Los Angeles, CA – A victory party celebrating the successful fight back against the political repression of Carlos Montes took place here, June 20, at the home of Julio and Inez Rodriguez. Eric Gardner, a member of the Committee to Stop FBI Repression, pointed out how this was a victory for the whole movement that is resisting political repression. The large turnout of family and supporters brought together a broad representation of the people’s movement in Los Angeles, including labor, anti-war and community activists.

Short solidarity statements at the event included one from Dr. Roberto Rodriguez, of Tucson, Arizona. He spoke on the link between the struggle for Chicano Studies and the fight to keep Carlos Montes free. Montes has been a longtime fighter for Chicano Studies and this most recent case of political repression began with his arrest at a Chicano student strike for Chicano studies at East L.A. College in 1969. The sheriffs and FBI used this past arrest to push trumped-up charges against Montes last year. Montes was targeted because of his outspoken opposition to U.S. wars and his militant defense of immigrant rights.

Other speakers at the victory party included Ulis Williams from the School of the Americans Watch, Kelly Flores from Union Del Barrio, John Parker of the International Action Center, rank-and-file members of SEIU 721, local teachers, Salvadoran activists like Maria Guardado, and Muffy Sundae from Radical Women. The program included music and poetry with el Congero Poeta, Julio Rodriguez and Maria Guardado. Members of BAYAN were also present.

Montes thanked everyone for their militant solidarity in the face of repression by the FBI and the L.A. sheriffs, including those who made calls, sent letters, marched and protested.

He invited all to participate at the next protests against U.S. war threats. He also encouraged people to join him at the march on the Republican National Convention, August 27, in Tampa, Florida.

The battle continues to defend the 23 other anti-war and international solidarity activists who are still under an FBI investigation for showing solidarity with the oppressed people of the world, especially the Palestinian and Colombian people.

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