Shielded Brutality is currently in production. A release date in 2008 is expected.
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Beginning in the early 1970’s, dozens of African-American men from impoverished Chicago neighborhoods began filing complaints of bizarre forms of abuse at the hands of Chicago police officers. These were not simply “garden variety” claims of routine beatings and rough handling that occur all too often in American cities. These were repeated claims of sadistic abuse and humiliation, shockingly similar to the photographs and accounts recently reported from the Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq and from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. In addition to severe beatings, the copious allegations consisted of suffocation, mock executions, Russian roulette, and severe burns. The most disturbing (and most frequent) were claims of electric shock to all parts of the body including the ears, elbows, and genitals. These were administered by cattle prods and improvised electrical devices. Most often, victims allege they were coerced into signing confession statements during these “interrogations.” All of the victims were minorities from impoverished Chicago neighborhoods.
The scandal revolves around disgraced former Police Commander, Jon Burge, and a band of detectives who worked beneath him. However, officials at the highest levels of Chicago’s government are also directly implicated in covering up the abuse for decades, including present Chicago Mayor, Richard M. Daley. To this day, it is uncertain how many remain incarcerated due to this sadistic abuse. Countless judges and prosecutors have formally acknowledged in courts of law that these atrocities did, in fact, occur. However, no one has ever been convicted of any crime.This film will place particular emphasis on exploring how and why the Chicago and Illinois criminal justice systems have failed to bring anyone to justice for these known abuses. It will also focus on the role citizens and activists play in holding their governments accountable to the rule of law and in protecting the rights of individuals.
Shielded Brutality is directed and produced by Dustin Ogdin
Thank you to our fiscal sponsor, Community TV Network.
Special thanks also to the following:
Funding for Shielded Brutality made possible by the Crossroads Fund and the Puffin Foundation.
Puffin Foundation, Ltd.
