PRISONERS' JUSTICE DAY VIGIL 2007
Friday, August 10, 2007
6:30pm - 9:00pm (Opening: 7pm sharp)
Outside the Toronto Don Jail
550 Gerrard St. East, Toronto
WHAT IS PRISONERS' JUSTICE DAY?
August 10th, 2007 marks the 32nd year of PJD. August 10th is the day prisoners have set aside as a day to fast and refuse to work in a show of solidarity to remember those who have died behind bars. It is a day when folks in the community hold demonstrations, vigils, worship services and other events in solidarity with prisoners. August 10th is a day to raise public awareness of the demands made by prisoners to change the criminal injustice system, the brutal conditions that lead to so many prison deaths, and is a chance to publicly oppose prison and police violence.
Prisoners Justice Day has become a space to talk about the disproportionate numbers of marginalized people being held in detention; specifically First Nations and Indigenous peoples, Racialized people, Transgendered and Transsexual people, Sex workers, people with Disabilities and other folks marginalized by systems of oppression and violence.
WHY COME OUT TO PJD?
Toronto is building a sustained prisoners' justice movement focused on justice not jails! Come out and remember the lives of the many prisoners and ex-prisoners who have died inside and outside of various incarceration and detention prisons, jails, hospitals and centres.
Show your support for the many courageous prisoners, ex-prisoners, and their allies, and help in the fight for justice not jails!
Currently confirmed speakers and performers include Toronto Harm Reduction Task Force, Coalition Against Psychiatric Assault, Audrey Redman, Osa Eribo, Sex Professionals of Canada, recordings from prisoners across Ontario, Richard Lathwell, Trevor Gray, Maria Kasstan, Wabowe Whitebird and the PARC Drumming Group. Share your thoughts in the Open Mic. More will be announced soon.
SHAWN BRANT'S BAIL REVIEW ON PRISONERS JUSTICE DAY
August 10th is also the day lawyers Peter Rosenthal and Howard Morton will be arguing a bail review for Mohawk activist Shawn Brant. Shawn has been detained at the Quinte Detention Centre since he was denied bail on July 5th on charges from the June 29th Aboriginal Day of Action relating to the closure of the CN main line, a provincial highway and the 401.
A message has been sent from Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory asking people to support his bid for release and to acknowledge the ongoing struggles of our sisters and brothers in institutions across the country.
BAIL REVIEW
Friday, August 10th, 2007 at 10am
Superior Court of Justice Courthouse
97 Thomas Street East, Napanee
Driving Directions from Toronto:
1. Drive HWY-401 east past Belleville, and Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory (approx 2 hours from Toronto).
2. Exit 579 towards NAPANEE.
3. Turn LEFT onto PROVINCIAL ROUTE 41 / CENTRE ST N.
4. Turn LEFT onto THOMAS ST E.
5. Superior Court is at 97 Thomas Street East.