New York, NY – A crowd of over 50 people gathered in front of the United Nations on Saturday, September 24 to rally in solidarity with Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who spoke at the UN a couple days before. The group was also protesting the U.S. sanctions against Zimbabwe, which they stated are illegal. Despite the sanctions, President Mnangagwa has started making progress toward ending poverty and hunger, as well as implementing various infrastructure projects to help build Zimbabwe and maintain independence from U.S. influence.

The action was called for by the December 12th Movement and included speakers from Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front, as well as other anti-imperialist movements standing up against the United States. All speakers emphasized the importance of independence for Zimbabwe and all African countries that have been colonized by Britain and subjected to U.S. imperialism. A small group of counter-protesters tried to disrupt the rally, but the crowd maintained focus and out-chanted the detractors.

After the rally, the crowd marched down the streets of New York, demanding U.S. hands off Zimbabwe.

#AntiwarMovement #InternationalSolidarity #antiimperialism #Zimbabwe #NewYorkCity #Africa

New York, NY – A crowd of over 50 people gathered in front of the United Nations on Saturday, September 24 to rally in solidarity with Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who spoke at the UN a couple days before. The group was also protesting the U.S. sanctions against Zimbabwe, which they stated are illegal. Despite the sanctions, President Mnangagwa has started making progress toward ending poverty and hunger, as well as implementing various infrastructure projects to help build Zimbabwe and maintain independence from U.S. influence.

The action was called for by the December 12th Movement and included speakers from Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front, as well as other anti-imperialist movements standing up against the United States. All speakers emphasized the importance of independence for Zimbabwe and all African countries that have been colonized by Britain and subjected to U.S. imperialism. A small group of counter-protesters tried to disrupt the rally, but the crowd maintained focus and out-chanted the detractors.

After the rally, the crowd marched down the streets of New York, demanding U.S. hands off Zimbabwe.

#AntiwarMovement #InternationalSolidarity #antiimperialism #Zimbabwe #NewYorkCity #Africa

New York City – Today, January 23, over 1400 dock workers and truck drivers at Hunts Point Produce Market ended their strike after six days of militant picketing. The tentative agreement was approved by 97% of the membership, with the largest wage increase in their history.

Known as the largest produce market in the world, the Bronx-based Hunts Point provides over 60% of the produce for New York City. As essential workers, the Teamsters at Hunts Point worked throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, barely earning enough money to afford the city's cost of living. They never received hazard pay from their employer. After nearly 40 years of labor peace, the members of Local 202 had enough when the company refused to budge on the union's demand for a dollar raise.

The strike was defined by its militancy and displays of solidarity. The Hunts Point workers covered the distribution complex with mass picketing, blocking the entrances and physically preventing trucks from entering. They were met by an aggressive force of NYPD officers, including mounted units, and several workers were arrested after 300 police officers in riot gear charged the picket line. When asked by reporters, Local 202 President Daniel Kane said, “It is outrageous that after being called essential heroes for months, several of our members were arrested while peacefully protesting for a raise.”

Despite the police attack, the militant picketing fundamentally harmed the profits of the employers and strengthened the union's position at the bargaining table. When a 21-car train arrived at the complex with tons of produce for distribution, striking workers immediately met with the locomotive engineer, a fellow Teamster, and informed him of their strike. Without hesitation, the train was turned around on the tracks and sent back to Ohio, costing the company dearly.

The Hunts Point strike became the focal point of class struggle for the city and the country, taking place as it did during the inauguration of Joe Biden and the country's debates over ‘where do we go’ in a post-COVID economy. The strike was visibly supported by Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who chose to be at the picket line rather than attend the inauguration ceremony in Washington, DC.

The strike also received the crucial support of Teamsters Joint Council 10, led by candidate for IBT General President Sean O'Brien, who was on the picket line the night of the tentative agreement. “This strike wouldn't have been successful if it wasn't for the courage and conviction that you all showed taking on this white-collar crime syndicate known as the employers,” O'Brien said to thunderous applause. “When you walk back in there on Monday, you make certain that your head is held high and that these employers understand they are just tenants in our house.”

