This will be my last June in prison but I ask and I hope that henceforth June
12th will serve as the International Day of Action and Solidarity for Earth
Liberation Prisoners. I hope that each year the events, benefits, rallies, and
actions grow stronger until all our warriors come home. I hope June 12th serves
as an inspiration to future warriors who know that should they face
imprisonment they will have the support of an entire movement behind them.
Jeffrey Free Luers Dispatch from Prison May 5, 2009
It has been a long time coming but this June friends, allies, comrades,
supporters, and fellow resisters will celebrate the seventh and final
international day of solidarity with me, Jeffrey Luers.
This June will also mark my 9th and final year in prison as my scheduled
release date in December draws steadily closer. The years have left their toll
on me both physically and emotionally. I came to prison an idealistic young man
of 21 and I will be leaving a hardened, more cynical man in my early 30's.
From behind these walls, I have watched the struggle for my freedom and
recognition as a political prisoner grow from a handful of friends into an
international campaign. It has been a heart warming, awe inspiring, joy to
watch.
Your support, encouragement and dedication have fueled my will to continue to
struggle for earth liberation and social and climate justice from within this
cage. Without you my friends I would not be who I am today and I would be lost.
Few (fortunately) will ever truly know the heartache, loss, courage and pure
determination a political prisoner experiences. Nor the challenges one must
face. Sadly, during my incarceration I have witnessed a startling increase in
the number of our brothers and sisters locked up for their resistance. Many of
these people have been convicted of terrorism charges or simply branded a
terrorist. A stigma I am only all too aware of myself.
I am coming home, but the need for prisoner support is far from over. Now, more
than ever our movement needs to show continued solidarity for our political
prisoners many of whom still face years in maximum security prisons and control
units.
The annual June solidarity events have been a crucial component of my support.
They have served to raise much needed funds, expand awareness of my case and
above all provide invaluable inspiration for countless activists including
myself. The events have been a rallying cry for action and solidarity. I firmly
believe that it was this international pressure and attention that resulted in
my drastically reduced sentence.
This will be my last June in prison but I ask and I hope that henceforth June
12th will serve as the International Day of Action and Solidarity for Earth
Liberation Prisoners. I hope that each year the events, benefits, rallies, and
actions grow stronger until all our warriors come home. I hope June 12th serves
as an inspiration to future warriors who know that should they face
imprisonment they will have the support of an entire movement behind them.
Until all are free the struggle must continue, help bring each and every one of
us home.
With the deepest love and gratitude,
Jeffrey Free Luers
www.freejeffluers.org
write to Jeff:
Jeffrey Luers # 13797671
CRCI
9111 NE Sunderland Ave
Portland, OR 97211-1708
donate to Jeff:
http://freejeffluers.org/donate.html
Friday, May 15, 2009
Eric McDavid Update
Hello everyone,
There are a few things we would like to share with you in this update. Below you will find information on Eric's current situation, the tour in June, site updates, and the status of the appeal. Eric sends his hellos to you all. Thanks so much for your continued support. We hope to see many of you soon!
The Mail Situation
------------------
Eric would like for us to let you all know that he is currently unable to respond to snail mail. Victorville has recently implemented a new, illegal mail policy that requires prisoners to submit a list of people to whom they would like to send mail. This list is kept on file in the prison's Trulincs system, which was originally setup as an email system for prisoners. The BOP has since expanded it's use of the system as a way to keep track of prisoner phone lists, mail lists, and as a log-in system for prisoner access to the legal library. The use of the system for these purposes has numerous legality issues, and Eric and a couple of other prisoners are attempting to fight the new rules from the inside. In the meantime, Eric will not be using the mail-labeling system set up by Trulincs, which means he is unable to send any written correspondence. This does NOT mean that he cannot receive mail - so please keep those letters coming.
The Northwest in June
---------------------
Some of us from Eric's support crew will be touring the northwest in June. We will be talking about Eric's case - how it was created, how Eric was targeted by the government and entrapped by an undercover informant, how he was convicted in a trial fraught with error, then sentenced to an outrageous 19 years and 7 months in prison. We will also be talking about entrapment and the use of government informants, and government repression in general.
The presentation will be followed with amazing musical performances by folks from the Anarchozarkian Music Collective - Spokepants of the Flowering Skillet and Nora and Gnoll. Other local musicians will be joining us along the way. You don't want to miss it!
Here is a quick list of what we've got so far:
June 5: Reno, NV
June 7: East Bay, CA (The Longhaul infoshop)
June 9: Arcata, CA
June 12: Portland, OR (The Red and Black Cafe, 6pm)
June 13: Eugene, OR
June 20-22ish: Seattle area? Bellingham?
June 25: Portland, OR (The Black Rose)
Early July: Modesto, CA
San Diego, CA
More dates are in the works. You can check out www.supporteric.org for updates about the tour.
Site Updates
------------
We are in the process of some major additions to Eric's website. Soon you will have access to all of the transcripts from Eric's trial, sentencing, the plea agreements from his co-defendants, and more. We are also adding a section for writings from Eric to make them more accessible. Check out www.supporteric.org soon to get the latest.
Appeal Status
-------------
As you know, Eric is in the process of appealing both his conviction and sentence. We were hoping to be able to post the appeal with this alert, but are awaiting word from the court. Eric's lawyer filed the appeal on May 6, but also had to file a motion to file a brief that is twice the length of a normal appeal. If the court accepts this motion, then the appeal will officially be filed and we can post it for you all to read. This is nowhere near the end of the process, however. The government will have a month to respond to the brief once it is filed, and then Eric's lawyer will have another two weeks for his final response. We fully expect more delays (the brief was originally due last September). We will keep you posted as things develop.
Eric has been in jail or prison for 3 1/2 years now. His strength and courage continue to remind us all of what it means to stay true to ourselves and the things we hold dear. Our sincerest thanks to all of you who have helped make this journey more endurable.
Yours,
SPS
There are a few things we would like to share with you in this update. Below you will find information on Eric's current situation, the tour in June, site updates, and the status of the appeal. Eric sends his hellos to you all. Thanks so much for your continued support. We hope to see many of you soon!
The Mail Situation
------------------
Eric would like for us to let you all know that he is currently unable to respond to snail mail. Victorville has recently implemented a new, illegal mail policy that requires prisoners to submit a list of people to whom they would like to send mail. This list is kept on file in the prison's Trulincs system, which was originally setup as an email system for prisoners. The BOP has since expanded it's use of the system as a way to keep track of prisoner phone lists, mail lists, and as a log-in system for prisoner access to the legal library. The use of the system for these purposes has numerous legality issues, and Eric and a couple of other prisoners are attempting to fight the new rules from the inside. In the meantime, Eric will not be using the mail-labeling system set up by Trulincs, which means he is unable to send any written correspondence. This does NOT mean that he cannot receive mail - so please keep those letters coming.
The Northwest in June
---------------------
Some of us from Eric's support crew will be touring the northwest in June. We will be talking about Eric's case - how it was created, how Eric was targeted by the government and entrapped by an undercover informant, how he was convicted in a trial fraught with error, then sentenced to an outrageous 19 years and 7 months in prison. We will also be talking about entrapment and the use of government informants, and government repression in general.
The presentation will be followed with amazing musical performances by folks from the Anarchozarkian Music Collective - Spokepants of the Flowering Skillet and Nora and Gnoll. Other local musicians will be joining us along the way. You don't want to miss it!
Here is a quick list of what we've got so far:
June 5: Reno, NV
June 7: East Bay, CA (The Longhaul infoshop)
June 9: Arcata, CA
June 12: Portland, OR (The Red and Black Cafe, 6pm)
June 13: Eugene, OR
June 20-22ish: Seattle area? Bellingham?
June 25: Portland, OR (The Black Rose)
Early July: Modesto, CA
San Diego, CA
More dates are in the works. You can check out www.supporteric.org for updates about the tour.
Site Updates
------------
We are in the process of some major additions to Eric's website. Soon you will have access to all of the transcripts from Eric's trial, sentencing, the plea agreements from his co-defendants, and more. We are also adding a section for writings from Eric to make them more accessible. Check out www.supporteric.org soon to get the latest.
Appeal Status
-------------
As you know, Eric is in the process of appealing both his conviction and sentence. We were hoping to be able to post the appeal with this alert, but are awaiting word from the court. Eric's lawyer filed the appeal on May 6, but also had to file a motion to file a brief that is twice the length of a normal appeal. If the court accepts this motion, then the appeal will officially be filed and we can post it for you all to read. This is nowhere near the end of the process, however. The government will have a month to respond to the brief once it is filed, and then Eric's lawyer will have another two weeks for his final response. We fully expect more delays (the brief was originally due last September). We will keep you posted as things develop.
Eric has been in jail or prison for 3 1/2 years now. His strength and courage continue to remind us all of what it means to stay true to ourselves and the things we hold dear. Our sincerest thanks to all of you who have helped make this journey more endurable.
