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Max Antoine

Victory in New Jersey police frameup

By Janet Johnson

Newark, N.J.

On Dec. 9, charges against Max Antoine were dropped. At the Essex County Courthouse, New Jersey Superior Court Judge Harold Fullilove dismissed the case brought against Antoine by the Irvington, N.J., police.

Antoine is a Haitian immigrant who was charged with resisting arrest and obstruction after he came to his sister's defense when police burst into her home during her birthday party on June 2, 1996. Dragged down a flight of stairs and thrown against a steel door, he is now blind in one eye and paralyzed from the waist down.

The Justice for Max Antoine Committee said that this was a big victory, but the struggle for justice continues.

"We would like to thank all of our supporters who helped make this possible. We will continue to need your support," the committee said in a statement released after the court victory. Antoine has filed a civil lawsuit against the police. That trial is scheduled to open Dec. 28.

Only days before the decision supporters held a demonstration outside the Irvington police station. The message was clear. Support is growing for Antoine, and it is spreading around New Jersey and around the country.

Antoine remains confined to a wheelchair. He is permanently paralyzed from the waist down. His left eye was destroyed by mace and he is deaf in one ear.

He suffers from severe injuries to his bladder, bowels and head. He requires constant medication for pain, visits doctors twice a day and is cared for by a round-the-clock nurse.

Antoine has had 20 operations since the attack. His hospital bills are over $650,000--and still climbing. He, his wife and their two children survive on a meager Social Security disability check.

Despite the great personal hardship involved, Antoine has become an activist, speaking at local and national demonstrations against police brutality.

To get involved with the Justice for Max Antoine Committee, readers can call (201) 487-3748 or email Justice4Max@hotbot.com.

Copyright © 1999 workers.org