This is the moment poet and Black Lives Matter activist Malcolm London is released from custody without charges after he was arrested by a group of baton-wielding cops during a violent protest.
London, 27, was released from a South Side police station in Chicago in the US state of Illinois on Monday evening after spending a day in custody.
In the footage, the poet and activist is seen hugging Black Lives Matter members before addressing the large crowd gathered outside the police station to demand his release.
Credit: CEN/@RichieRequena
He said: “I’ve not slept. I’ve been worried. I’ve had hallucinations about dying.”
London was filmed being struck by several baton-wielding cops while being arrested at a protest in Hyde Park on Sunday.
The following day, a group of protesters gathered outside the 2nd District police station with signs reading “Free Malcolm Now” and chants of “let my people go”.
Malcolm London has been released from the Chicago Police Department on the 51st and Wentworth 
Malcolm London has been released from the Chicago Police Department on the 51st and Wentworth
Chicago singer Jamilla Woods and hip-hop artist Chance the Rapper also attended the protest, according to local media.
During the gathering, one activist told a police officer: “All we’re asking for is for our people to be released. Release our political prisoners, and we can be gone.”
Damon Williams, who was also arrested on Sunday, said: “There’s a list longer than I can remember of political prisoners who have been locked up because Black people have a historic tradition of standing up against racism but standing up against capitalism.”
London, who is known for using his art to inspire activism, has appeared at several TED Talks with John Legend and Bill Gates, and he has hosted events for hip-hop pals Chance the Rapper and Lupe Fiasco.
Credit: CEN/@BLMChi
Malcolm London being beaten and arrested by the police 
Malcolm London being beaten and arrested by the police
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Story By: Lee Bullen, Sub-Editor: Joseph Golder,  Agency: Central European News
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