PIX11: Group claims Cuomo urged DAs to overcharge black protesters to detain them

“Several legal defense groups called it an effort to circumvent the law and unlawfully detain protesters.

“Already, there is a backlog of hundreds of New Yorkers who are being illegally held because the NYPD refuses to issue Desk Appearance Tickets in lieu of arrests or complete the paperwork necessary to arraign them, despite the fact that the state requires a court appearance within 24 hours of arrest.”

The statement was released by Brooklyn Defender Services, The Bronx Defenders, Legal Aid, Neighborhood Defender Service of Harlem, Queens Defenders and New York County Defender Services.

“It is also a naked attempt to lock up more Black and brown people at a moment in which New Yorkers are demanding justice for communities of color,” the statement said.”

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