Report Back from Press Conference & Rally 11/24/08

A sea of over 500 supporters stood with Chuck Turner at his first press conference since his arrest on Friday.  Turner maintained his innocence to the charges brought by US Attorney Sullivan, and denounced the media bonanza attempting to try and convict him before his day in court.  Turner vowed to continue to fight for the liberation of his community, and rededicated his pledge to work against poverty, cruelty and oppression.

In an attempt to preempt Turner’s gathering, Council President Feeney made a public statement at 1pm, recanting her original intention to take negative action against Chuck by the Council.  This morning, City Hall offices were bombarded by calls that successfully pressured Feeney to indefinitely cancel a Council meeting to remove him from his seat.

The strong show from a diverse crowd of supporters was a testament to Turner’s 45 years of dedicated service to the Boston community.  While Turner has been advised to avoid discussing details of his defense, his many supporters have begun raising critical questions surrounding the motivations and sting tactics of the FBI and Federal Prosecutors.  Turner and his supporters will continue to demand a fair trial, and resist the character assasination that is being attempted in the media.

Thank you to the hundreds of people who participated in todays event, and to the thousands across this City who are talking to friends and colleagues about the critical work of Turner, and of the broad based progressive movement that he has helped to build.