Yesterday evening Amaris Mesa & Dennis Flores were arrested for carrying a camera and taking pictures of abusive police conduct at a community drumming celebration for Saint Michael in front of the Botanica San Lazaro on Kingsbridge Road, Bronx, NY.

The police broke up the peaceful street celebration and pushed Amaris Mesa, Dennis Flores, adult and youth workers from NYC & Dominican Republic. The police harassed a group made up of almost all women as we were peacefully leaving the gathering. The cops snatched the photo cameras from Amaris and Dennis, pushed Amaris onto the floor and Dennis against the wall, and eventually arrested them both. Dennis was charged with “congregating with others and refusing to move, police officer’s orders.” We don’t know what Amaris was charged with as of yet.

Dennis was released yesterday evening.

This evening Amaris Mesa is at the Bronx Criminal Courthouse for her arraignment. She is a mother and youth educator in the community and her only intent was to train young women from Dominican Republic who want to document the tough realities going on in their batey communities and build international solidarity.

To find out how your can support Amaris and Dennis contact B.F.: 646-256-0999

This is very similar to what happened to Rebel Diaz.