NLG Prepares Mass Defense Legal Support Ahead of May Day Protests

Eric Drooker | justseeds.org

Contact: King Downing, NLG Mass Defense Director
212-679-5100, ext. 14 | massdef@nlg.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 28, 2017

The National Lawyers Guild (NLG) is preparing legal support for activists and organizations planning protests on International Workers Day May 1st, or May Day.  Local NLG chapters are holding “know your rights” and Legal Observer trainings ahead of the actions, when we will be providing on-the-ground legal support and standby lawyers in case of arrests.

“The administration seeks to divide and conquer, but our brothers and sisters across the immigrant, economic and racial justice movements are resisting with our bodies, our prayers, and our money, said Eddie Carmona, Director of LA RED, PICO National Network’s immigration campaign who has been coordinating with the NLG. “Effective resistance depends on having excellent legal support for activists.”

To date, NLG chapters who have already confirmed May Day legal support include Sacramento, San Francisco/Bay Area, Los Angeles, San Diego, Long Beach, Albuquerque, Chicago, Detroit, Boston, New York City, Buffalo, and Washington, DC. Many more are expected.

May Day began with 19th century labor struggles. When it later became a focal date for Vietnam War mobilizations, Occupy protests, and, most recently, immigration rights actions, the NLG provided mass defense support.

To request or download know your rights booklets, or to find an NLG arrest hotline in your area, visit nlg.org/massdefensecommittee.  To request legal observers from our chapters, visit nlg.org/chapters. For additional assistance, contact NLG Mass Defense Director King Downing at massdef@nlg.org.

The National Lawyers Guild, whose membership includes lawyers, legal workers, jailhouse lawyers, and law students, was formed in 1937 as the United States’ first racially-integrated bar association to advocate for the protection of constitutional, human and civil rights.

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