By: Ashmar Mandou

Protestors held a rally, led by Anthony Martinez from RISE Southeast Chicago community group, on April 11th to address the issues of retaliation, intimidation, and corruption following the results of the 10th ward election on 106th and Avenue M.

“The activities that have been going on the last 16 years and recently the violent crimes and threats against people who voted against the current alderman are unacceptable. We are calling for an end to this and an investigation into any reports of rigging the results of the election through intimidation or fraud,” said Martinez.

According to Martinez, after threats of violence and harassment towards voters in the 10th ward election, residents decided to organize to demand justice. From signs being torn from homes, broken car windows, Facebook threats, the community demanded an investigation and end to these practices. Residents demanded a full investigation into any attempts at voter intimidation or fraud, along with demands that officials look into allegations of corrupt practices in the ward. Organizers are trying to gather attention to these threats out of fear someone will be hurt as a result of retaliation.

Another member of RISE said, “We will stand up against these social injustices. Our community needs it, our neighbors want it, and our children demand it! We will not let people in our community be intimidated, threatened or hurt!”