Chicago Approves Reparations For Victims Of Police Torture

05:19

May 06, 2015

Aaron Cheney demonstrates outside the federal courthouse where former Chicago Police Commander Jon Burge was attending a hearing on charges he obstructed justice and committed perjury for lying while under oath during a 2003 civil trial about decades-old Chicago police torture allegations October 27, 2008 in Chicago, Illinois. Burge could not be charged for the torture of suspects because the federal statute of limitations for the crime had expired. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

The Chicago City Council has approved a $5.5 million reparation package for victims of police torture under former Chicago Police Commander Jon Burge.

More than 100 African-American men were victims of police brutality between 1972 and 1991. In many cases, victims were tortured into making false confessions, leading to wrongful convictions and prison sentences.

The reparations ordinance is the first of its kind in the country. Niala Boodhoo, host of “The Afternoon Shift” on WBEZ in Chicago, speaks with Here & Now’s Jeremy Hobson.

Guest

Niala Boodhoo, host of “The Afternoon Shift” on WBEZ in Chicago. She tweets @NialaBoodhoo.

This segment aired on May 6, 2015.

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