At the urging of "the community," the hunger strikers known as the Frisco Five decided to end their hunger strike after 17 days on Saturday. Via some representatives, they issued a video statement that you can hear above, via 48 Hills, and spokesperson Yayne Abeba said. "The Frisco 5 and their supporters the Frisco 500 are calling for a general strike on Monday. We ask supporters to demand that Chief Suhr be fired, the mayor needs to know that they’ll be no business as usual."
ABC 7 reports that the five strikers are still being monitored by doctors in the hospital.
Also, they continue to insist that Kenneth Harding was killed by the SFPD.
Here's the full statement.
Last night we saw the community once again rise up in support of #Frisco5. We began with 5 but now we are growing to #Frisco500 and will soon be #Frisco5000. From the more than one thousand marchers on May 3 to the community members who echoed the #Frisco5 calls for justice last night at City Hall, a movement has been born.After nearly two days of being hospitalized (doctors orders), the #Frisco5 continue to be monitored closely.
As the health of #Frisco5 grows uncertain, the whole San Francisco community took the step to demand the hunger strikers suspend their hunger strike so they can return to the front lines and help shape this movement and the pursuit of justice for the black and brown citizens of San Francisco. They have decided to listen to the community that they love. Considering the strength of the movement that has been galvanized through the last 17 days of the hunger strike, the community has made their voice heard.
We must still send the #Frisco5 our prayers and positive energy because the re-feeding process after not eating for 17 days is long one. They will likely be in the hospital for a number of days.
The end of the strike is in no way a concession - it’s a victory of monumental proportions. They have been told in no uncertain terms by the community that they are needed here to help fight a corrupt administration and a racist and violent police department. They have been asked to help build opportunity for the very community that they were willing to lay down their lives for. They still hold true to their demands.
They ask that the entire Bay Area Community join them in a general strike this Monday May 9, 2016 - leave work, leave school, and do not purchase from large chain stores, and join the #Frisco500 in front of City Hall at 8:30am.
Previously: Lengthy, Angry Protest Breaks Out As Frisco Five Supporters Storm City Hall Friday