“We have nothing to say to the grand jury”

Chicago, IL – During morning rush hour 100 people gathered at the Federal Center Plaza in Chicago in a show of solidarity for those targeted by the Sept. 24 FBI raids on anti-war activists in the Midwest. Chicago activists Joe Iosbaker and Stephanie Weiner, two among the 14 subpoenaed activists, announced their decision not to cooperate with the grand jury investigation.

Fight Back! News is circulating the following statement from the Committee to Stop FBI Repression, which formed following the FBI raids on anti-war and international solidarity activists on Sept 24. This statement was issued on Oct. 5, the date that the first grand jury proceedings were set to begin for some of the anti-war activists.

Washington DC – Over 175,000 people rallied here on Oct. 2 to demand jobs and income, the right to higher education, to defend civil rights and protest racism, and to oppose right-wing politics. The NAACP, SEIU, and AFL-CIO were among the main sponsors of the rally. Thousands of NAACP chapters, union locals, and progressive organizations all over the country worked together to mobilize the huge turnout for the demonstration, stressing the need for workers to unite.

Detroit, MI – As part of nationwide protest actions September 27 and 28, in Detroit today a broad array of activists and community members denounced the FBI raids and harassment against members of the Freedom Road Socialist Organization and Students for a Democratic Society at a protest rally at the McNamara Federal Building.

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.

Chicago, IL – 500 people picketed and chanted outside Chicago FBI Headquarters to protest the FBI raids, harassment, and intimidation of anti-war and solidarity activists, and to show support for the three Chicago activists targeted by the September 24 raids. Among the crowd were trade unionists, students, anti-war and Palestine solidarity activists, all outraged by the FBI raids. Stephanie Weiner and Joe Iosbaker, whose home was raided last Friday morning and are two of the twelve people handed subpoenas, were at the protest, joined by their son Tre.

Gainesville, FL – Approximately 30 people protested outside an FBI office in downtown Gainesville on Sept. 27. Activists held signs that said “Stop the FBI Raids!” and “End Political Repression”.

Minneapolis MN – On Monday September 27th, protests took place in cities across the country to protest the FBI raids carried out against anti-war activists. “From Colombia to Palestine, solidarity is not a crime”, chanted protesters in Minneapolis, where over 500 gathered at the FBI Headquarters to speak out against the FBI repression of organizers for social justice.

Milwaukee, WI – Students and community members held a rally in front of Milwaukee's Federal Building to protest the Sept. 24 FBI raids on anti-war activists in the Midwest and elsewhere in the United States.

Fight Back! News Service is circulating the following statement from the International Action Center .