#NewYorkCity #NY #PeoplesStruggles #Teamsters #Strikes #HuntsPointStrike #TeamstersLocal202

This rally, in particular, was called to bring attention to the injustices of New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) housing and to demand the firing of Officer Garcia. On May 2, footage was released that showed an incident of police brutality. Two individuals were targeted by the cops, namely Officer Garcia, because they weren’t social distancing. However, the footage shows them 6 feet apart and following state guidelines.

The speakers of the protest echoed the sentiments that we’ve been seeing for the last few days since the murder of George Floyd. The speakers also highlighted the horrific housing situations affecting New Yorkers, and how they largely affect Black and brown people.

One of the speakers said mentioned, “There are 400,000 NYCHA residents. About 2% of the residents caught COVID-19, which equals to about 8000 people. Of those 8000, 1241 died, which equals approximately to 19%, which is double the 8% death rate of the rest of New York.”

The crowd was loud and angry as they heard these statistics. They began chanting “Black lives matter” and “Hell no, we won’t go.” Off to the side was a sorry group of officers holding zip-ties at the ready.

The march began with the chant “NYPD suck my dick!” Bystanders, cars, bus drivers and shopkeepers cheered the march. The protesters made a right on Delancey and headed towards the Manhattan bridge, where countless NYPD cruisers began following them.

As the protesters crossed the Manhattan bridge, you could overhear some of them wonder of the oncoming curfew and then chants rang out “Fuck your curfew!”

The sentiment was echoed as earlier that day Governor Cuomo called for an 11 p.m. curfew that aims to curtail protesters for expressing their anger. This comes two days after Governor Cuomo said he’s on the side of the protesters.

As the curfew fast approached, protesters continued to gather, regardless of the violence promised by the NYPD.

There are countless of protests planned for the next few days and the NYPD, Mayor De Blasio, and Governor Cuomo should understand that a curfew will not deter the people.

#NewYorkCity #OppressedNationalities #PeoplesStruggles #AfricanAmerican #PoliceBrutality #NYPD #Antiracism #COVID19 #NewYorkCityHousingAuthorityNYCHA

New York, NY – Dozens of cars gathered in different boroughs of New York City on Friday May 1 in honor of May Day, or International Workers Day. Due to the city being on pause, protesters used a caravan to display signs and drive through different neighborhoods in the city, showing solidarity with workers and other oppressed groups. A special focus was put on COVID-19 and how workers, prisoners and immigrants lack protection from COVID-19.

The three contingents started in the Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens. Their demands included cancel the rents, hazard pay and PPE, free healthcare and COVID testing, free them all, close the camps, and a relief fund for immigrants. The cars passed by various hospitals, public housing, workplaces on strike (including Target and Whole Foods), and other locations to show solidarity with those most affected by the virus.

All of the contingents then met up in Manhattan and drove by Governor Andrew Cuomo’s office in protest of his policies not meeting the demands of the caravan, such as his refusal to cancel rent, not providing financial relief to undocumented people, and using prison labor to make hand sanitizer while they are especially vulnerable to catching the virus.

The caravan was organized and endorsed by a coalition of groups, including NYC May Day Actions for Our Lives, Laundry Workers Center, New York Community Action Project, People’s Power Assemblies, International League of People’s Struggle, and many others.

#NewYorkNY #PoorPeoplesMovements #MayDay #Healthcare #HousingStruggles #NewYorkCity #NewYorkCommunityActionProjectNYCAP

New York, NY – New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Thursday, April 16, that the city will cut $827 million from the department of education budget in the next fiscal year. These cuts to the NYC public schools will mean a hiring freeze, fewer counseling resources, the elimination of youth employment summer programs, and reductions in overtime, materials and training.

Mayor de Blasio claims that these cuts are necessary in order to address the current crisis we are facing as a result COVID-19. While the city absolutely needs to allocate significant funding and resources for healthcare, cuts to public school budgets are hardly the only way to do this. As a city with one of the highest concentrations of billionaires in the world, New York could easily solve its budget crisis by implementing higher taxes on the rich, who have been the least affected by COVID-19 due to their immense wealth and access to resources. Instead, the city is choosing to slash funding to public schools, directly affecting the many New Yorkers who cannot afford the steep costs of private school.

This decision reflects the same trend we see again and again under capitalism: when faced with a financial crisis, leaders like Mayor de Blasio will always put the interests of the rich first. Even though plenty of money exists in New York to keep funding schools at the current levels, de Blasio is acting like his hands are tied, because he would rather take away public funding than redistribute any of the money held by the rich.

