bofors Posted November 16, 2006 Share Posted November 16, 2006 Watch it on YouTube: A video apparently showing a UCLA student being tasered by University of California Police Department (UCPD) officers has found its way onto YouTube. According to a report on the university's Daily Bruin, the incident occured at around 11.30 pm on Tuesday when security officers at the Powell Library CLICC computer lab "asked a male student using a computer in the back of the room to leave when he was unable to produce a BruinCard during a random check". When he didn't immediately vacate the building, the security operatives returned with police officers to escort him from the premises. The Daily Bruin continues: "By this time the student had begun to walk toward the door with his backpack when an officer approached him and grabbed his arm, at which point the student told the officer to let him go. A second officer then approached the student as well. "The student began to yell 'get off me', repeating himself several times. "It was at this point that the officers shot the student with a Taser for the first time, causing him to fall to the floor and cry out in pain. The student also told the officers he had a medical condition." The video shows the tasered ne'er-do-well shouting "Here's your Patriot Act, here's your f***ing abuse of power", while refusing to get up. Shortly thereafter, the cops tasered him a second time for his trouble. Students who protested at the treatment were themselves threatened to keep their distance or cop a tasering. Laila Gordy, "a fourth-year economics student who was present in the library during the incident", claimed officers threatened to zap her "when she asked an officer for his name and his badge number". Eyewitness David Remesnitsky said of the incident: "It was the most disgusting and vile act I had ever seen in my life." UCPD officers later confirmed that the man at the receiving end of the righteous tasering was a student, but didn't name him or give any further details. ® http://www.theregister.co.uk/2006/11/16/ucla_taser_incident/ An incident late Tuesday night in which a UCLA student was stunned at least four times with a Taser has left the UCLA community questioning whether the university police officers' use of force was an appropriate response to the situation. Mostafa Tabatabainejad, a UCLA student, was repeatedly stunned with a Taser and then taken into custody when he did not exit the CLICC Lab in Powell Library in a timely manner. Community Service Officers had asked Tabatabainejad to leave after he failed to produce his BruinCard during a random check at around 11:30 p.m. Tuesday. ... http://dailybruin.com/news/articles.asp?id=38960 Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/33393-ucla-police-attack-iranian-student-with-taser/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
bofors Posted November 16, 2006 Author Share Posted November 16, 2006 Download Ice-T's Copkiller.mp3 Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/33393-ucla-police-attack-iranian-student-with-taser/#findComment-236023 Share on other sites More sharing options...
McSkywalker Posted November 16, 2006 Share Posted November 16, 2006 Download Ice-T's Copkiller.mp3 LOL But that was some freakshow! OK, he guy had to behave, but what's the overreaction of the cops for? It's just an arrogant student. Definitely not enugh reason to zap him. Nevertheless, I think that guy's gonna behave next time. Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/33393-ucla-police-attack-iranian-student-with-taser/#findComment-236045 Share on other sites More sharing options...
bofors Posted November 16, 2006 Author Share Posted November 16, 2006 Tazing, only once, anyone peacefully at work in a library is just uncalled for. But these "police", tazed this guy at least three times, twice after he was handcuffed and in custody. I mean, they act as if a Tazer weapon is some kind of a cattle prod or something. Then these morons threatened to taze some bystanders for asking questions. I hope UCLA gets its ass sued off over this (unfortunately, even if that happens it still is unlikely that these cops, their trainers and supervisors will face any meaningful sanctions). Campus police across the country consistently abuse students and the public (people "trespassing" on public property). They act as private goon-squads for corrupt university adminstrators desperately trying to cover-up the lastest dirt. Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/33393-ucla-police-attack-iranian-student-with-taser/#findComment-236075 Share on other sites More sharing options...
McSkywalker Posted November 16, 2006 Share Posted November 16, 2006 twice after he was handcuffed I didn't catch that. It's just... subhuman. Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/33393-ucla-police-attack-iranian-student-with-taser/#findComment-236082 Share on other sites More sharing options...
dark4181 Posted November 17, 2006 Share Posted November 17, 2006 f***ing ridiculous. i don't care if he's middle eastern or not, cops went to far i hope he sues the f*** out of the cops and the school and wins Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/33393-ucla-police-attack-iranian-student-with-taser/#findComment-236204 Share on other sites More sharing options...
gwprod12 Posted November 17, 2006 Share Posted November 17, 2006 What's really outrageous is threatening to tazer someone who requests a police officer's badge number. I hate dirty cops. I think cops who break the law should be guillotined. And threatening someone with your weapon for asking for your badge number is against the law. Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/33393-ucla-police-attack-iranian-student-with-taser/#findComment-236205 Share on other sites More sharing options...
