Police brutality case continues, support grows

Two prominent Black New York City attorneys who were the victims of police brutality were back in court on Dec. 17. Michael Tarif Warren and his spouse, Evelyn Warren, face charges of obstruction, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.

Michael Tarif Warren, Evelyn Warren with supporters including Sara Flounders and Lynne Stewart, on the right. Photo: Roberto Mercado

At a Web site set up on the case, justiceforwarrens.org, they explain: “We were stopped at a traffic light in rush-hour traffic, on our way to a legal meeting, when we saw members of the New York City Police Department apprehend, handcuff, and kick and stomp a young Black man. We asked the officers why they were doing this and ended up beaten and arrested ourselves.”

Activists from around the city converged on the 77th Precinct in Brooklyn after it was announced on WBAI and on several Web sites that the Warrens had been beaten and arrested on June 21.

A large number of anti-police-brutality and community activists packed the courtroom for their arraignment the next day and for a hearing on Oct. 23.

Michael Tarif Warren is well known for his handling of police brutality cases over many years, including those of Michael Stewart, Yvonne Smallwood and five Black teenagers charged in what was called the “Central Park Jogger” case.

At the court hearing on Dec. 17 supporters in strong numbers again turned out. At the hearing it was agreed that the two cases—Michael Tarif Warren’s and Evelyn Warren’s—would be consolidated. The prosecution was also ordered to turn over the contact information on all non-police witnesses and information gathered from several surveillance cameras. The next court day is set for March 3.

At an impromptu rally of supporters in the lobby of Brooklyn Criminal Court held immediately after the court hearing, Michael Tarif Warren thanked the large gathering for coming on a bitter cold early Monday to again pack the court. He reminded supporters that as he said from the beginning: “This will be a protracted struggle. We have always known this.”

Michael Tarif Warren explained: “We are not the issue. It is what we represent: the struggle against police brutality and the struggle against the police occupation of our communities. We will fight this to the end because we come from the people and we are fighting for the people. This case may not come to trial before the summer. We plan to try this case in the African manner and to bring out all the contradictions.”

Evelyn Warren said, “The DA could have chosen to dismiss the charges. Since they have not, then the fight continues, and we will continue to fight.”