#NewYorkNY #StudentMovement #Labor #OppressedNationalities #PublicSectorUnions #TeachersUnions #NewYorkCity #BillDeBlasio #NewYorkCityPublicSchools

New York, NY – As of April 14, the death toll from COVID-19 jumped by 3700, up to 10,000 in New York City. While the Bronx’s confirmed infection rate is in line with the city’s, the borough has the highest per-case fatality rate in NYC. There are various conditions that make the people of the Bronx especially vulnerable to the virus.

The Bronx is predominantly Black and Latino and has higher rates of poverty compared to the rest of the city. The poverty rate is at 28.4%, 10% higher than the citywide average, and makes up for 60% of the city’s low-income residents. One in four of the city’s 400,000 New York City Housing Authority residents live in the Bronx. This includes the many elderly people who are more susceptible to the coronavirus.

Many people have various medical issues that make them less immune to the coronavirus, especially in the South Bronx. Diabetes, asthma and hypertension are just some of the conditions linked with coronavirus complications. These illnesses can be linked to the fact that The Bronx is considered a food desert, where one in four residents are food insecure, and because pollution is rampant. The South Bronx neighborhood of Mott Haven, where 97% of the population is Black or Latino, has some of the worst air pollution in the country, contributing to the borough’s high rate of asthma.

Healthcare in the Bronx is also not adequately funded or supported. As a result, the hospitals in the Bronx are not fully equipped to handle the pandemic. On April 1, nurses with the New York State Nurses Association protested outside of Montefiore Hospital demanding N95 masks and other PPE. While temporary hospitals have been set up in Central Park and the Javits Center, the construction of a field hospital in Van Cortlandt Park is not expected to be completed for another three weeks. When Mayor Bill de Blasio visited Lincoln Hospital, the only public hospital in the South Bronx, he was met with protesters demanding coronavirus testing, because there are currently none available there.

While the city has recently approved to spend over $8 billion for four new jails, such money would be better spent on fixing the healthcare system and poverty that disproportionately affects the people of the Bronx. Until a new system – one that prioritizes healthcare and makes sure no one lives in poverty – is put into place, the Bronx will continue to bear the brunt of COVID-19 in the city.

#NewYorkNY #OppressedNationalities #US #Healthcare #AfricanAmerican #ChicanoLatino #PuertoRico #DonaldTrump #NewYorkCity #COVID19 #Bronx

We in the Committee to Stop FBI Repression NYC stand in solidarity with the NutriAsia workers, who are currently under attack by the Philippine National Police.

NutriAsia workers are facing unsafe conditions with temperatures reaching more than 40 degrees celsius (100 F) inside the bottling and packing stations, while the products are hotter than 95 degrees celsius (200 F); the safety gear and equipment are substandard and inadequate. Work-related accidents such as second-degree burns and bone fractures can lead victims to be fired, thus workers hide their injuries. 100 workers are regularly-employed but more than 1400 are contractual; the labor union is unrecognized and prohibited.

Organizers encourage people to boycott NutriAsia condiments, which are popular at Filipino dinner tables and households; these include UFC, Silver Swan, Datu Puti, Papa, Golden Fiesta, Jufran, Locally, and Mang Tomas brands, to be found in Asian supermarkets or stores here in New York. Joselito D. Campos Jr. is the owner of NutriAsia, the CEO of Del Monte Pacific, the son of UniLab founder Beatrice Campos, and his sister, Jocelyn, currently chairs UniLab; their family’s net worth is $650 million as of 2017.

NutriAsia employees work 12-16 hrs a day for just $7 (P380 per day); while the company earns $500,000 daily (P37 million) per product line, it pays just 5 minutes out of 12 hrs of work and only P3000 (< $60) as a Christmas bonus.

Workers have faced repression and violence in retaliation for exercising their right to picket against their own exploitation; at least nineteen protesters have been arrested in Marilao, Bulacan one week ago July 30th, with others going missing or unaccounted for, which include workers, youth leaders, journalists, and supporters. About 50 NutriAsia security guards and 20 PNP members violently attacked and injured hundreds in Marilao and Meycauayan.