dark4181 Posted November 17, 2006 Share Posted November 17, 2006 ^very true indeed Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/33393-ucla-police-attack-iranian-student-with-taser/#findComment-236212 Share on other sites More sharing options...
marliwahoo Posted November 17, 2006 Share Posted November 17, 2006 You guys could not be more wrong. That guy was completely of line - whatever his background. To be in a campus library is not a right. If it is UCLA's policy that you must have student ID to use whatever he was using then it was that students responsibility to have ID. He was asked to leave. He didn't. Police were called. He had not departed by the time officers had arrived. (probably more than a few minutes) He resisted departing the library even with the police telling him. Do you see a pattern here. Because of HIS behavior the police had a need to decide (right or wrong) if they needed to be more forceful. HE put himself in that position. Not the police. You have a right to be a jerk. You don't have a right to put others in danger. That young man put himself the police and other students in danger. He did that - not the police. If you were a cop what would you do in that situation ? You already have a nut and an angry mob around you (more than one or two students) yelling and demanding to see your badges at the exact moment when this guy may get violent. (he didn't get violent - but the police cant predict that) Those idiot students did not have right to interrupt and create an even more dangerous situation. That is NOT ok. Those cops have rights too. They have RIGHT to be able to complete their job and not be put in harms way. Yes they signed up for the job. Yes, they are accounable for EVERYTHING they did. No they don't have to be put in a potentially dangerous situation because some idiots standing on the side have an authority complex. That "student" created that situation. Not the police. The police may or may not have handeled it properly. I do not at all feel sorry for that "student" Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/33393-ucla-police-attack-iranian-student-with-taser/#findComment-236233 Share on other sites More sharing options...
dark4181 Posted November 17, 2006 Share Posted November 17, 2006 he was on his way out the door when the cops grabbed him... sounds like he was leaving to me Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/33393-ucla-police-attack-iranian-student-with-taser/#findComment-236237 Share on other sites More sharing options...
gwprod12 Posted November 17, 2006 Share Posted November 17, 2006 Why is there a natural assumption that someone the cops want to grab is going to "become violent"? I dont think he did anything that would suggest he was going to be violent. I think the cops did something that suggested they were going to be violent. Such as grabbing him. Since when did it become standard procedure to tazer someone after you've assaulted them? (grabbing, even by a police officer, is assault, unless it can be backed up with probable cause of immediate violence... which I dont think it could have). Asking an officer for their badge number is a perfectly legitimate thing to do. In fact, it's encouraged, as police officers by law must show their badge number clearly, or give them when asked. If an officer is unwilling to prove that he is an officer, then no one need obey him, and he becomes a criminal. (posing as an officer of law enforcement is a misdemeanor or felony, depending on where you are). What, I think you're saying is that if I grab you, say I'm the police, tazer you, and refuse to prove I'm police to anyone who asks, I'm in the right. What a great idea! The most reasonable scenario would have been to say to the student "We're the police. We need to ask you to leave until you have your student ID with you.". Instead of attacking. Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/33393-ucla-police-attack-iranian-student-with-taser/#findComment-236249 Share on other sites More sharing options...
marliwahoo Posted November 17, 2006 Share Posted November 17, 2006 he was on his way out the door when the cops grabbed him... sounds like he was leaving to me He wasn't out after several minutes and a least two (probably more) requests. How long does it take to leave a library ? Why would they grab him if he was leaving ? He should have left when asked. Period. Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/33393-ucla-police-attack-iranian-student-with-taser/#findComment-236267 Share on other sites More sharing options...
gwprod12 Posted November 17, 2006 Share Posted November 17, 2006 Maybe he should have. He didnt. So, anything short of (or possibly not) murder should be used against someone who disobeys a rent-a-cop? Okay. Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/33393-ucla-police-attack-iranian-student-with-taser/#findComment-236280 Share on other sites More sharing options...
