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Hearing postponed in W. Phila. violent arrest case

The preliminary hearing for a West Philadelphia man whose violent arrest was videotaped and posted on YouTube was postponed until Oct. 18 because the officers involved are being investigated by police Internal Affairs.

The preliminary hearing for a West Philadelphia man whose violent arrest was videotaped and posted on YouTube was postponed until Oct. 18 because the officers involved are being investigated by police Internal Affairs.

Askia Sabur, 29, was charged with two counts of aggravated assault, resisting arrest and related charges from the incident outside of a Chinese takeout food restaurant.

The police officers involved were unable to testify, an assistant district attorney told the judge, because Sabur's arrest is being investigated by Internal Affairs.

The 2 1/2 minute video shows baton-wielding police officers repeatedly striking Sabur, who suffered a broken arm and a gash on the back of his head.

Police have said the video does not tell the whole story.

Standing outside the 18th District courtroom with Sabur and his family, attorney Evan Hughes aid that the video would be key in his client's defense.