As an organization that stands against political repression, we understand the importance of those who are oppressed to speak out. Our organization was started after the FBI raided and subpoenaed 23 anti-war and labor activists, and we are still defending current political organizers who are being repressed. Wherever there is push back against capitalism and US imperialism, there is repression of those who speak out, especially considering how much journalists are targeted.

It is no surprise that these actions have taken place under the Duterte government, in cooperation with the Trump administration. Duterte’s regime has been targeting, arresting, and murdering labor and human rights activists in the Philippines. All of this is funded by the US, because it is crucial for the imperialists to oppress workers both here and abroad.

The Committee to Stop FBI Repression NYC lends its support to the NutriAsia workers; we will continue to stand with workers and activists in the Philippines until they achieve liberation.

#NewYorkNY #NewYorkCity #AntiwarMovement #Labor #Philippines #Asia #WorkersAndGlobalization #strike #KilusangMayoUno #Nutriasia #CommitteeToStopFBIRepressionNYC

New York, NY – Several hundred gathered at Union Square on May 1 to celebrate International Workers Day. The event was one of several organized for the day and was put together by groups that are a part of the International League of People’s Struggles – North East.

The event was called “Shut it down: Strike to defend migrants, refugees and all workers” and started at noon at the south end of the park. The program consisted of speeches and cultural performers.

Speakers and performers stood in front of a large banner that declared “Strike!” in several different languages, as unions and worker centers, such as the Laundry Workers Center and B&H Photo workers, called for a one-day general strike.

Joe Catron, an organizer with Samidoun the Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network, read a statement of solidarity on behalf of the 1000 plus Palestinian prisoners currently on hunger strike.

Michela Martinazzi, an organizer with the Committee to Stop FBI Repression, spoke on political repression, stating, “We scored a victory in keeping Rasmea Odeh out of jail. It’s the people who must protect their own. From those arrested at Occupy, to J20 and Jacksonville, when the state attacks our own, we have to stand up to them. Together we fight and united we win!”

There were also speakers from different countries that highlighted how those countries were experiencing and fighting back against the brunt of U.S. imperialism and intervention, such as Venezuela, Puerto Rico and Korea.

At 2:30 p.m. the speeches stopped for one hour as different groups set up in different parts of the park for teach-ins on respective issues in our movement. The main program began again at 3:30 p.m.

Susan Sarandon, an actress and an outspoken progressive voice in Hollywood, made an unexpected appearance and gave a speech. She stated, “I’m a born and bred New Yorker and the reason I came here is because of the spirit and fuck you attitude,” she continued as the crowd cheered, “There have been infringements on people’s lives beyond the past eight years and just now people are noticing. It’s now more important than ever that we stand together and we demand that New York is a sanctuary city.”

Cultural performances included Palestinian Dabke Dancers, singers, spoken word and short skits. Each performance highlighted a particular culture or showcased parts of the movement.

Throughout the day, Alt-Right and Trump supporters attempted to tear down the event, but they were thwarted by security, comprised of event organizers. The NYPD arrested organizers and those trying to defend themselves.

The march began at approximately 5:30 p.m. even though there were a couple of speakers left on the program. The decision was made when security noticed that armed fascist forces had infiltrated the park and surrounded the area. As the march began, the NYPD arrested people on the front banner who took the streets.

Regardless of the heavy police and right-wing repression, the rest of the organizers took the lead and continued marching. Approximately 5000 people marched for three hours downtown chanting, singing and standing up for justice!

#NewYorkNewYork #Labor #MayDay #ILPS #InternationalLeagueOfPeoplesStruggle #NewYorkCity #MayDay2017 #UnionSquare

New York, NY -On Nov. 28, several dozen activists gathered at Zuccotti Park behind a Palestinian flag and a banner reading “Justice for Rasmea Odeh” to rally and march in solidarity with the Chicago Palestinian American leader.

Despite the news that her Detroit federal court hearing scheduled for Nov. 29 was canceled, organizers felt it was important to continue to demand justice for Rasmea Odeh and call out the unjust legal system.

The rally and march was called by The Committee to Stop FBI Repression and Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network.

Activists started out by chanting, “We want justice, you say how? Free Rasmea Odeh Now!” and “FBI get off our backs! We have had enough attacks!”

