No Impunity for Abusers - The Verdict in the Second Louima Trial

On Monday, March 6, 2000 a jury found that NYC police Officers Charles Schwartz, Thomas Bruder and Thomas Wiese had lied and conspired to lie about their involvement in the torture of Abner Louima inside the 70^th precinct bathroom.  The verdict carries a sentence of up to five years in prison.  While it is by no means certain that the verdict will stand on appeal, the National Coalition for Haitian Rights (NCHR) hopes that this trial’s outcome sends a strong message that impunity will not be the reward for the abuse of civilians.

It is now time to move beyond the trial and ensure that its message is firmly rooted in the harmonious relationship that must exist between the Haitian community and the NYC police force. NCHR intends to play its part in helping this process along by spearheading informational exchanges, know-your-rights workshops and community forums designed to build trust and understanding, while remaining vigilant about police abuse.  We invite the police to work with us in doing so and continue to inculcate a new sense of civic responsibility to the men and women on the force, one that firmly upholds respect for and protection of human rights of all the residents of New York City, regardless of color, race, ethnicity, religion or language.

The National Coalition for Haitian Rights is a non-profit, non-governmental organization which aims to promote and protect the rights of Haitians in Haiti and the United States.  Our Legal Education and Assistance Project (LEAP) is designed to foster better relations between the Haitian community and the NYPD by holding the law enforcement agencies accountable for their actions and by bringing awareness of rights, responsibilities and cultural values to Haitian refugees and immigrants.

Contact: Jean D. Vernet or Merrie Archer
Phone:  (212) 337-0005 FAX:(212) 337-0028