Newark Anti-Violence Coalition fights against charges stemmed from peace rally

Irvington, NJ – A New Jersey organization against violence that brings awareness to its community was allegedly attacked by police during a peaceful rally late last year.

Currently, they are fighting to get the charges dismissed.

Every Wednesday, the Newark Anti-Violence Coalition (NAVC) rallies on intersections in Newark, NJ to protest against the senseless violence that has been plaguing its community. On Nov. 24th 2010, the NAVC moved its rally to Irvington, NJ after a triple murder on Nov. 17th 2010. One of the victims was Saleena Baynes, who was six months pregnant.

Although proper steps were taken in order to have the rally, such as obtaining permits, the peaceful rally ended with people injured and scrupulous charges filed against some ralliers.

According to FightBackNews.org, NAVC Chairman Bashir Akenyele, said he blames Irvington Police Chief, Michael Chase, for the attack.

Here’s why, watch the video below:

NAVC’s Chairman met with the Irvington police captain immediately after the murders to obtain a permit to rally. Both went over the proceedings on what was to occur during the rally, which was going to take place at an intersection near the crime.

Police Chief Chase advised NAVC on the three types of permits the coalition would need in order for the rally to take place.

Participants at the rally gathered promptly at 5:00 p.m., since the time for the permit was 5:00 to 6:30 p.m.. “We didn’t see any police, none,” said Bashir Akinyele.

They went into the intersection for the rally, as permitted. A first-arriving policeman asked to discuss the permit but the attack came before that could be done.

A member of another organization POP, who came about 5:30pm, told Fight Back! what he saw. He heard chants of, “Stop the violence,” as he came close. “Police cars converged from all sides,” he said. “They knocked women and children on the ground,” he said. “I saw a baby girl knocked down so hard she lost a tooth.”

Six ralliers were arrested. One was charged with incitement to riot.

The Newark Anti-Violence Coalition demands that all of the charges be dropped, for Irvington’s Mayor Smith and the city council to hold a town hall meeting, and to declare community violence a public health emergency. They also want all law enforcement involved to be held accountable for their actions that night.

To find out more about the Newark Anti-Violence Coalition, their fight against community violence, and to learn more about the trial please visit NAVC Official Facebook Page.

The NAVC was unofficially formed after the Jul 20th shooting that killed 35-year-old bystander Nakisha Allen. On July 22nd dozens of protesters blocked traffic where Nakisha was gunned down, outraged by the administration of Newark’s lack of solution-based resources that would reduce crime within the city.

You can catch NAVC on this season’s documentary series Brick City as they continue their fight against police brutality, community violence, community issues, and the removal of Newark’s police director, McCarthy.