The march went from Zuccotti Park to Federal Plaza. Throughout the walk activists chanted, “Donald Trump let’s be clear – Rasmea is welcome here!”

Once at the Federal Plaza, endorsing groups gave speeches in support of Rasmea Odeh.

Nina Macapinlac from BAYAN USA Northeast spoke of the importance of international solidarity from Palestine to the Philippines. She mentioned how freedom fighters in the Philippines also face extreme government repression and said, “These trumped up charges don't exist because she [Rasmea] is an immigrant but because she fought for her the liberation of her homeland, Palestine!”

Bill Doars from the International League of People’s Struggle gave a powerful speech where he spoke about the U.S./Israel relationship. He talked about the continued struggle that we will be waging with this upcoming presidency by saying, “A new bigot in chief has been elected and this only means more repression for community organizers like Rasmea. Our fight continues on Jan. 20 where we take the streets against this oppressive state.”

Michela Martinazzi, from the Committee to Stop FBI Repression and Freedom Road Socialist Organization, closed the rally by saying, “The case has had its ups and downs from the beginning. ‘Democracy’ in this country is skewed to one side and justice is only for those that support U.S. imperialism. The only way Rasmea has gotten justice is because for every court date we packed the room, took the streets and demanded her justice. The fight doesn't end today, and it doesn't end on Jan. 20, but we'll keep raising hell until this goddamned state is torn down.”

The activists left in high spirits are will be ready to take the streets at the next step in Rasmea Odeh’s case.

#NewYorkNY #Palestine #PeoplesStruggles #Israel #politicalRepression #RasmeaOdeh #NewYorkCity

New York, NY – Attendees at regional conferences Feb. 19 in New York City and Chapel Hill, N.C., enthusiastically applauded anti-war and solidarity activists who have stood up to extreme intimidation and refused to testify before a Chicago grand jury. The meetings were part of growing support for 23 activists who have all taken the principled position that they will not appear before the grand jury.

The New York conference endorsed an action program that includes participating in national anti-war events in March and April, calling mass protests when activists are summoned to appear at grand jury sessions, and organizing emergency protests when indictments are handed down.

Two earlier regional conferences were held Feb. 12 in Oakland, Calif., and Chicago.

An original 14 subpoenas were issued last September after FBI raids on the homes of activists, mostly in Minneapolis-St. Paul and Chicago. Those subpoenas were vacated, but nine new ones were issued in December and three of the original 14 were issued second subpoenas. On Jan. 25 the newly subpoenaed people also refused to testify. The grand jury now must decide how to go on with its attack on the movement, which those affected believe will continue in one way or another.

Muslims also target of FBI

One session of the New York conference focused on the many other instances of state repression after passage of the Patriot Act. Most of those targeted have been Muslims victimized by provocateurs working with the FBI, who entrapped people into nothing more than questionable conversations. The state would then bring charges of “conspiracy,” since nothing was actually done. Hundreds of people have been convicted and sentenced to long prison terms.

Another important session included discussions by attorneys from the National Lawyers Guild, who provided strategy on what to do if the FBI knocks without having obtained warrants for arrest or search.

Speakers explained how someone subpoenaed but not charged with any alleged crime could still face jail time. The grand jury can offer immunity from prosecution based on a person’s testimony. When that happens, the person no longer has Fifth Amendment protection and cannot refuse to testify. The grand jury can then find those who refuse to testify to be in civil contempt and can imprison them, without any trial, for as long as the grand jury is sitting.

Both Feb. 19 conferences drew organizers from labor, the local communities, anti-war groups, political groups, civil rights and civil liberties organizations. More than 100 — including people from Alabama, Tennessee and Georgia — were present in Chapel Hill at the University of North Carolina School of Law, while some 250 attended the New York meeting, including people from upstate New York, Connecticut, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Three of those who had been subpoenaed were invited speakers at the New York conference: Sara Martin of Women Against Military Madness; Mick Kelly, editor of Fight Back! newspaper; and Hatem Abudayyeh, the executive director of the Arab American Action Network, a community-based organization in the Chicago area.

For more information, see www.stopfbi.net.

#NewYorkCity #NY #InJusticeSystem #CommitteeToStopFBIRepression #grandJury #stopfbinet #subpoenas #PoliticalRepression