Yours,
SPS
Bash Back! Targeted by Subpoenas
Authorities have attempted to deliver subpoenas to at least three midwesternactivists as of early Wednesday afternoon in relation to a Bash Back! action atan anti-queer megachurch in Lansing in November of 2008. Activists disruptedthe church service by demonstrating both outside and inside the building. Therelated complaint lists 14 names, Bash Back! and Bash Back! Lansing, and "JohnDoes 1-20."Prevailing advice early this afternoon is to reject delivery of the subpoenasif one comes to your door.If you have more information, please publish it to TCIMC. A copy of thesubpoena will be posted once it has been obtained.UPDATE #1: The subpoenas are in relation to a lawsuit filed by the right-wingAlliance Defense Fund. The Christian ADF, which filed the suit on behalf ofMount Hope church in Lansing, also is encouraging criminal charges. Numerousunnamed individuals in the suit may be sought in relation to the Mount Hopeaction or other church actions.The press-release from ADF, which you can read here, describes the Bash Back!News website - also targeted by the subpoena - as featuring "terrorist-likegarb." Read more about the history of ADF here.
http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Alliance_Defense_Fund
View a PDF of the complaint filed in U.S. District Court here. The documentfails to respect the gender identities, preferred pronouns or chosen names ofthose subpoenaed/allegedly involved in the activities in question - a perfectexample of why direct actions like the one at Mount Hope church are taken byBash Back! and others. (The complaint is also linked on the ADF website.)http://twincities.indymedia.org/files/MtHopeComplaint-red.pdf
Statement made by Bash Back! News
ADF Fuckers Suing BasThe work of devoted Bash Back!ers and allies determined
that this morning’s hysteria is the result of the Alliance Defense Fund, a
notorious anti-womyn, anti-queer, racist organization. The ADF decided to sue
Bash Back!, Bash Back! Lansing and individuals because the authorities would
not file a single criminal complaint regarding an action at the Mount Hope
Church in Lansing last fall. But that’s not all! Those pesky evange-fascists
are trying to identify and out up to 20 other people involved with Bash Back!
in the hopes that criminal charges will be placed against them. Fourteen people
and 1-20 Jesse “John” Does are named on the complaint.
You can find the ADF press release on their website.
*Warning this Site is an overt manifestion of THE Patriarchy. It may be
offensive and enraging*
www.alliancedefensefund.org
Bash Back! and radical transfolk/queers cannot and will not be intimidated.
Some of us face life and death on a daily basis. This lawsuit aint shit.
BB! News will be setting up an account to raise funds in the near future. Lets
fill our pocket books and resist this suit.
Attached to this posting is a copy of the complaint so the entire world can see
that it is riddled with inaccuracies and out-right lies.
Disclaimer: This Lawsuit does NOT respect the chosen identities of the people
named. Names, gender pronouns, and identities were purposely disrespected by
the complaint. Please keep this in mind when reading and discussing the
lawsuit.
That’s Some Bull Shit!
Bash Back! News
Here is a copy of the complaint.
http://twincities.indymedia.org/files/MtHopeComplaint-red.pdf
http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Alliance_Defense_Fund
View a PDF of the complaint filed in U.S. District Court here. The documentfails to respect the gender identities, preferred pronouns or chosen names ofthose subpoenaed/allegedly involved in the activities in question - a perfectexample of why direct actions like the one at Mount Hope church are taken byBash Back! and others. (The complaint is also linked on the ADF website.)http://twincities.indymedia.org/files/MtHopeComplaint-red.pdf
Statement made by Bash Back! News
ADF Fuckers Suing BasThe work of devoted Bash Back!ers and allies determined
that this morning’s hysteria is the result of the Alliance Defense Fund, a
notorious anti-womyn, anti-queer, racist organization. The ADF decided to sue
Bash Back!, Bash Back! Lansing and individuals because the authorities would
not file a single criminal complaint regarding an action at the Mount Hope
Church in Lansing last fall. But that’s not all! Those pesky evange-fascists
are trying to identify and out up to 20 other people involved with Bash Back!
in the hopes that criminal charges will be placed against them. Fourteen people
and 1-20 Jesse “John” Does are named on the complaint.
You can find the ADF press release on their website.
*Warning this Site is an overt manifestion of THE Patriarchy. It may be
offensive and enraging*
www.alliancedefensefund.org
Bash Back! and radical transfolk/queers cannot and will not be intimidated.
Some of us face life and death on a daily basis. This lawsuit aint shit.
BB! News will be setting up an account to raise funds in the near future. Lets
fill our pocket books and resist this suit.
Attached to this posting is a copy of the complaint so the entire world can see
that it is riddled with inaccuracies and out-right lies.
Disclaimer: This Lawsuit does NOT respect the chosen identities of the people
named. Names, gender pronouns, and identities were purposely disrespected by
the complaint. Please keep this in mind when reading and discussing the
lawsuit.
That’s Some Bull Shit!
Bash Back! News
Here is a copy of the complaint.
http://twincities.indymedia.org/files/MtHopeComplaint-red.pdf
To our Judges (from "The Tarnac 9")
For four months, the mediatic-judicial serial[1] entitled "The Tarnac Affair" has not wanted to come to an end. Will Julien [Coupat] come home for Christmas? For New Year's? Another chance on Friday the 13th. No, in the end, they kept him in prison for a little while longer, locked up in his new role as leader of an invisible cell. Since it seems that several people are still interested in perpetuating this masquerade, even beyond the point of being grotesque, it is once again necessary for us to take on the responsibility of the role that they have tailored for us ("The Tarnac 9") and make a necessary collective clarification. Here it is. . . .
First: while the journalists have gone as far as combing through our trashcans, the cops have gone as far as eyeing our rectums. It has been quite disagreeable. Over the last few months, you have read our mail, eavesdropped on our telephones, tracked our friends and filmed our houses. You get off on it.
We, the nine, have been subjected to these means, as have many others. Atomized by your procedures, nine times one,[2] while you are an administration, a police force, and the logic of a [certain] world. From our point of view, the dice are loaded, the pyre is already built. And so, do not ask us to be good sports.
Second: of course you need to have "individuals," constituted into a "cell," belonging to a "circle of influence" among a faction on the political chessboard. You need all this because it is your one and only and last hold on a growing part of the world that is irreducible to the society that you claim you defend. You're right, something is happening in France, but it is certainly not the re-birth of the "ultra-left."[3] Here we are only figures for a rather vulgarized crystallization of a conflict that traverses our entire era. [This crystallization is] the mediatic-judicial spearhead of a merciless confrontation that leads an order to collapse in the face of all that claims to have the ability to survive it.
It goes without saying that, in the context of what is going on in Guadeloupe, in Martinique, in the banlieus and the universities, among the fishermen, rail workers and undocumented immigrants, it will soon be necessary for you to be profs[4] as well as judges. But you understand nothing of these things. And don't count on the clever sleuths in the DCRF[5] to explain it to you.
Third: we have found that there is more joy in our friendships and our "associations of evil-doers" than in your offices and courtrooms.
Fourth: if it seems self-evident to you that the seriousness of your jobs allows you to question our political thinking and our friendships, we do not feel the duty to speak to you of them. No life will ever be absolutely transparent to the eyes of the State and the justice system. There, where you wanted to see the clearest, you have instead propagated opacity. And they tell us that, henceforth, so as to not come under your surveillance [votre regard], there will always be more people who will come to demonstrations without cellphones, which encrypt the texts that they send and cleverly detours them before they arrive. As one says: it's a shame.[6]
Fifth: since the beginning of this "affair," you seem to have wanted to accord great importance to the testimony to a mythomaniac, also called "X." You are obstinate; it is courageous of you to have some faith in this pack of lies and in the practice that has honored France for several centuries: paid informants. This would almost be touching if it did not justify the accusation that Julien [Coupat] is the leader and thus [justify] his continued detention in jail; if this kind of "testimony" did not justify arbitrary arrests -- for example, arrests for allegedly sending bullets through the mail to the police stations in l'Herault and Villiers-le-bel.
Finally: it being understood that the margin of liberty that remains to us is henceforth greatly reduced, the single place from which we could extricate ourselves from your control[7] resides in the interrogations to which you will subject us at regular intervals. Julien has already had four demands to be released denied. He is our friend. He is nothing more than what we are. We have decided that, from now on, in the heroic tradition of Bartleby "we prefer not to."[8] In sum, we will say nothing more and will stay silent until you free him, stop calling him our leader, and stop calling all of us terrorists. In short, until you abandon these persecutions.
For all those who, wherever they are, fight and do not give up. For all those who haven't been suffocated by resentment and who make joy a question of attack. For all our friends, our children, our brothers and sisters, [and] the support committees. No fear, no pity. No heroes, no martyrs. It is precisely because this affair has never been legal that we must transport the conflict to the terrain of politics. What the multiplication of attacks by an always-more-absurd power calls upon us to do is nothing other than generalize the collective practices of self-defense everywhere it is necessary to do so.
There aren't nine people to save, but an order to bring down.
Along with Julien Coupat, Aria, Benjamin, Elsa, Gabrielle, Manon, Matthieu, and Yidune have been questioned in the "Tarnac Affair." Monday 16, March 2009.
(Also published in the 17 March 2009 issue of Le Monde. Translated from the French by NOT BORED! 15 May 2009.)
[1] The French here is le feuilleton mediatico-judiciare. A feuilleton is a serialized show. There is no adequate equivalent in English for mediatique, which not only refers to the media, but the spectacle, as well.
[2] The French here is neuf fois un, which might also be rendered as "one nine times."
[3] Despite what Patrick Marcolini says about them.
