters in Hospital

By Julia Wilczynski

PHILADELPHIA, PA -- Over 30 militant animal rights activists picketed and chanted in front of Ferber Furs for more than four hours on Fur Free Friday. Early in the morning three activists walked into the store entrance where they U-locked their necks together and sat back to back, completely blocking the only customer entrance of the store. Media was there before the activists even locked down.

After about 20 minutes police showed up but did nothing for another half hour. The police had no equipment with them to cut the activists loose. The chief of police was new on the job and did not know it was dangerous to lift the activists up by their feet and throw them in the paddy wagon. Because they were lifted by their feet all the weight was put on their necks. One activist was screaming - he couldn't breathe.

Also, during a mini-riot in the street between police and activists, a fourth person was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct. The three CDers were rushed to the hospital where they were told they all had whiplash, one had a bloody nose and was put on medication for neck spasms. Meanwhile, two other activists were threatened with arrest for chasing a fur wearer down the street. All activists were released immediately.

This Philadelphia action got media coverage on four TV stations and one newspaper including Headline News. This was only the second CAFT demo in Philly. The group is planning a demo every Sunday up to Christmas and then in the next year some home demos.

Ed note: Other protesters also experienced brutality. Activists at the San Francisco action were beaten by security guards. In Orlando, Florida Avery Olson had her head pummeled into a wall by police. New York City activists suffered cuts and burns from the circular saws used to cut through their lock-boxes. Remember to always videotape protests to help prevent violence and, in cases where people are injured, to have evidence for lawsuits.

Julia Wilczynski, the CAFT Philadelphia contact can be reached via email at: caft@omni.voicenet.com