Charges reinstated against Uhuru activist

Bakari Olatunji Photo: Wiseoldsnail

Felony charges were reinstated June 6 against Uhuru Movement activist, Bakari Olatunji (aka Rickey Clay). Bakari was originally arrested on May 4 at an Oakland Police Department open house. He and other Uhuru activists were attempting to serve a people’s subpoena on Police Chief Howard Jordan. They wanted him to appear at the Court for Black Justice, where they recently put the OPD on trial for genocide against the African-American community.

Bakari is facing a felony charge of threatening the police, even though it was the police who attacked him. The International People’s Democratic Uhuru Movement (InPDUM) had held a press conference to announce plans for their Court for Black Justice. It was held in front of the OPD headquarters. They then tried to go inside to serve their subpoena on Chief Jordan. At first they were blocked from entering, even though it was a public open house. When Uhuru activists demanded entry in front of all the media, the OPD was forced to allow them inside. Chief Jordan, however, was nowhere to be found.

As they searched the room for Jordan, several InPDUM organizers, including President Diop Olugbala and local leader Bakari Olatunji, were immediately attacked by the OPD and physically removed from the building. Once outside, Bakari was arrested and taken to jail. He was released, with charges dropped, on May 8. Then, charges were reinstated and he had an appearance on June 6. Bakari’s arraignment will be June 20. Supporters are asked to pack the courtroom at the Wiley Manuel County Courthouse on 7th and Washington in Oakland. For updates, go to uhurunews.com.