Occupy Berkeley Demonstrators Stand in Solidarity with Oakland

Russell Bates has been a member of Occupy Berkeley . But Bates is also a member of Berkeley Copwatch — and he plans to be watching the cops tonight along with other Berkeley activists as the Occupy Oakland demonstrators attempt to take back Frank Ogawa Plaza. A protest is planned for 6 p.m. at 14th Street and Broadway.

Police disassembled the encampment in Oakland Tuesday, which was followed by a clash with protesters resulting in around 100 arrests.

Bates was there as a member of Berkeley Copwatch, an all-volunteer organization dedicated to monitoring police actions. Bates says he was tear-gassed and pepper-sprayed three times during the confrontation with police. 

The Berkeley Police Department sent 15 officers to the demonstration, although the department maintains that its involvement was minimal. “We served as outer perimeter and traffic control,” Sgt Mary Kusmiss told Berkeleyside. “BPD officers were not involved in any use of tear gas or any other form of non-lethal force.”

Jeffrey Schaub of KGO Radio (810 AM) was stuck in the middle of the Occupy Oakland protest Tuesday night and said he also got sprayed with tear gas. 

"The afternoon started peacefully with a rally on the steps of the Oakland public library," said Schaub . Then "several thousand" people began to march, and "it got ugly near the Alameda County jail."

"The marchers wanted to go there where their comrades were jailed," said Schaub. "There were seven or so police officers in riot gear who tried to disperse the crowd. They ended up surrounded. The protesters were throwing paint  and water bottles at them — even backpacks. There was pushing and shoving. It was very volatile."

The march continued to Frank Ogawa Plaza, where police were lined up in riot gear, Schaub recalled. Then, at about 7:40 p.m., the police threw several tear gas grenades into the packed crowd. "I was in the middle of it and was gassed myself," said Schaub. "There was a terrible burning in my eyes and the back of my throat — and tears, of course." .

Occupy Oakland plans to protest every night until their encampment is re-established. 

What do you think of how the police handled the Occupy Oakland protesters? Let us know in the comments.