_Activists “Will Not Participate in” Grand Jury _

Chicago, IL – Speaking at a rally of 350 supporters Jan. 25, Sarah Smith explained that being subpoenaed hasn't had the effect that U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald wanted. The crowd cheered when she said, “I'm not backing down. In fact, I've been made stronger by the support from all of you to be become more politically active.”

Kiev, Ukraine – 35 protesters gathered at the U.S. Embassy here, Jan. 25, to oppose the repression against anti-war and international solidarity activists in the United States. The demonstration coincided with the day that nine Palestine solidarity activists were called to appear in front of the Grand Jury in Chicago, Illinois.

Milwaukee, WI – Two dozen people protested outside the Federal Building here, joining the Jan. 25 National Day of Action called by the Committee to Stop FBI Repression. The protests coincide with the day that Chicago U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald called nine Palestine solitary activists to a grand jury that is aimed at anti-war and international solidarity organizers.

Asheville, NC – Despite freezing rain, 35 protesters gathered in front of the Asheville Federal Building here, Jan. 25, chanting, “Stop the witch hunts, stop the raids – we are here we are not afraid!” The protest was a part of the national day of action in solidarity with the nine newly subpoenaed activists who were called before a grand jury in Chicago.

Minneapolis, MN – Chanting, “From Minnesota to Palestine, solidarity is not a crime,” about 250 demonstrators gathered at the Federal Building here, Jan. 25, to protest FBI and Grand Jury repression that is being directed against anti-war and Palestine solidarity activists. Protesters were forced to jostle for standing and picketing room between high banks of ice and snow on the sidewalks and plaza.

Protests also planned at U.S. Embassies

Chicago, IL – “Announcements of additional cities joining the Jan. 25 protests are pouring in. We are going to send a clear message that we have a right to speak out and organize. International solidarity is not a crime,” says Tom Burke of the Committee to Stop FBI Repression. To date, actions are planned in 43 cities. A complete list of cites participating is available at Stopfbi.net.

Fight Back News Service is circulating the following statement from Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) urging students to join the Jan. 25 protests to stop the FBI and grand jury witch hunt directed against anti-war and international solidarity activists.

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.”

Chicago, IL – “Stop the subpoenas, stop the raids! We are here, we aren’t afraid!” On a chilly morning, Jan. 14, over 50 people gathered at the Federal Building in downtown Chicago to deliver a mock subpoena to U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald is in charge of the wave of FBI raids, harassment and subpoenas that began last September across the country. Since then, 23 people have been summoned to appear before a federal grand jury in Chicago and all have refused to participate in what is being called a political witch hunt.