Hundreds protesters shouted "shut it down" marched through the city of Baltimore, in the eastern United, Saturday to protest the death of a young black man in police custody.
The demonstrators marched after gathering at locations in Baltimore, where Freddie Gray was arrested April 12. He suffered spinal injuries while in custody and died a week after being arrested.
According to the organizers of the demonstration, their goal is to disrupt traffic by marching through the streets towards the city hall.
People have been demonstrating in Baltimore since the death of Freddie Gray last Sunday. But Saturday's march is expected to be the biggest protest. The protesters demanded justice for Gray's. Gray's funeral is scheduled to take place Monday.
Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake has joined protesters who demanded an explanation. He said on Friday that he wanted to know why the police did not seem to follow a policy that requires all inmates wear seat belts when transported by vehicle, and why they did not call medical assistance when Gray asked.
"If necessary, we will prosecute those who are responsible," said Rawlings-Blake.
Baltimore police said it would provide information on investigations related to the incident next weekend.
Family lawyer said that the Gray's spinal cord almost broken after police took him into custody on April 12 .
Baltimore police admitted on Thursday that Gray was not wearing a seat belt when transported in the back of the van that took him to the police station. Baltimore Police Commissioner Anthony Batts said officers did not immediately know that Gray, who suffers from asthma, requiring medical attention.
Share this
EmoticonEmoticon