A win for the 99%

HOUSTON DISMISSES CHARGES STEMMING FROM OCCUPY HOUSTON DOWNTOWN PARK ARRESTS  

MAYOR PARKER ISSUES VOLUNTEER AWARD TO OCCUPY HOUSTON

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Today the City of Houston dismissed the majority of charges against peaceful Occupy Houston protestors stemming from their arrests at downtown Tranquility Park on November 8, 2011.  At the same time the Mayor issued an award to Occupy Houston for Outstanding Volunteer Service recognizing their service exemplifying good citizenship and improving the quality of life.

"I am so happy that these charges are no longer hanging over my head and that Mayor Parker sent an award to the participants of Occupy Houston for their volunteer service," said military veteran Shaun Crump, who appeared in court with his 2-year old son, who had his "erecting a tent" charge dismissed by the City of Houston.  

"Mayor Parker expressly stated on Twitter and elsewhere that the Occupy Houston protestors could stay in Tranquility Park," said civil rights lawyer Randall Kallinen and lawyer for Shaun Crump, “So naturally she would uphold her word and dismiss the charges."

 “Thank you to the National Lawyers Guild members nationwide for constantly sharing research, pleadings, and ideas as well as imparting the strength of a firm commitment to preserving the Constitutional rights of all citizens. Thank you in particular to local Guild lawyers who give their time pro bono to the defend the brave souls in our local community who are willing to risk their freedom to ensure the freedom of all Houstonians. The lawyers on the tent case include Paul Kennedy, Gary Roth, Michael Driver, Sunshine Swallers, Randall Kallinen, Matt Sharp and myself. Paul Kennedy led the defense team with his calm sure-footed wisdom.” said Daphne Pattison Silverman of the Houston Chapter of the National Lawyers Guild.

Occupy Houston protesters and their lawyers will hold a press conference Friday, June 22, 2012, at 12:30 PM by the reflecting pool in front of City Hall.

Date: Friday, June 22, 2012, 12:15 PM

PLACE: City Hall, reflecting pool, 900 Bagby

Contact: Daphne Silverman: 832/443-1433

Randall Kallinen: 713/320-3785