Worcester City Council Faces Backlash Over Zoom Meeting Amid Protests
Worcester City Council’s decision to conduct a meeting via Zoom due to "public safety concerns" drew significant criticism from residents during a contentious remote session on Tuesday night. This choice followed the controversial arrest of Rosane Ferreria de Oliveira by federal immigration officials, a situation that has ignited widespread protests in the city.
Mayor Joseph Petty indicated that threats of violence against city employees prompted the change in meeting format. However, many community members, including activist David Webb, vocally opposed the move, arguing that there was no violence expected from peaceful demonstrators. Residents criticized the council’s decision, asserting that they wanted their voices heard on important community issues.
Attendees expressed outrage at the Worcester police’s actions during last week’s detainment, calling for the immediate release of body camera footage. Councilor Etel Haxhiaj, who witnessed the arrest, faced accusations of assault and was present at the meeting but refrained from commenting on the incident.
Despite the council limiting public comments, many residents expressed their anger and disappointment, demanding accountability from city officials and the police department. The meeting underscored a growing divide in the community regarding policing and immigration policies.
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