By Shirley Ng, AsAmNews Staff Writer
Police arrested 10 demonstrators protesting against the construction of a mega-jail in Manhattan Chinatown early Wednesday. AsAmNews obtained these exclusive photos.
Protesters tell AsAmNews that construction trucks began arriving before 7 a.m. They asked the workers to show permits authorizing them to begin building, but they says the workers told the demonstrators to call 311 instead- a hotline that connects city residents to government services.
Soon after that exchange, ten protestors were arrested, including Evelyn Yang, the wife of former candidate for both president and New York City mayor, Andrew Yang. Others arrested included Jan Lee, Howard Huie, Susan Lee, Grace Lee, Irving Lee, Jack Liang, Vittoria Fariellio, Jillian Mcminamen and Victoria Lee.
Last month, some 2,000 demonstrators marched through the streets of Chinatown to voice their opposition to what they say will be the world’s tallest jail – a 40 story complex set to open in 2027.
They fear the jail will bring traffic and congestion and will also negatively impact both area businesses and local residents.
The sit-in against the mega-jail began on Monday, but trucks to install fencing, one of the first signs that construction will be taking place did not arrive until Wednesday morning.
When Jan lee was released, he told AsAmNews via text, “There will definitely be a protest at Broadway and Murray Streets on Thursday, April 14.”
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