The trial of Jewu Richardson began in New Haven on March 26. Two dozen supporters rallied outside the courthouse in the morning holding signs that read, “NHPD Guilty” and “Justice for Jewu—End Police Brutality!”
Richardson is facing 30 years in prison after being shot by a New Haven police officer on Jan. 16, 2010. Richardson was in his car with his hands raised in submission when he was shot inches from his heart by an officer on the hood of his car. The police claim Richardson assaulted them with his car. Forensic evidence from the car could clear up any questions or doubt, but the car was destroyed by the state and cannot be used as evidence.
Richardson’s history of harassment by the New Haven police, including beatings and false arrests, will also not be allowed to be discussed at the trial.
At the rally, Party for Socialism and Liberation member Norman Clement said, “Police departments are never held accountable for their actions. These officers who shot Jewu, some of them were involved in the New Haven Narcotics Task Force, which was found to be a corrupt organization where a couple of the officers were actually sent to jail, because they were planting drugs, stealing money from drug dealers, [and] beating people up.”
Kerry Ellington, a community activist with People Against Police Brutality, said: “Jewu has had 13 years of crimes committed against him by the New Haven Police Department, including beating him until he was unconscious in Roberto Clement Park. He was falsely imprisoned; he filed a lawsuit to seek reconciliation and he’s never had an answer to that lawsuit. For a man who’s gone through 13 years of oppression and crimes by the police force in this city, this case doesn’t even deserve to be called to the court.”
The rally moved inside the courtroom to observe the trial and show support for Jewu. Activists and community members will be present at the trial every day until it ends on April 10.
