Chicago, IL – “Every day more cities are signing on to the call for the January 25 protests against the Grand Jury witch hunt that’s being directed against anti-war and international solidarity activists,” states Tom Burke of the Committee to Stop FBI Repression.
Minneapolis, MN – The Committee to Stop FBI Repression has issued a leaflet on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King and the struggle against political repression. Tom Burke, a spokesperson for the Committee to Stop FBI Repression urges activists to distribute the flyer at Martin Luther King Day events, stating, “Dr. King was a giant in the struggle for equality, peace and justice, and the FBI did its best to destroy him. Distributing this flyer at MLK Day events brings out an important message about the government’s continuing attempts to repress movements that are working for social justice.”
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 – The 19th annual People’s Thanksgiving, a fundraiser for Fight Back! newspaper, was held here Dec. 4. It was the largest ever, with over 200 in attendance, and raised an incredible $7000 for the defense of the 17 Midwest anti-war and solidarity activists under attack by the FBI.
_Local supporters join efforts of communities across the nation to fight the repressive subpoenas _
Minneapolis, MN – About 100 protesters came together outside U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar's office here, Dec. 2, in response to news that three Twin Cities anti-war and social justice activists will be getting new orders to appear before a federal Grand Jury in Chicago, Illinois. The orders to appear carry the possibility of the activists facing jail time for contempt if they refuse to participate in the politically-motivated Grand Jury proceedings. Those Grand Jury proceedings could put them and their political allies throughout the United States and in other countries at risk of further governmental harassment and violence.
_Chicago benefit to fight grand jury witch hunt big success _
Chicago, IL – Over 200 people danced and chanted, “Viva, viva, Palestina!” the night of Nov. 24 for the Hip Hop Defends Free Speech! Benefit. The fundraising show featured performers such as BBU, Scheme and I’Naru, an all woman group playing traditional, Puerto Rican Bomba music. The event was organized by Rebel Diaz portoluz, and the Chicago Committee Against Political Repression. It included remarks by Hatem Abudayyeh, one of the 14 people raided by the FBI and subpoenaed by the Grand Jury. Over $3,500 was raised for the defense fund.