FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Victory for Dr. Shiva Ayyadurai
Judge Finds Assailant Guilty of Assault & Battery, and Disorderly Conduct
Great Barrington, MA (August 16, 2018) – Today, Judge Paul Vrebal of the District Court of Great Barrington ruled against the assailant of Dr. Shiva Ayyadurai. On July 22, 2018, defendant Paul Solovay, wearing a white t-shirt emblazoned with “LIBERAL,” punched a megaphone into the face of Dr. Shiva Ayyadurai because he disagreed with Dr. Ayyadurai’s position on racism in America.
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Solovay was immediately arrested and later arraigned. However, Elizabeth Warren allowed Mr. Solovay back into her Town Hall and provided VIP treatment along with other members of the press.
Mr. Solovay’s lawyer was attempting to have the case dismissed. However, Judge Vrebal found Solovay guilty of Assault & Battery and Disorderly Conduct. Judge Vrebal allowed Dr. Ayyadurai to make a Victim Impact statement.
Dr. Ayyadurai read to the court the following statement:
August 16, 2018
Dr. Shiva Ayyadurai
Thank you Honor for providing me the opportunity to address the Court. My statement will be brief.
Nearly 48 years ago my parents, my sister & I left India to come to America to escape the oppressive caste system of India, where we were considered low-caste untouchables.
I grew up in NJ in places like Paterson & worked as a kid in Newark. Like every other American kid I played baseball, mowed lawns and learned the value of hard work. I’ve also experienced racism & fought racism and discrimination all my life, personally and as an activist.
Racism, therefore, is neither a vicarious nor theoretical nor a profit-making artistic activity for me.
As someone who loves this country & is running for US SENATE as an Independent candidate, I do not believe VIOLENCE is the answer.
Discourse, speaking to one another, free speech, non-violent civil disobedience & protest, what I learned from Gandhi, the great non-violent leader, who MLK emulated himself after, is what leads to truth and real understanding. This is particularly important for us to be reminded of, yesterday Aug. 15 your honor, was the anniversary of Indian Independence Day.
Violence individually as occurred to me on July 22 or as in Charlottesville a year ago is NOT the answer.
We need discourse & free speech to discuss important issues such as RACE & RACISM, as Americans. For far too in long America, those claiming to fight racism, liberal or otherwise, have monopolized that discourse and have no right to use violence to suppress opposing views.
The picture of a white man emblazoned with “liberal” on his t-shirt, punching & shoving a megaphone, down the throat of a black Indian man, because he disagreed with his viewpoint, should be a wake up call.
The AMERICA my parents and I cherish, and which is my & your beloved home, deserves far better.
I leave you, my honor & the Court to render the judgement on the best path forward.
Thank you.
Any press inquiries can be directed via email to shiva@shiva4senate.com, or via phone to 1-617-500-1988.
Marie R. says:
Beautiful, thought provoking statement, Dr. SHIVA
Chris Spelius says:
You are so right, I wish I could vote for you.
Ben says:
Nice
Brian says:
Shiva…..you sir are liberal kryptonite. They fear you. Immigrant. Person of Color. Intelligent. Articulate. Passionate about freedom and democracy and ready to fight and call out hypocrisy. I live in Florida but am gunning for you there in Massachusetts. I will be donating to your campaign. Getting the popcorn ready for when you win the suit to get on the debate stage. Pocahontas doesn’t stand a chance. Give ’em hell.