Augustus Releases Statement on Kelley Square Protesters
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
According to Augustus, he has proposed to ask the Worcester Police Department to not seek charges against the protesters so long as they would refrain from blocking public streets in the future.
However, the activists have declined that offer.
As GoLocal reported Tuesday morning, Communities United Collective will be rallying at 6 PM tonight at City Hall prior to the City Council meeting.
Here is Augustus' statement in full:
I take very seriously the right of all people to peacefully protest. The city of Worcester has worked to protect and preserve that right for all residents. Several times this year, the Worcester Police Department was present during peaceful mass protests. No arrests were made and no charges were filed.
On January 19th, a group of protestors purposely blocked traffic in Kelley Square for more than four minutes. Shortly thereafter, I and members of the Worcester Police Department leadership spoke to members of the group and offered a compromise: If they would commit to refraining from blocking public streets in future protests, I would ask the Worcester Police Department not to seek charges against anyone involved. That offer – which still stands – has been declined.
The residents of Worcester have the right to traverse public streets unimpeded. The city has the responsibility to protect the right to protest, but that right must be carefully balanced against our duty to maintain public safety. As chief conservator of the peace in the city of Worcester, my job is to balance those competing interests. The city can not and will not allow unauthorized blocking of public ways, no matter the reason.
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