Fight Back News Service is circulating the following call from the Committee to Stop FBI Repression.
Nadia Topete, immigrants' rights activist in Los Angeles, refused to testify in front of a grand jury. Because of this, she could be arrested and held in jail for an unknown period of time. The CSFR calls on all supporters to, on Monday, June 8, call into the offices of the US Attorney Bilal Essayli and Assistant US Attorney Michael Wheat, to say, “Hands Off Nadia!”
Minneapolis, MN – Under the early summer sun, about 50 people came together on a busy Minneapolis bridge for a double-headed rally addressing the domestic and international sides of the struggle for liberation. A combined bannering took place for two hours, spreading the message to passersby and drivers on Washington Avenue and Interstate 35W.
Salt Lake City, UT — On the afternoon of May 31, the Utah Anti-War Committee, along with the Freedom Road Socialist Organization held a workshop titled “Anti-War Organizing in the Face of Repression” at the University of Utah Union building. The workshop drew community members, students and organizers committed to defending the movement against escalating political repression. The event also raised funds for Rick Toledo, a student activist and educator who was fired from his teaching position at Cal Poly Humboldt University in retaliation for his participation in a pro-Palestine protest.
Fight Back News Service is circulating the following statement from the Committee to Stop FBI Repression.
On May 20, Nadia Topete was visited by two FBI agents and served a subpoena demanding that she testify in front of a grand jury on June 3. Even now, it is not known why she is being subpoenaed; all we know is that she is an immigrants rights activist and an outspoken political Chicana organizer. She refused to go and testify, the penalty to which can be prison time without a known end date. Topete is a hero who stood with the people and the movement at a potentially huge cost to herself and her freedom. We in the Committee to Stop FBI Repression say, “Hands Off!” and we will fight any attempt to jail her, tooth and nail.
Benton Harbor, MI – Community members are demanding the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department cut ties with ICE by ending participation in the federal 287(g) program.
Jacksonville, FL – Dozens gathered at Marion Park on Saturday, May 30, for “Popular Education in the Park.” Marion Park, located in Jacksonville’s historic Northside, served as the backdrop for an evening of community dialogue and connection as well as the kickoff for the Jacksonville Community Action Committee’s annual participatory budgeting drive.
Brooklyn, NY – Community members picketed the front entrance to the NYPD’s 71st Precinct, May 28, the third such recurring protest to demand Justice for the police murder of Eudes Pierre. The New York Alliance Against Racist & Political Repression (NYAARPR) organized this protest along with Pierre’s family to demand that the officers who murdered the 26-year-old Brooklyn resident be fired and charged with murder.
Fight Back News Service is circulating the following update from the Jacksonville Palestine Solidarity Network regarding the sentencing of pro-Palestine Jax activist, Conor Cauley.
Conor Cauley was sentenced to 60 days with time served, 3 years of probation, court fines, 150 community service hours and a stay away order from the same officer, Officer Aliaga Ruiz, who threw him over a row of chairs!
Jacksonville, FL – On May 29, Community members protested against the harsh sentencing of Conor Cauley and Leah Grady, vowing to continue the fight against their charges and demanding the release of Conor Cauley, who is currently being held in Duval County Jail as a political prisoner.
Despite heavy rainstorms, over 60 community members protested in front of the courthouse and, later, in front of the county jail under tents buckling and breaking from the weight of rainwater. This did not discourage attendees, who continued to chant and rally against the unjust treatment of anti-war organizers.
Seattle, WA – On May 25, George Floyd Day, a day for drawing attention to police brutality, the Seattle Alliance against Racist and Political Repression (SAARPR) led a rally and march through the streets of South Seattle to demand justice for Christian Nelson and Jack Paleli.
Chicago, IL – Survivors of police torture, family members and supporters of Johnny Plummer packed a Cook County Courtroom on Tuesday, May 26 to witness the cross examination of the former Chicago Police Department detective who Plummer says beat him into confessing to a murder he had nothing to do with.
Milwaukee, WI – On the evening of May 25, a few dozen community members in Milwaukee gathered to pay tribute to the 6th anniversary of George Floyd’s murder by Minneapolis police. The vigil was organized by the Milwaukee Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression.
Dallas, Texas- On May 25, the 6th anniversary of the murder of George Floyd, organizers in Dallas held a memorial vigil and rally to honor Floyd’s memory and all victims of police violence. The action was organized by the National Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression-Dallas.
Santa Ana, CA – 28 people, including residents of Coach Royal Mobile Home Park, families impacted by police killings, and members of Community Service Organization Orange County (CSO OC), flooded Santa Ana City Council on Tuesday, May 19.
Los Angeles, CA – On the morning of Wednesday, May 20, Nadia Topete, a Chicana organizer with Centro Community Service Organization (CSO), was served with a subpoena to appear June 3 in front of a grand jury.
Jacksonville, FL- A broad coalition, led by Jacksonville Palestine Solidarity Network (JPSN), rallied outside Duval County Jail on May 20 to condemn the guilty verdict against local organizer Conor Cauley, who now faces up to five years in prison.
Oakland, CA – On May 12, around 20 Oakland city workers, activists and community members mobilized to City Hall in support of civilians taking over the 38 administrative jobs currently occupied by the Oakland Police Department (OPD).
Washington, D.C. – On Sunday, May 17, community members, organizers and faith leaders gathered at Union Temple Baptist Church in Southeast Washington, DC for the Washington Interfaith Network’s (WIN) Candidate Forum ahead of the upcoming mayoral, city council and congressional primary elections this June.
Santa Ana, CA – En la mañana del 29 de abril, gritos de “¡Fuera Kingsley!” resonaron afuera de la sala donde se reunía la División de Estabilización de Alquileres (RSD, por sus siglas en inglés). Los residentes del parque de casas móviles Coach Royal, junto con miembros de la Organización de Servicio Comunitario del Condado de Orange (CSO OC), tuvieron una conferencia de prensa antes de una audiencia con la RSD. Desde hace años, los residentes han sufrido abusos y acoso por parte de Kingsley Management Corporation, los propietarios del parque.
Charleston, SC – On Wednesday, May 13, organizers with the Lowcountry Action Committee (LAC), a South Carolina branch of the National Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (NAARPR), gathered in support of members of the family of Walter Scott against the early release of former North Charleston Police Department Michael Slager.
