Free Chris - Rally and March, Oakland, 5/25/12: audio & photos

After a "community meeting" on May 23rd called by Mayor Jean Quan and the Oakland Police Department to address the recent police murder of high school senior Alan Blueford, Chris Morland of Occupy Oakland's Tactical Action Committee was arrested and charged with felony battery on a police officer, amongst other charges, and was sent to Santa Rita. His bail was set at over $100,000. On May 25th, the District Attorney's office validated that the charges had no merit by declining to pursue anything other than misdemeanor Disturbing the Peace. Chris' bail was then reduced to just $2500, which solidarity activists promptly posted. Knowing that Chris would be released from jail at some point during the night, supporters gathered for a previously scheduled "Free Chris! Fuck the OPD!" rally that evening by the "Remember Them" statues at 19th and Telegraph. Speakers recalled their fondness for Chris as a person and their respect for his work fighting economic injustices with Occupy Oakland, counterposing that with OPD and the District Attorney abusing their authority by attacking protesters with bogus and trumped up charges (full audio below). A march followed the rally, stopping by a bar frequented by Oakland police in the Jack London Square area and at OPD headquarters on Broadway. Chris was released about 7am the following morning.