OCCUPY CLEVELAND

Statement concerning May 1st events in Cleveland

Media Contact: Katie Steinmuller (216) 202-4499 Media Contact: Peter Schanz (614) 704-2481 May 1, 2012 Cleveland - While the persons arrested Monday evening by the FBI have participated in Occupy Cleveland events, they were in no way representing or acting on behalf of Occupy Cleveland. Occupy Cleveland has affirmed the principles of non-violence since its inception on October 6, 2011. Occupy Cleveland has spoken out and worked against violence in all its forms, including: - Wars and occupations - Economic violence of financial inequality, unemployment, debt and foreclosure - Social violence of racism, sexism and homophobia - Environmental violence of global warming and fracking Occupy Cleveland believes the only way to respond to a violent federal and corporate state is through active non-violence. It is unfortunate that this occurred on the eve of May Day, the day the Occupy movement and workers around the world have taken to the streets, demanding justice. What has happened in no way discredits the issue and the non-violent methods of Occupy Cleveland and the Occupy movement world-wide.