[4] Short for professors?
[5] Direction centrale du renseigement interier (DCRI) is the French domestic-intelligence agency.
[6] The French here is c'est ballot.
[7] The French here is emprise, which can also be rendered as "expropriation."
[8] An allusion to Herman Meville's short story "Bartleby the Scrivener" (1853-1856) and, no doubt, the commentary upon it made in 1989 by Gilles Deleuze's essay "Bartleby, ou la formule" and in 1993 in Giorgio Agamben's "Bartleby, or On Contingency."
This post was taken from infoshop.org
First: while the journalists have gone as far as combing through our trashcans, the cops have gone as far as eyeing our rectums. It has been quite disagreeable. Over the last few months, you have read our mail, eavesdropped on our telephones, tracked our friends and filmed our houses. You get off on it.
We, the nine, have been subjected to these means, as have many others. Atomized by your procedures, nine times one,[2] while you are an administration, a police force, and the logic of a [certain] world. From our point of view, the dice are loaded, the pyre is already built. And so, do not ask us to be good sports.
Second: of course you need to have "individuals," constituted into a "cell," belonging to a "circle of influence" among a faction on the political chessboard. You need all this because it is your one and only and last hold on a growing part of the world that is irreducible to the society that you claim you defend. You're right, something is happening in France, but it is certainly not the re-birth of the "ultra-left."[3] Here we are only figures for a rather vulgarized crystallization of a conflict that traverses our entire era. [This crystallization is] the mediatic-judicial spearhead of a merciless confrontation that leads an order to collapse in the face of all that claims to have the ability to survive it.
It goes without saying that, in the context of what is going on in Guadeloupe, in Martinique, in the banlieus and the universities, among the fishermen, rail workers and undocumented immigrants, it will soon be necessary for you to be profs[4] as well as judges. But you understand nothing of these things. And don't count on the clever sleuths in the DCRF[5] to explain it to you.
Third: we have found that there is more joy in our friendships and our "associations of evil-doers" than in your offices and courtrooms.
Fourth: if it seems self-evident to you that the seriousness of your jobs allows you to question our political thinking and our friendships, we do not feel the duty to speak to you of them. No life will ever be absolutely transparent to the eyes of the State and the justice system. There, where you wanted to see the clearest, you have instead propagated opacity. And they tell us that, henceforth, so as to not come under your surveillance [votre regard], there will always be more people who will come to demonstrations without cellphones, which encrypt the texts that they send and cleverly detours them before they arrive. As one says: it's a shame.[6]
Fifth: since the beginning of this "affair," you seem to have wanted to accord great importance to the testimony to a mythomaniac, also called "X." You are obstinate; it is courageous of you to have some faith in this pack of lies and in the practice that has honored France for several centuries: paid informants. This would almost be touching if it did not justify the accusation that Julien [Coupat] is the leader and thus [justify] his continued detention in jail; if this kind of "testimony" did not justify arbitrary arrests -- for example, arrests for allegedly sending bullets through the mail to the police stations in l'Herault and Villiers-le-bel.
Finally: it being understood that the margin of liberty that remains to us is henceforth greatly reduced, the single place from which we could extricate ourselves from your control[7] resides in the interrogations to which you will subject us at regular intervals. Julien has already had four demands to be released denied. He is our friend. He is nothing more than what we are. We have decided that, from now on, in the heroic tradition of Bartleby "we prefer not to."[8] In sum, we will say nothing more and will stay silent until you free him, stop calling him our leader, and stop calling all of us terrorists. In short, until you abandon these persecutions.
For all those who, wherever they are, fight and do not give up. For all those who haven't been suffocated by resentment and who make joy a question of attack. For all our friends, our children, our brothers and sisters, [and] the support committees. No fear, no pity. No heroes, no martyrs. It is precisely because this affair has never been legal that we must transport the conflict to the terrain of politics. What the multiplication of attacks by an always-more-absurd power calls upon us to do is nothing other than generalize the collective practices of self-defense everywhere it is necessary to do so.
There aren't nine people to save, but an order to bring down.
Along with Julien Coupat, Aria, Benjamin, Elsa, Gabrielle, Manon, Matthieu, and Yidune have been questioned in the "Tarnac Affair." Monday 16, March 2009.
(Also published in the 17 March 2009 issue of Le Monde. Translated from the French by NOT BORED! 15 May 2009.)
[1] The French here is le feuilleton mediatico-judiciare. A feuilleton is a serialized show. There is no adequate equivalent in English for mediatique, which not only refers to the media, but the spectacle, as well.
[2] The French here is neuf fois un, which might also be rendered as "one nine times."
[3] Despite what Patrick Marcolini says about them.
[4] Short for professors?
[5] Direction centrale du renseigement interier (DCRI) is the French domestic-intelligence agency.
[6] The French here is c'est ballot.
[7] The French here is emprise, which can also be rendered as "expropriation."
[8] An allusion to Herman Meville's short story "Bartleby the Scrivener" (1853-1856) and, no doubt, the commentary upon it made in 1989 by Gilles Deleuze's essay "Bartleby, ou la formule" and in 1993 in Giorgio Agamben's "Bartleby, or On Contingency."
This post was taken from infoshop.org
New Marie Mason Support Zine
Thanks to the work of a supporter the recent Fifth Estate article on Marie
is now available in zine format through the links below. Please download
and distribute. More zines on Marie are in the works.
Struggle,
Got Your Back Collective
For reading on the computer:
bamfproductionz.wordpress.com/2009/04/27/crucifixion-of-marie-mason-zine/marie-mason/
Imposed pdf version for printing:
bamfproductionz.wordpress.com/2009/04/27/crucifixion-of-marie-mason-imposed-pdf/marie-mason-imposed/
is now available in zine format through the links below. Please download
and distribute. More zines on Marie are in the works.
Struggle,
Got Your Back Collective
For reading on the computer:
bamfproductionz.wordpress.com/2009/04/27/crucifixion-of-marie-mason-zine/marie-mason/
Imposed pdf version for printing:
bamfproductionz.wordpress.com/2009/04/27/crucifixion-of-marie-mason-imposed-pdf/marie-mason-imposed/
Monday, May 11, 2009
Two I-69 Resisters Arrested
Two anti-I-69 organizers in Indiana were arrested by state police with the
assistance of the FBI Friday. Tiga and Hugh are both being charged with two
counts of conversion, two counts of intimidation and one count of corrupt
business influence, stemming from actions surrounding the I-69 campaign. Both
are being held in the Pike County, Indiana jail; the phone number there is
812-354-6024.
Support site plus donation info Questions: freetigaandhugh [at]
mostlyeverything.net
Original story posted at Chicago Indymedia/Infoshop.org Tiga's Arrest Warrant
PDF Hugh's Arrest Warrant PDF
Indiana statutes: Corrupt Business Influence (Class C Felony; Min. 2 years)
Intimidation (Class A Misdemeanor, Max 1 year) Conversion (Class A
Misdemeanor)
UPDATED INFORMATION 4/25:
In what appears to be the culmination of a several year long case the state has
been building against I-69 resistance, two Indiana residents, Tiga and Hugh,
were arrested this afternoon. Although the charges against the two include
individual acts, for the majority they are trumped up charges of conspiracy
leveled against any movement against I-69. You can read the sordid details in
their arrest warrants at mostlyeverything.net
In what appears to be the culmination of a several year long case the state has
been building against I-69 resistance, two Indiana residents, Tiga and Hugh,
were arrested this afternoon. Although the charges against the two include
individual acts, for the majority they are trumped up charges of conspiracy -
fairly explicitly, conspiracy to collectively organize, to challenge
environmental and social devastation perpetrated by the state and capital -
leveled against any (not easily recuperative) movement against I-69. Although
it appears that no other warrants have been issued, that for now no other
individuals will be facing the severe penalties these charges carry, it must be
noted that this brash move by the state is a most blatant affront to any
initiative towards social organization.
Tiga, a long time Indiana resident, was arrested early today as she appeared in
Gibson County court on charges stemming from anti-I-69 actions this past
summer. The arrest was made by the Indiana State Police, including Officer Brad
Chandler, a particularly slimy scumbag whose full time job it is to harass
environmental activists. Tiga is being held on $10,000 cash bond by the state
police on five charge: 2 counts of intimidation, 2 counts of conversion (all
misdemeanors) and 1 count of corrupt business influence (a class C felony). She
is currently being held in the Pike County jail (812-354-6024), though it’s
possible she’ll be moved around.
A couple hours after Tiga was accosted at the courthouse, Hugh was arrested in
northern Indiana by a US marshal driving an unmarked vehicle. Rather than
pulling over the vehicle Hugh was traveling in, the cop trailed the car for
some unknown duration waiting for it to stop, then arrested Hugh outside of a
gas station. He was then taken to join Tiga in the Pike County jail, where he
is being held on $20,000 cash bond. His charges are the same as Tiga's, though
many of the details of their warrants differ.
