Protesters Issue Demands Ahead Of Gray Trials

Protesters come out with a list of demands for police ahead of the trials of the six officers charged in the death of Freddie Gray.

The 19 demands are outlined in a letter several protest groups have sent Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and Interim Baltimore Police Commissioner Kevin Davis.

Trey Murphy of the Baltimore Algebra Project, which is among the groups that signed the letter, noted that the groups are concerned about police response to demonstrations that occurred last month, during the pre-trial hearings for the officers.

"It is clear that since Kevin Davis took office as interim Police Commissioner there has been a heightened aggression from Law Enforcement towards protesters," the letter states.  

CLICK HERE to read the letter.

The groups are demanding the establishment of safe houses for protesters that police cannot enter without providing a warrants.

The protesters are also demanding greater access to public streets. 

The groups also want police officers to wear badges and name tags.

"They will also wear only the attire minimally required for their safety. Specialized riot gear will be avoided except as a last resort," the letter states.

"Crowd control equipment such as armored vehicles, rubber bullets, and rifles will not be used. Tear gas may only be used as a last resort to the protection of human life," the groups also demand.

Murphy says the groups are not threatening additional  rioting if the demands are not met.

"I don't think they should view this as a threat," Murphy told WBAL NewsRadio 1090.

"I think they should views this as people, grassroots people, who are out on the forefront of this thing, who have been doing this kind of work...are trying to come to a table of compromise," Murphy added.

He says the groups are trying to exercise their rights to protest peacefully, even if protests temporarily block traffic.

On September 2, as a pre-trial hearing was taking place Pastor Wesley West of the Faith Empowered Ministries, was arrested after he jumped in front of a pickup truck traveling down East Pratt Street, during a protest.

Murphy understands motorists and commuters may be upset with the protest, but he feels they may work to address the issues the protesters

"If you're trying to get to work and we are massively blocking any major highway, or major road that you travel on, you're going to want to figure out how do we insure that we don't block, your ability to get to work again," Murphy said.

The groups are also demanding police provide alternative routes for motorists who want to get around the demonstrations.  

Davis has said he has met with protest leaders over the last few weeks to talk about demonstrations that may take place during and after the six trials.

While not commenting on any specific demands, Baltimore City Police Spokesman T.J. Smith said, "we look forward to continued productive dialogue with the protest community. Our mutual concerns will serve to ensure a safe protest environment in the days ahead." 

Davis has previously said that the city will be prepare for any demonstrations and any unrest that may occur during  the trials.

The groups City Bloc, Baltimore Bloc, The West Coalition,  Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle and Youth As Resources also signed the letter.  

Murphy says there will be protests during the trials.  The first trial for Officer William Porter is scheduled to begin on November 30.

There has been added security around the Mitchell Courthouse East when motions hearings have taken place.  

Source WBAL