Occupy Milwaukee: “Drop the Charges and Release Austin Thompson!”

Occupy Milwaukee

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 20, 2011

Contact: Hannah Engber, 608-386-9972
... Khalil Coleman, 414-779-4805

Occupy Milwaukee:

"Drop the Charges and Release Austin Thompson!”

Milwaukee- Occupy Milwaukee organized a nonviolent “Teach In” to protest TARP bailout recipient M&I Bank on Oct. 20, 2011 at 12:00pm at 770 N. Water St.

Participants followed a script and left the building when asked. Police targeted Austin Thompson, an African-American organizer who led the Teach In, and arrested him later outside of the bank.

It’s been reported that Mr. Thompson stated to bank tellers that this is a “hostile takeover.” At no point during this demonstration did Mr. Thompson say these words or use any language that could be construed as threatening, hostile, or that would’ve endangered anyone in the bank.

“This is an attempt to criminalize Occupy Milwaukee and all those fighting against the greed and corruption of the banks, corporations, and elected officials” commented Occupy Milwaukee organizer and protest participant Khalil Coleman.

We call on all supporters and concerned individuals to share this and contact the District Attorneys office at 414-278-4646 and demand all charges be dropped against Austin Thompson.

View the outdoor video and the news article..about the TEACH-IN arrest HERE...

Please take a moment and help learn more about this situation. It is important that we all be informed and inform others... care, share, and support the truth..