Clearly, lots of help is needed to come up with the $30,000 bond. Whether or
not we can get this figure lowered (included in the state's reasoning about
having such a high bond was the fact that Hugh was known to distribute
anarchist literature), much financial support will be needed for legal fees, as
the two fight charges carrying a maximum of eight years. You can donate online
at
mostlyeverything.net
, or via mail to The Future, PO Box 3133, Bloomington, IN, 47402. Emails can be
sent to freetigaandhugh@
mostlyeverything.net
These arrests are an obvious continuance and escalation of the harassment of
anti-I-69 activities in southern Indiana. People in both Evansville and
Bloomington have been systematically targeted by myriad law enforcement
agencies from throughout the state as well as by federal agencies. Nearly 20
folks are still held captive by the court system, facing both criminal and
civil legal pressures stemming from last summer. As the state tries to squash
its opposition by ensnaring individuals in isolating court cases, by monitoring
and threatening individuals to try to pinpoint ‘leaders’ or groups
responsible, it is important to recognize that every such instance of
individual repression is easily and effectively repression of all resistance.
To counter such repression with honest reflection on its functioning and on how
action might challenge rather than support this repression, is to stand in
solidarity with Tiga and Hugh, with the best things they or we might fight for.
http://news.infoshop.org/article.php?story=20090424221248188
assistance of the FBI Friday. Tiga and Hugh are both being charged with two
counts of conversion, two counts of intimidation and one count of corrupt
business influence, stemming from actions surrounding the I-69 campaign. Both
are being held in the Pike County, Indiana jail; the phone number there is
812-354-6024.
Support site plus donation info Questions: freetigaandhugh [at]
mostlyeverything.net
Original story posted at Chicago Indymedia/Infoshop.org Tiga's Arrest Warrant
PDF Hugh's Arrest Warrant PDF
Indiana statutes: Corrupt Business Influence (Class C Felony; Min. 2 years)
Intimidation (Class A Misdemeanor, Max 1 year) Conversion (Class A
Misdemeanor)
UPDATED INFORMATION 4/25:
In what appears to be the culmination of a several year long case the state has
been building against I-69 resistance, two Indiana residents, Tiga and Hugh,
were arrested this afternoon. Although the charges against the two include
individual acts, for the majority they are trumped up charges of conspiracy
leveled against any movement against I-69. You can read the sordid details in
their arrest warrants at mostlyeverything.net
In what appears to be the culmination of a several year long case the state has
been building against I-69 resistance, two Indiana residents, Tiga and Hugh,
were arrested this afternoon. Although the charges against the two include
individual acts, for the majority they are trumped up charges of conspiracy -
fairly explicitly, conspiracy to collectively organize, to challenge
environmental and social devastation perpetrated by the state and capital -
leveled against any (not easily recuperative) movement against I-69. Although
it appears that no other warrants have been issued, that for now no other
individuals will be facing the severe penalties these charges carry, it must be
noted that this brash move by the state is a most blatant affront to any
initiative towards social organization.
Tiga, a long time Indiana resident, was arrested early today as she appeared in
Gibson County court on charges stemming from anti-I-69 actions this past
summer. The arrest was made by the Indiana State Police, including Officer Brad
Chandler, a particularly slimy scumbag whose full time job it is to harass
environmental activists. Tiga is being held on $10,000 cash bond by the state
police on five charge: 2 counts of intimidation, 2 counts of conversion (all
misdemeanors) and 1 count of corrupt business influence (a class C felony). She
is currently being held in the Pike County jail (812-354-6024), though it’s
possible she’ll be moved around.
A couple hours after Tiga was accosted at the courthouse, Hugh was arrested in
northern Indiana by a US marshal driving an unmarked vehicle. Rather than
pulling over the vehicle Hugh was traveling in, the cop trailed the car for
some unknown duration waiting for it to stop, then arrested Hugh outside of a
gas station. He was then taken to join Tiga in the Pike County jail, where he
is being held on $20,000 cash bond. His charges are the same as Tiga's, though
many of the details of their warrants differ.
Clearly, lots of help is needed to come up with the $30,000 bond. Whether or
not we can get this figure lowered (included in the state's reasoning about
having such a high bond was the fact that Hugh was known to distribute
anarchist literature), much financial support will be needed for legal fees, as
the two fight charges carrying a maximum of eight years. You can donate online
at
mostlyeverything.net
, or via mail to The Future, PO Box 3133, Bloomington, IN, 47402. Emails can be
sent to freetigaandhugh@
mostlyeverything.net
These arrests are an obvious continuance and escalation of the harassment of
anti-I-69 activities in southern Indiana. People in both Evansville and
Bloomington have been systematically targeted by myriad law enforcement
agencies from throughout the state as well as by federal agencies. Nearly 20
folks are still held captive by the court system, facing both criminal and
civil legal pressures stemming from last summer. As the state tries to squash
its opposition by ensnaring individuals in isolating court cases, by monitoring
and threatening individuals to try to pinpoint ‘leaders’ or groups
responsible, it is important to recognize that every such instance of
individual repression is easily and effectively repression of all resistance.
To counter such repression with honest reflection on its functioning and on how
action might challenge rather than support this repression, is to stand in
solidarity with Tiga and Hugh, with the best things they or we might fight for.
http://news.infoshop.org/article.php?story=20090424221248188
Update for the MK3
Just a quick update for the MK3...
Dave had a pre-trial date today at 9am. He still faces trial beginning June1st. Everyone please mark your calendars and come hang out at the courthousefor his trial! He's facing six felonies at this point and needs all supportpossible. Also if anyone is willing to write a character reference for Dave,please let us know. These can be very helpful at sentencing.Christina and Karen have another pre-trial date May 29th at 9am. Their trialhas been set for August 31st.Funds are still needed for Dave, Christina and Karen. Their court costs havebeen estimated around $40,000! There are paypal buttons set up on their bloghelpmkethree.blogspot.com. Thanks to everyone who has taken time to fundraiseand donate thus far; the response and support is truely inspiring!If there is anyone who would like to be updated from this email, send theiraddress our way and we will add them to the list.Glen Dyer has plead guilty to his felony charge and is facing sentencing.Please come and support him at the courthouse Thursday, May 28th at 11am.Take care, friends!
In solidarity,
*Friends of the MK3
Dave had a pre-trial date today at 9am. He still faces trial beginning June1st. Everyone please mark your calendars and come hang out at the courthousefor his trial! He's facing six felonies at this point and needs all supportpossible. Also if anyone is willing to write a character reference for Dave,please let us know. These can be very helpful at sentencing.Christina and Karen have another pre-trial date May 29th at 9am. Their trialhas been set for August 31st.Funds are still needed for Dave, Christina and Karen. Their court costs havebeen estimated around $40,000! There are paypal buttons set up on their bloghelpmkethree.blogspot.com. Thanks to everyone who has taken time to fundraiseand donate thus far; the response and support is truely inspiring!If there is anyone who would like to be updated from this email, send theiraddress our way and we will add them to the list.Glen Dyer has plead guilty to his felony charge and is facing sentencing.Please come and support him at the courthouse Thursday, May 28th at 11am.Take care, friends!
In solidarity,
*Friends of the MK3
Marie Mason Update
4/28/2009
Recently we have gotten a lot of complaints from concerned friends andsupporters that they have not heard from Marie or if they have Marie hasnotresponded to anything they have written her in previous letters.We have confirmed jail staff is withholding a good portion of Marie's mailand is flat out rejecting and/or returning mail from certain individuals(The entire make of Got Your Back has been arbitrarily placed on a "NOCONTACT" list). This is a very frustrating situation for Marie and us asletters are the only form of communication many of us have with Marie. Wedo not know what the basis or justification is for this. We are working tofind this out.If you have had your mail returned could you please contact us atfreemarie@riseup.net. Also if you have some expertise in dealing with thistype of situation (legal or support wise) could you please drop us a line.
Struggle,
Got Your Back Collective
4/16/2009
We just heard from Marie (in the form of a letter postmarked 4/3/09) for
the first time since here transfer from county jail.
She writes that she just recently got to visit commissary for the first
time and purchase stamps and other items. Shes working on catching up with
folks she has contact info for.
Her case manager tells her that due to her security classification she is
not eligible to be placed in Lexington, KY and that she will be in FCI
Waseca for at least a year.
Shes made some new friends and shes working on her French and Spanish
skills with a small group of prisoners from Haiti.
She mentions that several folks have attempted to send her stamps and/or
money orders. Unfortunately those items (and many more) can not be sent to
a federal prisoner and she did not get them. Please see
http://freemarie.org/ways-to-help/ for detailed info on how to donate to
Marie's commissary and what you can send in the mail.
She writes she has a lot more room to move around then county jail but FCI
Waseca is a new prison and doesn't have many programs for prisoners off
the ground. She appreciates folks writing her and writes mail call is the
high point of her day. Please continue sending Marie letters of support.
Unfortunately we also learned that the FBI is continuing to harass Marie's
family specifically her teenage daughter. After the FBI failed to get the
to get a conviction against her son (charges were brought based on
information given by Frank "The Fink" Abbrose and were dismissed by the
judge outright). We suspect it is added emotional and psychological
punishment on Marie for taking such a strong non cooperating stance. What
they could possibly hope to accomplish other then fulling their own
twisted sadistic needs is beyond us. Lets make sure Marie knows she isn't
alone.
