Newark, NJ – A protest against FBI repression of international solidarity and anti-war activists took place on Sept. 28 at the Federal Building on Broad Street in Newark, NJ. Between 15 and 20 people turned out, an encouraging number given the short notice and the absence of local media coverage of the Sept. 24 FBI raids.

Protesters circled in front of the building with homemade signs and chants made up on the spot, like “FBI we’re not afraid, we will stop your illegal raid,” and “Free speech is not a crime.” The old favorite, “They say get back, we say fight back!” was also heard. They demanded the grand jury proceedings against raid victims be stopped. The Sep. 27 resolution of the San Francisco Labor Council in support of the victims was distributed.

Police officers stood between the protest and the building, showing the way the government receives the people’s just demands. Literally thousands of rush-hour passersby saw the protest.

The rally was endorsed by the People’s Organization for Progress, the International Action Center, and Freedom Road Socialist Organization, all of which had members present. Other organizations present included Radical Women/Freedom Socialist Party and New York City Labor against the War. Community activists from Newark and nearby also came out. People had heard of the protest through progressive media, e-mail, and the internet. The broad, rapid, self-reliant, and unified people’s response to FBI repression showed the government has bitten off a much bigger mouthful in the 9/24 raids than it ever counted on.

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