Seven years after the incident in which members of the Shinnecock Nation were beaten by New York State Police, the civil rights case they filed against
the State will be heard in Federal Court Islip by Judge Joseph Bianco on Wednesday February 21.
the State will be heard in Federal Court Islip by Judge Joseph Bianco on Wednesday February 21.
On February 24, 2000 the plaintiffs , Rebecca Genia, Herman Quinn and Gordell Wright were attempting to block buldozers clearing land for what was to become the Parrish Pond development in the Shinnecock Hills. The group had obtained a court order to stop the project but it had not been delivered when State Police cleared demonstrators from the site causing them serious injuries.
The site, near St Andrew's Road is one of several thoughout the Hills where native burial sites were built over, despite pleas by the Native Americans to preserve the land in its natural state.
The defendendants were charged by the State with resisting arrest but were acquitted in 2002.
The Native-Americans were joined at the demonstration by civil rights activist Robert Zellner of Southampton, who was also seriously injured. He was awarded a monetary judgement but New York State filed an appeal. Mr. Zellner's case is being heard separately.
In the present case the State had moved to dismiss the suit. The attorney for the plaintiffs is Fredrick Brewington.
In the present case the State had moved to dismiss the suit. The attorney for the plaintiffs is Fredrick Brewington.
