Another Black Political Figure Wrongly Arrested
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Another Black Political Figure Wrongly Arrested by NYPD
The barricade in front of his United Nations office building was one that he and other diplomats routinely stepped over to get into their offices. And when he did it Friday, he saw diplomats from Israel doing so too. But when Camillo Gonsalves, an ambassador for St. Vincent, stepped over the barricade to return to his office this time, a confrontation with police ensued, culminating in his arrest. Gonsalves was also assaulted: “struck or somehow bruised’’ behind his right ear and was treated at a hospital for minor injuries to his head, wrists, hand and shoulder.
Gonsalves is the second black political figure to be arrested by the NYPD after police failed to recognize their privileges as public officials. At the West Indian Day parade in September, New York City city council member Jumaane Williams was arrested under similar circumstances.
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Under international law, Gonsalves had diplomatic immunity. So when the officer told Gonsalves to place his hands behind his back, Gonsalves refused to comply. Only when backup came was he handcuffed. Other officers began questioning him — without reading him his Miranda rights — asking him who he was and what happened. In earshot, he could could hear the arresting officer allegedly saying, “I couldn’t let him just walk into the building. Look at him: he could be a terrorist.’”
http://www.dominionofnewyork.com/2012/04/03/another-black-political-figure-wrongly-arrested-by-bypd/#.T30NsTH2Y-A
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