Karen Chen, Quan Manh Thin, Tat M. Yuen, and Howard Ng were on their way home from an engagement party, according to a statement by the Chinese Progressive Association (CPA), which called the rally. While the four were in their car next to the Quincy Super 88 Market, a state trooper approached them. While the four were talking with the officer, a Quincy police car drove up. Without warning one of the cops reportedly got out of the car and pepper-sprayed three of them in the eyes.

In the course of the cop assault, the CPA statement said, Chen, who is just over five feet tall and a CPA organizer, was attacked by three of the cops, receiving a black eye and bruises. One of the four victims was knocked unconscious.

To add insult to injury, the four were then taken to police headquarters in handcuffs and charged with resisting arrest and disorderly conduct.

The CPA called the rally to demand that the charges against the Quincy 4, as they are now known, be dropped. It also called for compensation for lost wages and other damages, suspension without pay of the cops involved in the assault, and that the Quincy police department issue a public apology.

The protesters, the majority youth of Asian origin, held signs in Chinese and English, some of which read, “I got beaten for talking while Asian,” “Our community is not your target practice,” and “Talking while Asian is not illegal.”

Suzanne Lee, chairperson of the CPA’s board, was among the speakers at the rally. Presentations were translated into English and Chinese. “Is it a crime that we don’t look white?” asked Lee. “Some people even in our community think that these youth must have done something wrong. But we know that is not the case. Unprovoked police attacks occur all too often against Asians and other people of color.”

Lee called on those present to turn out in large numbers for a preliminary hearing June 27.

Rally co-chairperson Zenobia Lai pointed out that the attack took place on the eve of the massive May 1 nationwide actions for immigrant rights. “This is hardly a coincidence,” she said.

Other speakers included Boston city councilor Chuck Turner, Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights representative Chuck Walker, Chinatown Residents Association spokesperson Henry Yee, and a parent of the Somerville 5—African-American youth recently assaulted and charged by cops in that municipality north of here.

More than 70 supporters of the Quincy 4 attended the June 27 preliminary hearing on the charges against the youth. Claiming she had not had a chance to review the case, the district attorney asked for a postponement. The new date for the hearing is July 26.
 
 
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Mayor in Pennsylvania city promotes anti-immigrant measures  
 
 
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