Support JR Valrey (SF BayView, Prisoners of Conscience Committee) in Court

On May 21st, JR Valrey has a 2 PM hearing at the Wiley W. Manuel Courthouse, located at 661 Washington Street, Department 115, Oakland. While photographing the January 7th Oscar Grant protest, Valrey had his camera seized by the OPD and was subsequently booked with a bogus felony arson charge.

On May 21st, JR Valrey, reporter for the San Francisco BayView and Minister of Information for the Prisoners of Conscience Committee, has a 2 PM hearing at the Wiley W. Manuel Courthouse, located at 661 Washington Street, Department 115, Oakland. The location is a short walk from 12th Street BART. Time and date can be confirmed by calling the criminal division clerk at 510.627.4702.

JR’s case stems from his participation in the January 7th Oscar Grant protest. While photographing the demonstration, JR was arrested and accused of setting fire to a trashcan; his camera was seized and has not been returned by the OPD.

JR apparently faces the charge of felony arson, a strike under California’s “three strikes law” punishable by a prison sentence of up to three years. Supporters are also urged to call the following individuals and demand that the trumped-up charge be dropped:

• Mayor Ron Dellums, (510) 238-3141
• District Attorney Tom Orloff, (510) 272-6222
• Congresswoman Barbara Lee, (510) 763-0370