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Demonstrators call for equality and fairness following firing of assistant public defender

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A protest outside Viera courthouse over the firing of Alton Edmond, who believes that the Black Lives Matter tie he wears was one of the reasons for his dismissal. Video by Tim Shortt. Posted 2/9/17.

About 20 people gathered to show support for fired assistant public defender Alton Edmund at Moore Justice Center in Viera on Thursday.(Photo: Lamaur Stancil / FLORIDA TODAY)Buy Photo

VIERA More than 30 supporters of an assistant public defender fired last week gathered in front of the Moore Justice Center to highlight what he described was an overtly political atmosphere at his former employer.

The rally happened betweennoon and 1 p.m. Thursday. The demonstration wasorganized by Alton Edmond's friends with participation by the NAACP, the National Action Network, Brevard County Democrats and local pastors. Edmond, 27, said he was targeted for his decision to wear a tie with the words Black Lives Matter.'

The phrase, which has sparked controversy in some quarters, is also embodied by Black Lives Matter, a loosely organized group that highlights systemic discrimination and police abuse involving blacks.

Edmondsaid he is not asking for his job back but is focusing on opening his own law practice.

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I loved seeing white people andAsian people here today," Edmond said during the rally. "I'm glad I'm not the only one who thought this needed attention."

Public Defender Blaise Trettis dismissed the attorneys claims.

I think that this demonstration is baseless and meritless," he said."(Edmond) was fired for misconduct and multiple incidents and not discrimination.

Staff writer Lamaur Stancil contributed to this report.

Contact Gallop at 321-242-3642, jdgallop@floridatoday.com and on Twitter at @JDGallop.

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Black Lives Matter rally held in Viera - Florida Today