The Chicago City Council are trying the right the wrongs for hundreds of Jon Burge torture victims with a recently approved reparations package that would grant millions to those directly affected, USA TODAY has learned.
More than 100 prisoners (largely consisting of Black men) have been awarded $5.5 million to be divvied up between them. In 1993, a Chicago Police Department review board ruled in 1993 determined that officers working for the disgraced former police commander had used torture tactics under his regime that lasted from 1971 to 1992. The torture methods were documented as mock executions, electric shock assault, telephone book beatings and hate speech punishment.
“This stain cannot be removed from our city’s history, but it can be used as a lesson of what not to do,” Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel told the press.
Burge never was convicted of the torture since the statute of limitations ran out on the accusations but he was convicted of perjury in 2010 for lying about overseeing the heinous crimes. He was sentenced to 4½ years in prison. He was released earlier this year.
“I want to say to the rest of the world and Chicago, we get it,” Alderman Howard Brookins stated. “That type of behavior will not be tolerated in our city, and we can work together bringing the community and the people together for the betterment of our city.”
It is being reported that a victim with a credible claim will be able to receive up to $100,000. Speaking of money, Burge never ceased to draw a police pension over the course of his condemnation.
If you you’re looking for a more detailed description, the video on the next page which features accounts by Jon Burge torture victims should tell you everything you need to know.
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Photo: ABC7
