Protest may hit
inaugural
NAACP, Anderson family say inquiry too
slow
By Stephen D. Price
news-press.com Capitol Bureau
Originally posted on November 21, 2006
TALLAHASSEE — If the investigation into the death of Martin Lee
Anderson is not concluded by Jan. 2, the day Charlie Crist will be
sworn in as governor, members of the Florida NAACP, students and the
Conference of Black State Legislators vowed Monday to conduct a
silent protest at the inaugural ceremony.
"We feel justice for Martin Lee Anderson is long overdue and are
outraged," said state Sen. Frederica Wilson, D-Miami. "I would hate
for his inauguration to be marred by a protest, but if that's what
we have to do to get justice for Martin Lee Anderson, then that's
what we will do."
The Black Caucus held a new conference Monday afternoon to express
their anger to Gov. Jeb Bush and Gov.-elect and Attorney General
Crist, that no charges have yet been brought in the death of the
14-year-old Panama City teen and the investigation has taken more
than 300 days.
Anderson died Jan. 6, a day after
he was hit, kicked and kneed by guards at a Bay County boot camp for
juvenile offenders.
In a statement, Crist said, "Martin's family, as well as the people
of Florida, deserve a thorough and complete review of this case. We
have confidence that State Attorney Mark Ober will conclude this
matter in the near future."
Pam Bondi, spokeswoman for Ober,
said he could not comment on the case. "It is still a very active
and pending investigation," Bondi said.
Bush, through spokeswoman Alia Faraj, said he, too, is frustrated
the investigation has taken this long.
She said someone from the governor's office calls Ober, who is
investigating the case, weekly for an update.
"He understands that State Attorney
Mark Ober is doing a good job investigating this issue, but time is
of the essence," Faraj said.
"He shares Martin's parents' frustration."
Anderson's parents have filed a
civil suit against the Bay County Sheriff's Office and the Florida
Department of Juvenile Justice seeking $40 million.
As for the possible Inauguration Day protest, Tallahassee chapter
NAACP president Charles Evans said, "We want to make sure that the
governor-elect starts off on the right foot. To let him know we are
still concerned."
|