Struggle,
Got Your Back Collective
Marie Mason #04672-061
FCI WASECA
FEDERAL CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION
P.O. BOX 1731
WASECA, MN 56093
Recently we have gotten a lot of complaints from concerned friends andsupporters that they have not heard from Marie or if they have Marie hasnotresponded to anything they have written her in previous letters.We have confirmed jail staff is withholding a good portion of Marie's mailand is flat out rejecting and/or returning mail from certain individuals(The entire make of Got Your Back has been arbitrarily placed on a "NOCONTACT" list). This is a very frustrating situation for Marie and us asletters are the only form of communication many of us have with Marie. Wedo not know what the basis or justification is for this. We are working tofind this out.If you have had your mail returned could you please contact us atfreemarie@riseup.net. Also if you have some expertise in dealing with thistype of situation (legal or support wise) could you please drop us a line.
Struggle,
Got Your Back Collective
4/16/2009
We just heard from Marie (in the form of a letter postmarked 4/3/09) for
the first time since here transfer from county jail.
She writes that she just recently got to visit commissary for the first
time and purchase stamps and other items. Shes working on catching up with
folks she has contact info for.
Her case manager tells her that due to her security classification she is
not eligible to be placed in Lexington, KY and that she will be in FCI
Waseca for at least a year.
Shes made some new friends and shes working on her French and Spanish
skills with a small group of prisoners from Haiti.
She mentions that several folks have attempted to send her stamps and/or
money orders. Unfortunately those items (and many more) can not be sent to
a federal prisoner and she did not get them. Please see
http://freemarie.org/ways-to-help/ for detailed info on how to donate to
Marie's commissary and what you can send in the mail.
She writes she has a lot more room to move around then county jail but FCI
Waseca is a new prison and doesn't have many programs for prisoners off
the ground. She appreciates folks writing her and writes mail call is the
high point of her day. Please continue sending Marie letters of support.
Unfortunately we also learned that the FBI is continuing to harass Marie's
family specifically her teenage daughter. After the FBI failed to get the
to get a conviction against her son (charges were brought based on
information given by Frank "The Fink" Abbrose and were dismissed by the
judge outright). We suspect it is added emotional and psychological
punishment on Marie for taking such a strong non cooperating stance. What
they could possibly hope to accomplish other then fulling their own
twisted sadistic needs is beyond us. Lets make sure Marie knows she isn't
alone.
Struggle,
Got Your Back Collective
Marie Mason #04672-061
FCI WASECA
FEDERAL CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION
P.O. BOX 1731
WASECA, MN 56093
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Gaertner Drops Terrorism Enhancement Charges, Continues Criminalization of Dissent
Download the PDF of the amended complaint here:
http://rnc8.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/amd-cplt-rnc8-red.pdf
In the surest sign yet of the power of post-RNC court solidarity, Ramsey County Attorney Susan Gaertner has dropped two of four unfounded charges against the RNC 8. Caving to months and months of public pressure, Gaertner dropped one count of Conspiracy to Commit Riot in Furtherance of Terrorism, and one count of Conspiracy to Commit Criminal Damage to Property in Furtherance of Terrorism.
“We are heartened by the fact that our supporters have won this concession,” said defendant Nathanael Secor. “It’s taken a tremendous show of strength and solidarity over the past seven months.”
Originally facing a single charge–Conspiracy to Riot in Furtherance of Terrorism–Gaertner’s office added three additional charges against the eight defendants in December of last year. Now, two of those charges have been dropped, clearly demonstrating that all the charges are a matter of political maneuvering, not a reasoned look at the evidence.
On March 28, supporters delivered to Susan Gaertner’s office a stack of over 3,000 petitions urging her to drop all four charges. Among other statements, a resolution from the 17,000-member Duluth Central Labor Body in support of the RNC 8 was also delivered. National media attention, including an appearance on MSNBC on Wednesday morning, has drawn significant attention to the case at the same time as Gaertner is accelerating her campaign for Governor–having just hired full-time staffers, opened an office on University Avenue, and planned appearances at several DFL events in the next month. Additionally, the broad-based RNC 8 Defense Committee has succeeded in calling widespread attention to the Minnesota PATRIOT Act, and played an instrumental role in applying the pressure that led to this reduction of charges.
In removing the controversial MN PATRIOT Act from the debate at this moment, Susan Gaertner obviously hopes to defray the costs of this unprecedented prosecution on her campaign for Governor, and to mitigate the overwhelmingly negative public opinion of Ramsey County’s repressive behavior during and since the RNC.
“Make no mistake,” said defendant Luce Guillen-Givins, “This change to the complaint against us is a token gesture meant to placate our supporters and bolster a floundering political prosecution.”
As defendant Eryn Trimmer pointed out, “This move only focuses attention more acutely on the outrageous nature of the two remaining charges, Conspiracy to Commit Riot and Conspiracy to Commit Criminal Damage to Property.”
In the months leading up to the RNC, the defendants were involved in open, public organizing with a broad coalition of Twin Cities activists and community members. We continue to assert that the only “conspiracy” committed by the RNC 8 was to provide basic and necessary infrastructure for people who wished to engage in their fundamental right to dissent.
“We’re relieved and gratified that the most sensational part of the charges has been dropped,” said St. Paul peace and justice activist Betsy Raasch-Gilman, member of Friends of the RNC 8. She continued, “We hope that the conspiracy charges will also be dropped. If planning a protest can be called conspiracy, the right to free speech is in real danger.”
Friends of the RNC 8 asks Susan Gaertner to continue in the direction of justice by dropping all the remaining charges, thereby saving enormous financial resources for the people of Minnesota in this time of rampant foreclosures, unemployment and economic turmoil. We also remind supporters that while we should rightly celebrate this small victory, the time for increased action to defend the RNC 8 is now. Political organizing is not conspiracy. Dissent is not a crime.
* * * * * * * *
LEGAL UPDATE
Before we heard the news, we wrote up this legal update about last month's matters:
Near the end of March, Judge Teresa Warner proclaimed her ruling on the prosecution’s problematic proposed protective order, which was one of the main topics of last month’s proceedings. The ruling is about as favorable as could be expected, with the main point being that the eight will be able to receive their own copies of the discovery against them–rather than being forced to view it only in the offices of their attorneys, as the prosecution wished. The eight and their attorneys will have to sign a waiver prohibiting dissemination of the contents.
This batch of discovery - an entire 40 CDs and 40 DVDs worth - was produced by the procrastinating prosecutors a couple days after the promised March 31 deadline. Because the investigation is still active, the discovery can and does include so-called “evidence” gathered as recently as this month, and more discovery may be provided as it is, well, discovered. However, prosecutor Heidi Westby is refusing to release a handful of the discs of evidence, instead asking the eight and their attorneys to come downtown to view it. This appears to be in defiance of the order by Judge Warner.
Remember, folks: “active investigation” means the clicking noise on your phone might be the FBI, the zooming noise you hear might be Bob Fletcher’s telephoto lens outside your house, and that sucking sound all around is money being drained from social services in order to provocatively prosecute protesters as terrorists. Oh, and that howl of outrage and solidarity is coming from the thousands of people proudly proclaiming their support for the RNC 8, while learning how to fight pernicious prowling police tactics, to boot.
The next court date is now scheduled for May 26 at 9am in Ramsey County District Court. If Susan Gaertner’s office doesn’t drop the charges, prognosticators expect trial in September at the earliest, but more likely later in the fall.
* * * * * * * *
UPCOMING EVENTS - Mark your calendars:
St. Paul:
Sunday, April 19, 2-4pm:
Ramona Africa, spokesperson for MOVE, speaks on Repression and Resistance, Then and Now: From the MOVE 9 to the RNC 8
http://rnc8.org/2009/04/ramona-africa/
Ramona Africa will also speak on Saturday, April 18 on Hamline Law School:
http://tc.indymedia.org/2009/apr/prison-reform-project-hosts-ramona-africa-move-hamline-law-school
Minneapolis:
Friday, April 24, 1-3pm:
Jules Boykoff, author of Beyond Bullets: The Suppression of Dissent in the United States (AK Press) speaks at the University of Minnesota
http://rnc8.org/2009/04/boykoff/
Minneapolis:
Wednesday, April 29, 7pm:
Defend the RNC 8! Meet the RNC 8, family and friends, plus watch videos about the case at the Univeristy of Minnesota, Coffman Union 324. Sponsored by Socialist Alternative and Friends of the RNC 8
Details coming soon at http://rnc8.org
Los Angeles:
Thursday, April 30, 7pm:
Cinebang! and KIWA present Terrorizing Dissent and a discussion about the RNC 8 case
http://rnc8.org/2009/04/los-angeles-event-tuesday-april-30/
Minneapolis:
Sunday, May 3, All Day:
Visit the RNC 8 Defense Committee and Community RNC Arrestee Support Structure at the annual May Day Festival and Parade at Powderhorn Park, Minneapolis
Next Scheduled RNC 8 Defense Committee Meeting:
Sunday, May 10, 4pm
Walker Church, 3104 16th Ave. S., Minneapolis
Next Scheduled Court Date:
Tuesday, May 26, 9am
Ramsey County Courthouse, 15 W. Kellogg Boulevard, St. Paul
More events? Send your info to info@rnc8.org.
http://rnc8.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/amd-cplt-rnc8-red.pdf
In the surest sign yet of the power of post-RNC court solidarity, Ramsey County Attorney Susan Gaertner has dropped two of four unfounded charges against the RNC 8. Caving to months and months of public pressure, Gaertner dropped one count of Conspiracy to Commit Riot in Furtherance of Terrorism, and one count of Conspiracy to Commit Criminal Damage to Property in Furtherance of Terrorism.