marliwahoo Posted November 17, 2006 Share Posted November 17, 2006 Why is there a natural assumption that someone the cops want to grab is going to "become violent"? Because the police deal with violent people all the time. If you don't expect it you are dead. I dont think he did anything that would suggest he was going to be violent. I think the cops did something that suggested they were going to be violent. Such as grabbing him. Since when did it become standard procedure to tazer someone after you've assaulted them? (grabbing, even by a police officer, is assault, unless it can be backed up with probable cause of immediate violence... which I dont think it could have). Asking an officer for their badge number is a perfectly legitimate thing to do. In fact, it's encouraged, as police officers by law must show their badge number clearly, or give them when asked. If an officer is unwilling to prove that he is an officer, then no one need obey him, and he becomes a criminal. (posing as an officer of law enforcement is a misdemeanor or felony, depending on where you are). True - but not in the middle of an arrest. If you interrupt and arrest/use of force you then become part of the danger. Ever heard of a mob ? There were many students in there. Some of them were interrupting the police doing there job (right or wrong). They don't have a right to do that. Why not get the complaint information when the arrest is finished and cooler heads are prevailing. What, I think you're saying is that if I grab you, say I'm the police, tazer you, and refuse to prove I'm police to anyone who asks, I'm in the right. What a great idea! You can't be serious. The police were there in a small group with badges and uniforms. They were cleary identified as police. The next time a violent criminal is running down the street being chased by a group of police, lets all make sure we stop them and ask for there badge numbers before they get him. The most reasonable scenario would have been to say to the student "We're the police. We need to ask you to leave until you have your student ID with you.". Instead of attacking. That's probably what the police did. If they didn't they should be in trouble. Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/33393-ucla-police-attack-iranian-student-with-taser/#findComment-236285 Share on other sites More sharing options...
gwprod12 Posted November 17, 2006 Share Posted November 17, 2006 If people dont interrupt the police abusing their power, what's to stop them? Had there been no witnesses, there would be no controversy. I'm sure the police would prefer it if they could beat anyone they want without consequence. The iranian dude made a mistake, the police made a bigger series of mistakes, but the other students were completely in the right. "Evil prospers when good people do nothing". And requesting a police officer's identification is not grounds to threaten with bodily harm. Police need to understand they cant just do whatever they like. Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/33393-ucla-police-attack-iranian-student-with-taser/#findComment-236287 Share on other sites More sharing options...
dark4181 Posted November 17, 2006 Share Posted November 17, 2006 He wasn't out after several minutes and a least two (probably more) requests. How long does it take to leave a library ? Why would they grab him if he was leaving ? He should have left when asked. Period. depends on how much stuff he had with him.. textbooks he may have had to pack up, computer to log out of... since he was later found to be a student of the school, it's reasonable to suggest that packing his stuff up may have taken "a few minutes" i'll agree that "get off me" wasn't the smartest thing to say to the cops... "i'm leaving, be cool" would have been a far wiser choice multiple taserings (which several medical journals label as an experience that can induce immobility lasting 5-15 minutes from just one shock) is beyond what i'd consider reasonable though... especially since he was tasered 3 - 4 times... the video shows that the first time was enough to remove his body from his concious control, he was unable to stand when told to do so, so he was tasered AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN... AFTER having been handcuffed... so, you've been shocked 3 - 4 times at point blank range... would you be able to stand without help? Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/33393-ucla-police-attack-iranian-student-with-taser/#findComment-236289 Share on other sites More sharing options...
marliwahoo Posted November 17, 2006 Share Posted November 17, 2006 Maybe he should have. He didnt. So, anything short of (or possibly not) murder should be used against someone who disobeys a rent-a-cop? Okay. Maybe ? Of course he should have left, got his id and come back - no problems. He started the chain of events that led up to this. Not the cops. If you play with matches ..... dont blame the matches when you are burned. What the cops did was painful - not harmful - he will be fine (but still an idiot). By the way - UCLA cops are real cops - not rent a cops. USC cops are rent a cops. If people dont interrupt the police abusing their power, what's to stop them? Had there been no witnesses, there would be no controversy. I'm sure the police would prefer it if they could beat anyone they want without consequence. The iranian dude made a mistake, the police made a bigger series of mistakes, but the other students were completely in the right. "Evil prospers when good people do nothing". And requesting a police officer's identification is not grounds to threaten with bodily harm. Police need to understand they cant just do whatever they like. You can not interrupt a cop durring an arrest. That for sure, is against the law. You do have a obligation to testify agaist a cop who you see break the law. They are different things. Don't you see that ? Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/33393-ucla-police-attack-iranian-student-with-taser/#findComment-236294 Share on other sites More sharing options...
gwprod12 Posted November 17, 2006 Share Posted November 17, 2006 The Police didnt tell him to leave. Campus Security did (rentacops). The police attacked him at Campus Security's request. Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/33393-ucla-police-attack-iranian-student-with-taser/#findComment-236299 Share on other sites More sharing options...
