Activist Ja'Mal Green released from Cook County Jail, on house arrest
CHICAGO (WLS) -- A Chicago activist is on house arrest Wednesday after he was released on bond Tuesday night.
Ja'Mal Green walked out of Cook County Jail into the arms of family and supporters around 9:30 p.m.
Relatives and the community posted 10 percent of his $350,000 bond, which they believe was too high. Green's friends said they had raised more than $20,000, but an anonymous donor posted the $35,000 needed for bail using a credit card.
Green was arrested Saturday at the Taste of Chicago during a protest of last week's deadly shootings by police in Minnesota and Louisiana. Cell phone video shows someone who appears to be Green in a yellow tank top getting pulled from a metal barricade.
Green was charged with attempting to disarm an officer, two counts of aggravated battery of a peace officer and two counts of aggravated battery in a public place, all felonies. He was also charged with two misdemeanor counts of resisting or obstructing an officer.
The other 18 people arrested Saturday were charged with misdemeanors.
The 20-year-old has been active and local protests against police brutality.
His mother, Herlyn Oatis, said his activism began after his friend was murdered several years ago and he tried to empower and re-direct troubled youth.
"Everyone knows he doesn't touch anyone," said Oatis. "Out here the youth...they are upset about that."
Green's supporters called him a political prisoner or the target of a vendetta, due to his advocacy work. Family members believe his arrest was meant to send a message.