“We are heartened by the fact that our supporters have won this concession,” said defendant Nathanael Secor. “It’s taken a tremendous show of strength and solidarity over the past seven months.”
Originally facing a single charge–Conspiracy to Riot in Furtherance of Terrorism–Gaertner’s office added three additional charges against the eight defendants in December of last year. Now, two of those charges have been dropped, clearly demonstrating that all the charges are a matter of political maneuvering, not a reasoned look at the evidence.
On March 28, supporters delivered to Susan Gaertner’s office a stack of over 3,000 petitions urging her to drop all four charges. Among other statements, a resolution from the 17,000-member Duluth Central Labor Body in support of the RNC 8 was also delivered. National media attention, including an appearance on MSNBC on Wednesday morning, has drawn significant attention to the case at the same time as Gaertner is accelerating her campaign for Governor–having just hired full-time staffers, opened an office on University Avenue, and planned appearances at several DFL events in the next month. Additionally, the broad-based RNC 8 Defense Committee has succeeded in calling widespread attention to the Minnesota PATRIOT Act, and played an instrumental role in applying the pressure that led to this reduction of charges.
In removing the controversial MN PATRIOT Act from the debate at this moment, Susan Gaertner obviously hopes to defray the costs of this unprecedented prosecution on her campaign for Governor, and to mitigate the overwhelmingly negative public opinion of Ramsey County’s repressive behavior during and since the RNC.
“Make no mistake,” said defendant Luce Guillen-Givins, “This change to the complaint against us is a token gesture meant to placate our supporters and bolster a floundering political prosecution.”
As defendant Eryn Trimmer pointed out, “This move only focuses attention more acutely on the outrageous nature of the two remaining charges, Conspiracy to Commit Riot and Conspiracy to Commit Criminal Damage to Property.”
In the months leading up to the RNC, the defendants were involved in open, public organizing with a broad coalition of Twin Cities activists and community members. We continue to assert that the only “conspiracy” committed by the RNC 8 was to provide basic and necessary infrastructure for people who wished to engage in their fundamental right to dissent.
“We’re relieved and gratified that the most sensational part of the charges has been dropped,” said St. Paul peace and justice activist Betsy Raasch-Gilman, member of Friends of the RNC 8. She continued, “We hope that the conspiracy charges will also be dropped. If planning a protest can be called conspiracy, the right to free speech is in real danger.”
Friends of the RNC 8 asks Susan Gaertner to continue in the direction of justice by dropping all the remaining charges, thereby saving enormous financial resources for the people of Minnesota in this time of rampant foreclosures, unemployment and economic turmoil. We also remind supporters that while we should rightly celebrate this small victory, the time for increased action to defend the RNC 8 is now. Political organizing is not conspiracy. Dissent is not a crime.
* * * * * * * *
LEGAL UPDATE
Before we heard the news, we wrote up this legal update about last month's matters:
Near the end of March, Judge Teresa Warner proclaimed her ruling on the prosecution’s problematic proposed protective order, which was one of the main topics of last month’s proceedings. The ruling is about as favorable as could be expected, with the main point being that the eight will be able to receive their own copies of the discovery against them–rather than being forced to view it only in the offices of their attorneys, as the prosecution wished. The eight and their attorneys will have to sign a waiver prohibiting dissemination of the contents.
This batch of discovery - an entire 40 CDs and 40 DVDs worth - was produced by the procrastinating prosecutors a couple days after the promised March 31 deadline. Because the investigation is still active, the discovery can and does include so-called “evidence” gathered as recently as this month, and more discovery may be provided as it is, well, discovered. However, prosecutor Heidi Westby is refusing to release a handful of the discs of evidence, instead asking the eight and their attorneys to come downtown to view it. This appears to be in defiance of the order by Judge Warner.
Remember, folks: “active investigation” means the clicking noise on your phone might be the FBI, the zooming noise you hear might be Bob Fletcher’s telephoto lens outside your house, and that sucking sound all around is money being drained from social services in order to provocatively prosecute protesters as terrorists. Oh, and that howl of outrage and solidarity is coming from the thousands of people proudly proclaiming their support for the RNC 8, while learning how to fight pernicious prowling police tactics, to boot.
The next court date is now scheduled for May 26 at 9am in Ramsey County District Court. If Susan Gaertner’s office doesn’t drop the charges, prognosticators expect trial in September at the earliest, but more likely later in the fall.
* * * * * * * *
UPCOMING EVENTS - Mark your calendars:
St. Paul:
Sunday, April 19, 2-4pm:
Ramona Africa, spokesperson for MOVE, speaks on Repression and Resistance, Then and Now: From the MOVE 9 to the RNC 8
http://rnc8.org/2009/04/ramona-africa/
Ramona Africa will also speak on Saturday, April 18 on Hamline Law School:
http://tc.indymedia.org/2009/apr/prison-reform-project-hosts-ramona-africa-move-hamline-law-school
Minneapolis:
Friday, April 24, 1-3pm:
Jules Boykoff, author of Beyond Bullets: The Suppression of Dissent in the United States (AK Press) speaks at the University of Minnesota
http://rnc8.org/2009/04/boykoff/
Minneapolis:
Wednesday, April 29, 7pm:
Defend the RNC 8! Meet the RNC 8, family and friends, plus watch videos about the case at the Univeristy of Minnesota, Coffman Union 324. Sponsored by Socialist Alternative and Friends of the RNC 8
Details coming soon at http://rnc8.org
Los Angeles:
Thursday, April 30, 7pm:
Cinebang! and KIWA present Terrorizing Dissent and a discussion about the RNC 8 case
http://rnc8.org/2009/04/los-angeles-event-tuesday-april-30/
Minneapolis:
Sunday, May 3, All Day:
Visit the RNC 8 Defense Committee and Community RNC Arrestee Support Structure at the annual May Day Festival and Parade at Powderhorn Park, Minneapolis
Next Scheduled RNC 8 Defense Committee Meeting:
Sunday, May 10, 4pm
Walker Church, 3104 16th Ave. S., Minneapolis
Next Scheduled Court Date:
Tuesday, May 26, 9am
Ramsey County Courthouse, 15 W. Kellogg Boulevard, St. Paul
More events? Send your info to info@rnc8.org.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Brighton, UK: Solidarity with EDO 2
In the night of 29 March 2009, the prison probation service building of Brighton was attacked with paintbombs and spraypaint signs "No War" & "EDO 2". The HSBC bank next door was also smashed windows.
Communique from Indymedia UK:
"In the night of 29 March 2009, the prison probation service building of Brighton was attacked with paintbombs and spraypaint signs "No War" & "EDO 2". The HSBC bank next door was also smashed windows.
These actions have been taken in solidarity with the 'EDO 2', Robert and Elijah, that are jailed in this period because they attacked the factory of arms EDO in Brighton (suppliers of the Israeli army). With these energies we wish to extend the fight against the objectives of the judicial and capitalist system. We can only attack one or two targets this time but the unique attacks they express always to us our rage against the total network of oppression.
Thus these energies are taken also in the solidarity and the collective effort with those that fight the NATO summit in Strasbourg and those that take the streets in London against the G20 this week.
Solidarity means attack - For a hot summer.
@"
Taken from infoshop.org
Communique from Indymedia UK:
"In the night of 29 March 2009, the prison probation service building of Brighton was attacked with paintbombs and spraypaint signs "No War" & "EDO 2". The HSBC bank next door was also smashed windows.
These actions have been taken in solidarity with the 'EDO 2', Robert and Elijah, that are jailed in this period because they attacked the factory of arms EDO in Brighton (suppliers of the Israeli army). With these energies we wish to extend the fight against the objectives of the judicial and capitalist system. We can only attack one or two targets this time but the unique attacks they express always to us our rage against the total network of oppression.
Thus these energies are taken also in the solidarity and the collective effort with those that fight the NATO summit in Strasbourg and those that take the streets in London against the G20 this week.
Solidarity means attack - For a hot summer.
@"
Taken from infoshop.org
Between the State and a Hard Place: Statement on David Mckay´s Plea
On March 17, 2009 David McKay plead guilty to possession of unregistered Molotov cocktails, charges stemming from his involvement in the protests against the Republican National Convention last September. Those of us following the case were shocked and saddened to learn of this development.
