African-American Photographer Beaten By Toronto Police

Ankhor Man · (#1 (**permalink**))

TRIAL SET! African-American Photographer Beaten By Toronto Police
Fights Charges Inbox

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
http://www.tonyeallenandannbrown.blogspot.com

PLEASE Sign Petition:
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/946246942

AFRICAN AMERICAN PHOTOJOURNALIST BEATEN BY TORONTO POLICE; FIGHTING
TO HAVE CHARGES DROPPED; TRIAL SET FOR NOV. 21, 2007

TORONTO, CANADA...October 16, 2006, at approximately 1:40 pm after
checking out of the Econolodge Hotel (335 Jarvis Street) and while in
the process of hailing a taxi, Black Americans Tonye Allen and his
fiancee, Ann Brown, were assaulted by several Downtown Toronto
policemen from the 51st division. Mr. Allen, who did not resist, was
beaten and pepper sprayed several times while handcuffed and in police
custody. Ms. Brown was choked, shoved, and threatened with arrest as
well.

Mr. Allen was never told why he was being detained. The arresting
police refused to tell Ms. Brown where they were taking Mr. Allen.
After locating the correct police station, Ms. Brown spoke with a
"Det. Moyer," who said he "hadn't decided" what he was going to charge
Mr. Allen with. Ultimately, Mr. Allen was charged with assault of two
policemen and resisting arrest, times two.

In bail court, Mr. Allen and Ms. Brown were called "terrorists." After
Ms. Brown posted cash bail of $1,000, Mr. Allen's passport was taken
by "Det. Moyer."

Mr. Allen was unarmed. He had never been arrested. He had no criminal
history. He has no history of drug/alcohol abuse or psychiatric
problems.

Mr. Allen and Ms. Brown are seeking publicity and legal references to
help fight these false charges.

Mr. Allen is a photojournalist who works professionally under the name
"TRILOBITE." His work has appeared in: Essence, Vibe, The Village
Voice, Rolling Stone, LA Weekly , and The Source Magazine. He has
worked for Sony Music, PolyGram Records, Def Jam Records, and
Interscope Records, among others.

Ms. Brown is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in Essence,
Black Enterprise, Upscale Magazine, The Source , and various other
publications.

Mr. Allen and Ms. Brown were in Toronto on their way to South Africa.

Mr. Allen sustained the following injuries:
Head abrasions and bruises
Ear abrasions and bruises
Possible concussion
Right eye: deep cut on eyelid
Black left/right eyes
Damaged left eye, loss of sight (previous 20-20+ vision)
Left ear loss of hearing
Lip bruised
Dislocated jaw
Abrasions/bruises on right cheek
Right and left shoulders contusions and bruises
Left wrist: deep cuts, ligature marks, nerve damage
Right wrist: cuts, ligature marks, nerve damage
Left and right hands: abrasions, nerve damage
Right ring finger dislocated
Bruised ribs
Abrasions on torso
Bruised thoracic vertebrae
Left and right knees: abrasions and bruises

*This is not a full medical assessment/photos taken 10-20-06.
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