Fight Back News Service is circulating the following statement made by Jess Sundin, of the Twin Cities based Anti-War Committee and the Committee to Stop FBI Repression, at a Jan. 12 press conference on FBI infiltration of the peace movement. Sundin is one of the original 14 activists who was issued a subpoena during the FBI raids of Sept. 24, 2010. She was also one of the principal organizers of the 30,000 strong anti-war march at the Republican National Convention in 2008.
Minneapolis, MN – At a press conference here, Jan. 12, Jess Sundin of the Twin Cites based Anti-War Committee (AWC) blasted police infiltration of the anti-war and international solidarity movement, stating, “We are here today to express outrage that our democratic rights have been violated by a government operation of spying, infiltration and disruption of our anti-war movement, which was carried out over the course of at least two and half years.”
Winona, MN – On Jan. 3, an FBI agent contacted Waziyatawin, a well-known Dakota activist and scholar. The agent from the FBI’s Mankato, Minnesota office wanted to question her about her beliefs and about the content of a speech she gave in Winona on Nov. 8, 2010. Waziyatawin said she declined to talk with the FBI agent about the presentation or her viewpoints and instead referred him to her attorney.
Lynne Stewart, a long-time progressive lawyer serving a ten-year prison sentence for allegedly helping terrorists, has been transferred from a New York City jail to the Carswell Federal Medical Facility near Fort Worth, Texas.
Chicago, IL -75 people entered the lobby of the Dirksen Federal Building here, Dec. 23, to make a statement to U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald and the FBI. They were there because four more anti-war and international solidarity activists have been subpoenaed to appear before a grand jury.
Fight Back News Service is circulating the following statement from Palestine solidarity activist Maureen Murphy. Murphy is the managing editor of the popular online publication, Electronic Intifada and she is also the co-chair of the Chicago Committee Against Political Repression, which has been leading work in Chicago to oppose FBI repression of anti-war and international solidarity activists. On Tuesday Dec. 21, Murphy received a subpoena from the FBI to appear before a federal grand jury.
Minneapolis, MN – Dozens of Twin Cities area anti-war, labor and social justice advocates gathered at the office of the Anti-War Committee, Dec. 21, to fill out paperwork for Freedom of Information Act requests, demanding that the FBI provide copies of files developed on their organizations and themselves.
Chicago, IL – The FBI came unannounced to knock on doors of apartments in here, Dec. 21. FBI agent Robert Parker, under orders from U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald’s office, delivered a subpoena to Maureen Murphy. Murphy, like several other individuals served subpoenas, is an organizer with the Palestine Solidarity Group-Chicago.
Minneapolis, MN – On Dec. 19 activists from the No More Deportations campaign brought their message to the New York Plaza shopping center on Lake Street in Minneapolis. In the Latino market, activists explained the campaign to weekend shoppers and signed up dozens of people on the petition to stop deportations in Hennepin County.
Minneapolis, MN – On Dec. 14, Juan and Maria, two workers from Chipotle Mexican Restaurant who are Mexican immigrants, spoke out at a press conference after being fired as part of a statewide immigration sweep. Over 20 other fired Chipotle workers stood by them as they told what has happened over the past week and presented their demands to Chipotle Mexican Restaurant and to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Washington D.C. – On Dec. 8 and 9, Tracy Molm was in the offices of Congress people and Senators in Washington. She was joined by a contingent of supporters, including Phyllis Walker, the president of American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 3800, Tracy’s employer.
One caller after another asked for the Duty Clerk at the U.S. Attorney’s office in Chicago, Dec. 9. The paralegal politely told a woman caller, “We’re getting all of these comments to Patrick Fitzgerald so that he knows where the people stand on this issue.”
Chicago, IL – More than 100 anti-war, labor and solidarity activists rallied and picketed here, Dec. 6. The emergency action was organized by the Chicago-based Committee Against Political Repression after the FBI delivered or declared its intention to give federal grand jury subpoenas to solidarity and anti-war activists in Chicago the week before.
Milwaukee, WI – On Dec. 3, the Milwaukee Activist Defense Network and Students for a Democratic Society held a protest in coordination with the national week of action to stop FBI repression. Students handed out fliers and passed a petition at the busiest intersection in Wisconsin to raise awareness of the FBI repression that is targeting activists around the country.
Dallas, TX – A group of Dallas peace activists held signs and passed out flyers outside the Earle Cabell Federal Building Dec. 3. to demand that the FBI end its harassment of peace and solidarity activists in the Midwest and cancel the grand jury now investigating those activists under the USA Patriot Act.
