Police Attack IWW K’jipuktuk Rally In Support of Striking Prisoners

Report from IWW K’jipuktuk on the recent police attack on their rally, organized in support of hunger striking prisoners at Burnside, which was part of the larger #PrisonStrike.

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Some members of the K’jipuktuk GMB joined others to peacefully demonstrate at the Burnside Prison to show prisoners that they are not alone and have support on the outside. About 30 supporters rallied outside of Burnside, in view of two of the ranges. They played music, held banners, and chanted in support of the prisoners and against the prison-industrial complex. At one point, chants of “You are not alone!” echoed off the walls of the ranges. Prisoners inside saw and heard the support, and made noise inside to join with the demonstration.

As the peaceful demonstrators were walking towards the road to exit the property, officers from Halifax Regional Police arrived onsite. Without any warning or communication, officers aggressively engaged the supporters. One person was tackled and arrested, an officer sprayed pepper spray at the group, and a third officer brought out a police dog, and threatened protesters that they would be bitten by the dog. All of this was done before any order to vacate the property was communicated by the police. One supporter was arrested at the scene. They have not yet been released, and we understand charges are being laid against them.

IWW K’jipuktuk once again reaffirms its support for the protesting prisoners and their 10 demands. Further, we extend our full support to our fellow worker who has been arrested. We denounce in the strongest terms the unwarranted aggression and escalation of this incident on the part of the police, and we call for full accountability for their reckless actions. In solidarity, and towards a world without cops or prisons,

The Industrial Workers of the World – K’jipuktuk