for those who were arrested in nyc during the rnc protests... i understand there is likely be a class action lawsuit regarding the conditions of detention, especially conditions at pier 57.
if you were kept at pier 57 - do NOT wash your clothes. put your clothes in a plastic bag so that they may be examined for the presence of toxic materials. bring them to the NLG at 28 East 35th Street (between madison and park) so that they may be used as evidence. if you've already left NYC, call the NLG at 212-679-6018 to ask what should be done with your evidence.
i just spoke with Julia R. Cohen (one of the NLG volunteer lawyers) and this is the info she asked me to pass along:
"The National Lawyers Guild and others are looking into various legal issues surrounding the RNC protests including the length of time that people were confined by the police, the conditions at Pier 57 and the degree of criminal processing that people were put through for minor violations."
"People who were arrested and kept in confinement should let the NLG know their information by calling (212)679-6018. Let them know (a) your name and contact information; (b) the date and time of your arrest (c) how long you were held at Pier 57 and then at 100 Centre Street (d) what the charge(s) were (e) what the status is (i.e. did you plea, ACD, DAT, bond) (f) next court date if any (f) any medical issues (i.e. denied medication or treatment at Pier 57 or 100 Centre Street, as examples."
"If anyone experienced medical problems (skin irritation, coughs, etc.) as a result of their confinement or if they have clothing that was blackened by the soot and grime at Pier 57, please call the Environmental Law Project at (212)334-5551."
"For those that are experiencing medical problems from Pier 57, please report it to the NYC Department of Health at (800)-POISONS."