The State and, in particular, the FBI reached into their bag of dirty tricks to make examples of McKay and his co-defendant Brad Crowder. Between the State and a Hard Place: Statement on David McKay's Plea from the Austin Informant Working Group The Austin Informant Working Group is an ad hoc collective of interested and affected individuals that formed to do research and media and legal work around the exposure of an FBI informant in the Austin radical community. The group is also helping to uncover the lessons about community accountability and security that must be learned from this debacle. It is not a prisoner support group and does not speak for Brad Crowder or David McKay. On March 17, 2009 David McKay plead guilty to possession of unregistered Molotov cocktails, charges stemming from his involvement in the protests against the Republican National Convention last September. Those of us following the case were shocked and saddened to learn of this development. The State and, in particular, the FBI reached into their bag of dirty tricks to make examples of McKay and his co-defendant Brad Crowder. It is also apparent to us that if this had gone to trial again, the lies of the State's primary informant in the case, Brandon Darby, would have embarrassed the FBI and the prosecution. This would have ruined their case against David and called into question the reliability of informants in past and future litigation. This is the question the prosecution has feared all along. Before David’s first trial in January the prosecution filed a motion to change the definition of entrapment in the case. However the judge refused to overturn years of legal precedents for the mere convenience of the prosecution in this case. The first trial ended in a hung jury. We have reliable information indicating that it was hung 6-6, with the crucial issue being the question of entrapment. A couple weeks before the March 16 retrial, in another attempt to cover for their informant’s misconduct, the prosecution filed a motion to exclude information about Darby's violent tendencies and his history of using firearms in inappropriate situations. This motion also failed. During the intermission in proceedings, David’s defense compiled additional testimony that confirmed Darby’s history of problematic and manipulative behavior. Through grassroots appeals, reliable witnesses came out of the woodwork to attest to Darby's repeated incitements to violence, his disruptive behavior and promotion of illegal activities in every organization he infiltrated. As the case of the defense solidified, so escalated the prosecution’s intimidation of both David and Brad. The State was determined to prevent both the exposure of its misconduct in utilizing and supporting a violence-prone provocateur to entrap two young activists, and the precedent of being called out and held accountable for their repressive tactics. The State knew that Darby’s testimony was questionable, if not completely lacking credibility. The months since David and Brad’s arrest have been hard for both of them, their families and the community. Days before the trial, the prosecution subpoenaed Brad to testify. Brad had no interest in testifying against David. The State then threatened to add two years to Brad’s sentence if he failed to cooperate. The FBI has contacted and intimidated others, including potential defense witnesses, over the past few months in an attempt to disrupt David’s legal defense. It is likely that David did not want Brad, his close friend, to be forced to choose between testifying and enduring harsher sentencing. Neither did he want his family and loved ones to have to go through the turmoil of a second trial. David’s father has spent large amounts of money, bankrupting his business, to pay David’s legal fees. The State has never been above entrapping and manipulating activists. As many of us well know, radical movements have long been the targets of these tactics in an effort to criminalize and suppress our dissent. Based on our interactions with Brad, David and the unabashed snitch, Brandon Darby, and through a rigorous examination of the court and FBI documents that emerged during this case, we believe strongly that this is once again the situation. The Austin Informant Working Group concludes that there is much more to the story than any of us know. From what information we do have, we stand by the statements we have previously made about the entrapment of Brad and David. There are many reasons innocent people plead guilty, including intimidation, fear and exhaustion. The evidence suggests these factors, rather than the truth, controlled the outcome in this case. This battle has been a hard one. In the end, the State once again had more resources and time than those of us who stood in solidarity with the defendants. Rather than let this hinder our hopes and overwhelm our movements we must learn from this experience and stick together to build stronger and more just communities. We must also recognize our continued resistance, solidarity, and resilience in the face of the forces of misery as victories in and of themselves. We respectfully submit this statement as a Call to Action to all communities of conscience in support of the struggle against all forms of government repression, and in opposition to all the travesties (named and unnamed) carried out on a daily basis under the guise of the “criminal justice system”.
In solidarity,
Austin Informant Working Group
Texas.solidarity@gmail.com
This was taken from infoshop.org
The State and, in particular, the FBI reached into their bag of dirty tricks to make examples of McKay and his co-defendant Brad Crowder. Between the State and a Hard Place: Statement on David McKay's Plea from the Austin Informant Working Group The Austin Informant Working Group is an ad hoc collective of interested and affected individuals that formed to do research and media and legal work around the exposure of an FBI informant in the Austin radical community. The group is also helping to uncover the lessons about community accountability and security that must be learned from this debacle. It is not a prisoner support group and does not speak for Brad Crowder or David McKay. On March 17, 2009 David McKay plead guilty to possession of unregistered Molotov cocktails, charges stemming from his involvement in the protests against the Republican National Convention last September. Those of us following the case were shocked and saddened to learn of this development. The State and, in particular, the FBI reached into their bag of dirty tricks to make examples of McKay and his co-defendant Brad Crowder. It is also apparent to us that if this had gone to trial again, the lies of the State's primary informant in the case, Brandon Darby, would have embarrassed the FBI and the prosecution. This would have ruined their case against David and called into question the reliability of informants in past and future litigation. This is the question the prosecution has feared all along. Before David’s first trial in January the prosecution filed a motion to change the definition of entrapment in the case. However the judge refused to overturn years of legal precedents for the mere convenience of the prosecution in this case. The first trial ended in a hung jury. We have reliable information indicating that it was hung 6-6, with the crucial issue being the question of entrapment. A couple weeks before the March 16 retrial, in another attempt to cover for their informant’s misconduct, the prosecution filed a motion to exclude information about Darby's violent tendencies and his history of using firearms in inappropriate situations. This motion also failed. During the intermission in proceedings, David’s defense compiled additional testimony that confirmed Darby’s history of problematic and manipulative behavior. Through grassroots appeals, reliable witnesses came out of the woodwork to attest to Darby's repeated incitements to violence, his disruptive behavior and promotion of illegal activities in every organization he infiltrated. As the case of the defense solidified, so escalated the prosecution’s intimidation of both David and Brad. The State was determined to prevent both the exposure of its misconduct in utilizing and supporting a violence-prone provocateur to entrap two young activists, and the precedent of being called out and held accountable for their repressive tactics. The State knew that Darby’s testimony was questionable, if not completely lacking credibility. The months since David and Brad’s arrest have been hard for both of them, their families and the community. Days before the trial, the prosecution subpoenaed Brad to testify. Brad had no interest in testifying against David. The State then threatened to add two years to Brad’s sentence if he failed to cooperate. The FBI has contacted and intimidated others, including potential defense witnesses, over the past few months in an attempt to disrupt David’s legal defense. It is likely that David did not want Brad, his close friend, to be forced to choose between testifying and enduring harsher sentencing. Neither did he want his family and loved ones to have to go through the turmoil of a second trial. David’s father has spent large amounts of money, bankrupting his business, to pay David’s legal fees. The State has never been above entrapping and manipulating activists. As many of us well know, radical movements have long been the targets of these tactics in an effort to criminalize and suppress our dissent. Based on our interactions with Brad, David and the unabashed snitch, Brandon Darby, and through a rigorous examination of the court and FBI documents that emerged during this case, we believe strongly that this is once again the situation. The Austin Informant Working Group concludes that there is much more to the story than any of us know. From what information we do have, we stand by the statements we have previously made about the entrapment of Brad and David. There are many reasons innocent people plead guilty, including intimidation, fear and exhaustion. The evidence suggests these factors, rather than the truth, controlled the outcome in this case. This battle has been a hard one. In the end, the State once again had more resources and time than those of us who stood in solidarity with the defendants. Rather than let this hinder our hopes and overwhelm our movements we must learn from this experience and stick together to build stronger and more just communities. We must also recognize our continued resistance, solidarity, and resilience in the face of the forces of misery as victories in and of themselves. We respectfully submit this statement as a Call to Action to all communities of conscience in support of the struggle against all forms of government repression, and in opposition to all the travesties (named and unnamed) carried out on a daily basis under the guise of the “criminal justice system”.
In solidarity,
Austin Informant Working Group
Texas.solidarity@gmail.com
This was taken from infoshop.org
The Good Time Bill
March 2009
Dear family and friends,
Greetings from the"Communication Management Unit" (CMU) at USP Marion. I hope this letters finds you well and enjoying the springtime weather. Iam writing you today to let you know about a piece of federallegislation introduced in Congress recently that has the potential toreduce my sentence-and many federal prisoners' sentences-by increasingthe level of 'good time' credit we receive. This bill, H.R. #1475, alsoknown as the Federal Work Incentive Act of 2009, introduced byRepresentative Danny Davis (IL) has the potential to pass, given thedire economic situation and the Democrat-majority Congress. Nonetheless,this bill needs your support. I am requesting that you write aletter to your House Representative urging them to co-sponsor the billand vote for it when the time comes. (You can find out who your rep. is by typingyour address into the tool at www.house.gov or www.goodtimebill.info/takeaction.html). You can read the text of the bill, background information on the situationwith federal prisons today, talking points and sample letters on thenew website, www.goodtimebill.info This will be the only site you needto check for updates - feel free to contact them to get more involved atsupport@goodtimebill.info When writing your Representative onthis issue, it's OK to mention you know someone in federal prison butalso, raise issues of cost and overcrowding as well [e.g. federalprisons are 40% overcrowded, costs U.S. taxpayers 7.6 billion annuallyand over 3/4 of the prisoners are serving time for non-violentoffenses]. Currently, the population in federal prisons is 203,000 (andgrowing), parole was abolished 20 years ago and we serve about 85% ofour sentence. This bill can begin to remedy these issues and giveprisoners incentives for early release and good behavior. Youcan sign up to receive more information or join the 'Good Time Bill'Facebook group by visiting the above website. In the next couple ofmonths, we will be asking for you to follow your letter up with anemail and before a vote, a simple two minute phone call to your Rep'soffice urging a 'yes' vote. Please do your part in addressing a veryrelevant problem in our society by working to pass this bill - it has thepotential to reduce the sentence of the majority of the 203,000peoples' sentences and return us to society to live productive lives. Thankyou for your attention to this matter and for all the support. Be sureto check the www.goodtimebill.info website for more information,updates and more detailed information about the Good Time Bill.
