Los Angeles City Council OKs nearly $13M payout for police beatings at pro-immigration rally
Associated Press

Last update: February 4, 2009 - 3:47 PM


LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles City Council has approved a $12.85 million payout for demonstrators and bystanders who were beaten by police at a pro-immigration rally.

The payout approved Wednesday is one of the largest ever for misconduct by the Police Department. It settles claims that hundreds of people filed after the May 1, 2007, rally, where police dispersed crowds by beating people with batons and firing at them with beanbag rounds.

The payout is one of the final steps in a massive investigation launched in response to widespread criticism that police used excessive force and violated civil rights.

A police body has also recommended three officers receive official reprimands and several others receive suspensions.

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