Sureshbhai Patel has a ‘long, difficult, and uncertain rehabilitation process ahead of him’ says his Attorney Henry F (Hank) Sherrod III. George Joseph reports for Rediff.com from New York
Sureshbhai Patel, who was brutally attacked by a police officer in Madison, Alabama, was transferred to a local rehabilitation centre on Monday, his attorney Henry F (Hank) Sherrod III said.
“He has a long, difficult, and uncertain rehabilitation process ahead of him. Patel and his family deeply appreciate the outpouring of prayers and support he has received,” he said.
While the Patel family is pleased that the Madison Police Department took action against Officer Eric Sloan Parker, the family is disappointed it came only after public outrage and media attention.
Three days before releasing the video and the firing and arrest of Parker, the police department put out a press release blaming Patel for the incident. The family is also disappointed that Parker was only charged with misdemeanour assault, the lowest level criminal charge possible, Sherrod said.
Parker's charge is a Class A misdemeanour, which rates up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $6,000 (approx Rs 373,220). Parker, 26, turned himself in at the Limestone County Jail and was released on a $1,000 bond. He has a court appearance on March 12.
An online fundraising campaign to meet the medical expenses of Sureshbhai Patel, has collected $186,656 in five days. More than 4,343 people contributed through http://www.gofundme.com/m757pw
Patel, who arrived from India early this month, has no medical insurance. The money will go for his medial expenses.
Another crowd-funding page created on IndieGoGo.com for Eric Parker, with a goal of $10,000 in a month has raised $3301 since February 13. The description says, simply, ‘To help with Parker's bills, etc. Any donation is greatly appreciated.’
Some people have been writing abusive language on the site against Parker.
Patel was roughed up on February 6 morning, as he was walking near his son Chirag’s home. The assault left him partially paralysed.
