Case against journalist JR Valrey dismissed at Alameda Courthouse

Published on Monday, February 22, 2010
Last updated on 03:34PM, Thursday, February 25, 2010
JR Valrey speaking at a recent rally

JR Valrey speaking at a recent rally

Late Monday morning, all arson charges facing Oakland journalist JR Valrey were dropped by the Oakland Police Department and the Alameda County District Attorney's office.  The charges were linked to protests around the shooting of Oscar Grant. Valrey was covering the Jan. 7, 2009 Oscar Grant rebellion in downtown Oakland when he was tackled and arrested by Oakland Police.

Of the dozens of journalists there, Valrey was the only one arrested. Police confiscated his camera as evidence and he was charged with felony arson, punishable for up to five years.  The San Francisco Bay View newspaper, where Valrey is Associate Editor, has reported throughout the last year that Oakland police and the District Attorney's office had no case. Now, one year later, Valrey's case was dismissed due to a lack of evidence.

Of the 105 people arrested, now known as the Oakland 100, Valrey was one of just three given felony charges. As an eye witness to the rebellion, Valrey maintained his innocence and says he was targeted for his extensive investigative reporting on police brutality, or "police terrorism." 

Visibly pleased after the dismissal on Monday, Feb. 22, who also serves as Minister of Information for the Prisoners of Conscience Committee (POCC) had a clear message. "Free 'em all!" he said while lifting a clenched fist into the sky. A victory for the people.

Currently, only one other defendant, punk rock artist Holly Works, still faces charges. Her trial is set for March 1.

A special "Power to the People" Victory Celebration will be held tonight, Monday, Feb. 22 at 6:30 p.m. at the Black Dot Cafe in West Oakland. 1195 Pine Street. Speakers include: POCC Chairman Fred Hampton Jr. and Pam and Ramona Africa from MOVE.


To follow the writings of JR, visit the San Francisco Bay View newspaper or Block Report Radio.

About Black Hour
The Black Hour Internet Radio Show is an internet radio show based at Laney College in Oakland, CA. The show's original description on 9th Floor Radio states, "The Black Hour sheds light on the voices of Laney's Black students, taking them from the abyss of silence to the glow of empowerment." The two-hour show airs every fourth Wednesday from 5-7 p.m. (PST) on 9th Floor Radio. HISTORY The Black Hour originally was a project of the Laney Black Student Union (Laney BSU). Members wanted an opportunity to voice their opinions on things that mattered to them.