People from 16-year-old Darrin Manning's community came out in support of the straight-A student when he reported to Family Court just days ago.

Manning was forced to undergo emergency surgery due to having one of his testicles ruptured by a police officer who, "stopped and frisked," him. Instead of the officer being charged for her crimes, Manning is himself facing misdemeanor charges of resisting arrest, reckless endangerment and assaulting an officer.

Manning's trial date has been set for March 7, in order to give prosecutors time to, "gather evidence."

This should be a tall order, considering Manning was handcuffed at the time he was accused of, "resisting arrest." That, "resistance," was - as well - a result of having his testicle grabbed, twisted, pulled and, "popped," by the female officer whose name has not yet been released.

The incident happened on January 7th, which was a record-cold day, with temperatures well below zero. Manning and his friends were on their way to a basketball game, after school. They had their faces covered because of the freezing temperatures, and had just been encouraged to cover their faces by their high school principal who has come out in support of them.

Manning's friends and teammates from the Mathematics, Civics & Sciences Charter School said that their faces were only covered by hats, gloves and scarves given to them by school chief administrative officer Veronica Joyner, who confirms that she gave them these items before they left the school. The police, however, have continually said that they were wearing, "ski masks," even while they were unable to produce said masks before the judge in Family Court.

"All police had to do was ask Darrin Manning where he was going and he could have answered and been on his way," Lewis Small, a lawyer for the teen said after the proceedings. "This was a pure racial attack."

Manning's mother Ikea Coney said, "All we want is justice for Darrin." 

Justice starts by dropping all charges against Manning, and demanding that the police department release the names of the offending officers and bring charges against them.

"The charges should be dropped and the officers should be appropriately punished," Lewis explained, "What message does it send to African-American youth that if you stay and talk to cops, you're assaulted?"

If you agree, sign the petition and contact Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey:

One Franklin Square
Room 314
Philadelphia, PA 19106
215-686-3367

Tell him that Manning should face no charges, as he committed no crime. Instead, the officer who assaulted him should be brought up on charges. If the Philadelphia Police Department wants any of their officers to be viewed as legitimately enforcing the law, then they must prosecute those officers who violate it, and trample on the rights of citizens, especially when those are underage children, in need of the most protection. 

http://www.politicalblindspot.com/justice-for-darrin

(Article by Political Blind Spot)