Somalis complain of mistreatment by Lewiston police
By Associated Press, 1/8/2003 10:59
LEWISTON, Maine (AP) At a meeting held in advance of a rally by white supremacists, Somali residents voiced complaints about treatment by police.
The meeting was held Tuesday in anticipation of this weekend's visit by the Illinois-based World Church of the Creator. The meeting, organized by a pro-diversity coalition, was meant to serve as a forum to discuss violence and harassment.
Law enforcement officials stressed that any incidents of harassment need to be reported.
But many Somalis at the meeting complained that police themselves had been the perpetrators of harassment.
One woman said her brother was arrested and beaten in a case that police say is now under investigation.
Some people said police have disregarded complaints and others said they were afraid of police.
''No one in this room needs to be afraid of the police,'' Deputy Police Chief Michael Bussier said. ''We are here to help you. If you have a complaint, you need to call us so that we can investigate it.''
Attorney General Steven Rowe and other officials from his office were present.
Tom Harnett, the head of the civil rights division, called the testimony troubling and said that the perception of misconduct must be investigated.
The World Church event is being held Saturday at the National Guard building.
A celebration of diversity organized by a group called the Many and One Coalition is being held at Bates College.
http://www.boston.com/dailynews/008/region/Somalis_complain_of_mistreatme:.shtml
I wonder how many people showing up to this mess are actually from Lewiston, my guess about 20.