bofors Posted November 17, 2006 Author Share Posted November 17, 2006 To be in a campus library is not a right. Gee... the last time I checked, UCLA was a public school. This means we all have a right to use its library. He was asked to leave. He didn't. Umm... maybe because he had everyright to be there and was busy, you know, studying? Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/33393-ucla-police-attack-iranian-student-with-taser/#findComment-236322 Share on other sites More sharing options...
marliwahoo Posted November 17, 2006 Share Posted November 17, 2006 Gee... the last time I checked, UCLA was a public school. This means we all have a right to use its library. So why check his ID ? Apperently non-students do not have full use of the library. Otherwise - why check ? Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/33393-ucla-police-attack-iranian-student-with-taser/#findComment-236323 Share on other sites More sharing options...
sHARD>> Posted November 17, 2006 Share Posted November 17, 2006 Firstly, I think the point here is don't talk back to people who can {censored} with you. Same goes for TSA workers at the airport. If they pull you over for something, it's NOT the time to yell at them about rights. Civil disobedience doesn't work anymore, sadly. I watched the video, and frankly, the guy was being a douchebag. My favorite part of this story is when everyone claims he was "leaving peacefully", but it took a police officer actually showing up before he finally began to leave. My guess is the police officer wanted to make a point not to ignore the guards. But when the guy starts giving him lip and acting irradically, the police taser him. What the hell do you expect? Some guy starts acting crazy, what are you going to do, stand there and watch while he pulls out a gun or something? Let's face it, if the police were wielding their evil power across the land we would see a lot more of this. If you have so many problems with the Patriot act, move somewhere else. Basically, either constructively protest or move, don't make a scene which makes everyone in the situation look bad. It doesn't help things. Secondly, originally, no one even noticed or noted the guys race. Thanks for making it a racial issue guys. It's that kind of digging that only continues to perpetuate racism. If everyone chose to simply ignore everyone's color, we sure as hell be better off. Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/33393-ucla-police-attack-iranian-student-with-taser/#findComment-236325 Share on other sites More sharing options...
gwprod12 Posted November 17, 2006 Share Posted November 17, 2006 At my school, anyone can use the facilities. Student ID is only required for checking out books/equipment, or using the student computer labs. The library, gym, common areas, etc are open to all. The only time I've ever been asked for a student ID and didnt have mine was when I was trying to use the computer lab. I just went up to the library and used the computers there instead. No biggie. Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/33393-ucla-police-attack-iranian-student-with-taser/#findComment-236326 Share on other sites More sharing options...
marliwahoo Posted November 17, 2006 Share Posted November 17, 2006 I'm done with this thread. I didn't mean to insult any one. Please don't call the police. I'm leaving. ZAAP "owwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww" Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/33393-ucla-police-attack-iranian-student-with-taser/#findComment-236328 Share on other sites More sharing options...
bofors Posted November 17, 2006 Author Share Posted November 17, 2006 So why check his ID if non students have a right to do what ever he was doing in the library ? Exactly. It was this police-state type of ID checking that was the root cause of this incident. Then the campus-pigs failed to exercise any discretion and instead decided to abuse their authority. It should have been painfully obvious that the victim was indeed student (without ID) using the library for academic purposes. Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/33393-ucla-police-attack-iranian-student-with-taser/#findComment-236330 Share on other sites More sharing options...
bofors Posted November 17, 2006 Author Share Posted November 17, 2006 Firstly, I think the point here is don't talk back to people who can f*** with you. Same goes for TSA workers at the airport. If they pull you over for something, it's NOT the time to yell at them about rights. Civil disobedience doesn't work anymore, sadly. That is a pretty weak and pathetic posture to take, it reminds me of German attitudes during the rise of Nazism. Let's face it, if the police were wielding their evil power across the land we would see a lot more of this. I have been arrested three times (and even jailed for a month) by campus police in similiar incidents. This started when I reported that my doctoral research was being stolen by faculty members. The university adminstration decided that I was "whistleblower" and decided to run me off campus. They used their police to arrest me for "trespassing" while attending class. If you have so many problems with the Patriot act, move somewhere else. Basically, either constructively protest or move, don't make a scene which makes everyone in the situation look bad. It doesn't help things. I am planning to leave the country, unfortunately not soon enough. But you have no right to tell me do so. More importantly, whether I leave or not, I remain seriously pissed off with this country, it government and most of all its {censored} legal system. Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/33393-ucla-police-attack-iranian-student-with-taser/#findComment-236348 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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