With love from
Little Guantanamo,
Daniel McGowan #63794-053
USP Marion-CMU PO
Box 1000 Marion, IL
62959
Dear family and friends,
Greetings from the"Communication Management Unit" (CMU) at USP Marion. I hope this letters finds you well and enjoying the springtime weather. Iam writing you today to let you know about a piece of federallegislation introduced in Congress recently that has the potential toreduce my sentence-and many federal prisoners' sentences-by increasingthe level of 'good time' credit we receive. This bill, H.R. #1475, alsoknown as the Federal Work Incentive Act of 2009, introduced byRepresentative Danny Davis (IL) has the potential to pass, given thedire economic situation and the Democrat-majority Congress. Nonetheless,this bill needs your support. I am requesting that you write aletter to your House Representative urging them to co-sponsor the billand vote for it when the time comes. (You can find out who your rep. is by typingyour address into the tool at www.house.gov or www.goodtimebill.info/takeaction.html). You can read the text of the bill, background information on the situationwith federal prisons today, talking points and sample letters on thenew website, www.goodtimebill.info This will be the only site you needto check for updates - feel free to contact them to get more involved atsupport@goodtimebill.info When writing your Representative onthis issue, it's OK to mention you know someone in federal prison butalso, raise issues of cost and overcrowding as well [e.g. federalprisons are 40% overcrowded, costs U.S. taxpayers 7.6 billion annuallyand over 3/4 of the prisoners are serving time for non-violentoffenses]. Currently, the population in federal prisons is 203,000 (andgrowing), parole was abolished 20 years ago and we serve about 85% ofour sentence. This bill can begin to remedy these issues and giveprisoners incentives for early release and good behavior. Youcan sign up to receive more information or join the 'Good Time Bill'Facebook group by visiting the above website. In the next couple ofmonths, we will be asking for you to follow your letter up with anemail and before a vote, a simple two minute phone call to your Rep'soffice urging a 'yes' vote. Please do your part in addressing a veryrelevant problem in our society by working to pass this bill - it has thepotential to reduce the sentence of the majority of the 203,000peoples' sentences and return us to society to live productive lives. Thankyou for your attention to this matter and for all the support. Be sureto check the www.goodtimebill.info website for more information,updates and more detailed information about the Good Time Bill.
With love from
Little Guantanamo,
Daniel McGowan #63794-053
USP Marion-CMU PO
Box 1000 Marion, IL
62959
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Marie Has Been Transferred To A Federal Prison
We just received word that Marie has been transferred via plane by federal Marshals from Newaygo County Jail to FCI Waseca. This is a federal lowsecurity all women's prison about 75 miles south of Minneapolis, MN. We do not know at this time if Marie is just being held there forprocessing or if she will be held there long term.As many of you know Marie is a committed Vegan and obtaining Vegan foodduring her incarceration has been spotty at best. She relies heavily onher commissary to purchase items she needs to survive. You can finddetailed information on how to put funds in her federal commissary bychecking out the following linkhttp://www.bop.gov/inmate_programs/money.jsp .She was unable to take very little with her on the transfer likely nolonger has many friends and supporters contact information. Even if youhave done so recently, please write Marie a letter of support at the newaddress below.
Marie Mason
#04672-061
FCI WASECA FEDERAL CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION
P.O. BOX 1731
WASECA, MN
56093
Best,
Got Your Back Collective
POB 10371
Columbus, OH
43201
Marie Mason
#04672-061
FCI WASECA FEDERAL CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION
P.O. BOX 1731
WASECA, MN
56093
Best,
Got Your Back Collective
POB 10371
Columbus, OH
43201
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Feds seek to shield informant in retrial of RNC Case
Federal prosecutors want to limit what the defense can say about a government informant when accused bomb-maker David McKay goes on trial again this month.The government claims it would be "extremely prejudicial" to let McKay's attorney tell jurors that the informant had once advocated using arson to fight developers who were forcing low-income residents from their neighborhoods, according to a motion filed this week.The government also wants to ask prospective jurors if they have any concerns about the use of informants.McKay's retrial is scheduled to start March 16.Chief U.S. District Judge Michael Davis, who will preside over the retrial, declared a mistrial last month after a jury deadlocked on whether McKay, 23, of Austin, Texas, was guilty of making and possessing eight Molotov cocktails during last year's Republican National Convention in St. Paul.Defense attorney Jeffrey DeGree acknowledged that McKay and his former co-defendant, Bradley Neal Crowder, built the bombs, but his defense was that a government informant entrapped the men. McKay testified that he would never have built the devices had the informant not urged him to.Crowder, also 23, pleaded guilty to a felony count in a plea bargain and is awaiting sentencing. When he entered his guilty plea, he told Davis that he and McKay were the only ones responsible for the Molotov cocktails and that nobody influenced them to build them.Neither side called Crowder as a witness at McKay's trial.The government's informant was Brandon Darby, another Texan and a longtime activist and community organizer. Darby is perhaps best known for his relief work in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina. But he testified that he became a reluctant FBI informant after he became disenchanted with some members of the radical and anarchist community.Later, he said, federal agents asked him to infiltrate a group in Austin that McKay and Crowder belonged to. The group planned to attend the GOP convention, allegedly to cause disruptions.Darby was the government's key witness and he was also the man the defense tried hardest to discredit. He denied entrapping or influencing McKay to make the Molotov cocktails.During cross-examination, DeGree made much of the fact that Darby had once advocated using arson against middle- and upper-class buyers who restore run-down neighborhoods by displacing low-income residents, a practice known as gentrification.Darby acknowledged that in the past he had believed it was OK to resort to arson, although he said he didn't believe in it enough to ever do it himself.In the new government motion, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Paulsen asks Davis to prevent DeGree from referring to Darby's "alleged opinion regarding the appropriateness of using arson to combat gentrification.""In the first trial, it was established that these views were expressed years before Darby ever met defendant David McKay," Paulsen wrote. "There was no showing that McKay had any awareness that Darby had ever expressed such views. Accordingly, any such references should be prohibited in the retrial."Paulsen also wants to stop DeGree from referring to Darby's "alleged possession of a fully automatic firearm." Darby told jurors that when he went to New Orleans in the aftermath of Katrina, he took some of his guns, including a semiautomatic AK-47.He said the only modification he made to the weapon was to replace the wood handgrip with a plastic one. He denied defense claims that the weapon was fully automatic, meaning it would fire several rounds with a single squeeze of the trigger."Such references were made by defense counsel repeatedly in the first trial, but no evidence ever was produced in support of these references," Paulsen wrote. "As such, it appears that there is no good-faith basis for defense counsel to make such prejudicial references during the retrial."The government also submitted a list of proposed questions to be asked of prospective jurors to determine bias. Before the first trial, prosecutors submitted 10 questions, but the list submitted for retrial has an additional question: "Do any of you have concerns about the use of informants in criminal investigations?"The U.S. attorney's office declined to comment on the motions. DeGree did not immediately return a call for comment.
More from St. Paul Pioneer Press
More from St. Paul Pioneer Press
Monday, March 2, 2009
Environmentalist Receives Higher Prison Sentence than Al-Qaed Operative
An Al-Qaeda operative charged with creating a weapon of mass destructionhas received a lesser prison sentence than an environmentalist who setfire to an empty building.Christopher Paul, aka “Abdul Malek,” is an Ohio native who joined Al Qaedain the early 90s. According to the FBI, he:received training in “the use of assault rifles, rocket-propelledgrenades, and small unit tactics,” fought with the mujahedeen inAfghanistan,and returned to Ohio to recruit and establish a terrorist cell.He pleaded guilty to conspiring with others to use a weapon of massdestruction against Americans at home and abroad. His sentence: 20 years.By comparison, Marie Mason was sentenced to nearly 22 years in prison, asa “terrorist,” for property destruction in the name of defending theenvironment.Her sentence, for arson targeting genetic engineering at Michigan StateUniversity, was the most severe yet in what many are calling the “GreenScare.” Unfortunately, it is not an isolated incident. Jeffrey “Free”Luers was sentenced to 22 years and 8 months for setting fire to SUVs. AndEric McDavid was sentenced to 20 years for “conspiracy” to sabotage theNimbus dam, even though an FBI operative provided the group withbomb-making recipes; at times financed their transportation, food andhousing; strung along McDavid, who had the hopes of a romanticrelationship; and poked and prodded the group into action.The FBI has labeled the environmental and animal rights movements as the“number one domestic terrorism threat.” Groups like the Earth LiberationFront and Animal Liberation Front, and activists like Marie Mason, haveclearly broken the law in the name of defending the environment. But theyhave never used rocket-propelled grenades, never created weapons of massdestruction, and never harmed a single human being.This should concern everyone, regardless of how you feel aboutenvironmental issues or economic sabotage: Such skewed governmentpriorities are wasting valuable law enforcement resources targetingenvironmentalists while Al-Qaeda continues to place American lives atrisk.What kind of message do you think this sends, when environmentalists whotarget property are a greater national security threat than theorganization responsible for the most deadly act of terrorism in thehistory of the United States?
By Will Potter
greenisthenewred.com
By Will Potter
greenisthenewred.com
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