Woodfox had been expected to be released to the custody of his niece who lives in a gated community outside New Orleans. That hope ended last month when Caldwell's prosecutor sent an e-mail from a private account to the community association warning that Woodfox was dangerous. Caldwell is unapologetic and says it's the defense attorney's own fault for not being upfront with neighbors.
But Woodfox's lawyer, Nick Trenticosta, sees it differently.
"What I think is absolutely appalling is the behavior of the attorney general," he said. "To go into a community and begin to foment hostility ... Any fair prosecutor could look at the facts of this case and say this man was wrongfully convicted. A prosecutor's duty is to seek justice, not revenge."
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Saturday, December 27, 2008
Georgia: 200 people, some armed, march against murder by police
Pumping fists and chanting "no justice, no peace," about 200 people marched through Cherry Tree Crossing housing development Monday in a demonstration against police brutality, led by shotgun-toting members of the New Black Panthers Party's Augusta chapter.
The march went off peacefully, but when it ended at the site where 23-year-old Justin "Jed" Elmore's SUV crashed after he was shot by deputies last week, officers in riot gear were waiting by a package store across 15th Street. Sheriff Ronnie Strength said Cherry Tree residents called the department complaining about Panthers members carrying guns.
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The march went off peacefully, but when it ended at the site where 23-year-old Justin "Jed" Elmore's SUV crashed after he was shot by deputies last week, officers in riot gear were waiting by a package store across 15th Street. Sheriff Ronnie Strength said Cherry Tree residents called the department complaining about Panthers members carrying guns.
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California: Inglewood officers continously kill unarmed suspects
Over the last six years, Inglewood police officers have repeatedly resorted to physical or deadly force against suspects who were unarmed or accused of minor offenses, a Times investigation found.
In the span of four months this year, Inglewood officers shot and killed four people, three of them unarmed. The Times' review of court documents, law enforcement records and interviews shows that the problem is not new.
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In the span of four months this year, Inglewood officers shot and killed four people, three of them unarmed. The Times' review of court documents, law enforcement records and interviews shows that the problem is not new.
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Monday, May 19, 2008
Minnesota: 3 native activists arrested during protests of state's anniversary
Three American Indian activists were taken into custody during a protest at a celebration of Minnesota's 150th birthday on the state Capitol Mall.
The protesters appeared about 10 or 15 minutes after the official ceremony began Sunday evening. A Capitol security supervisor says the demonstrators were repeatedly asked to quiet down but continued to beat a drum and chant loudly.
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The protesters appeared about 10 or 15 minutes after the official ceremony began Sunday evening. A Capitol security supervisor says the demonstrators were repeatedly asked to quiet down but continued to beat a drum and chant loudly.
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Oklahoma: 2 dead in prison rebellion
Two inmates were killed today in what authorities described as a possible riot.
Kevin Rowland, chief investigator for the state medical examiner's office, said two inmates were dead inside the Oklahoma State Reformatory at Granite.
"They said they've sent two more to the hospital and were working on another one there" at the prison, Rowland said.
"You could tell there was chaos in the background," he said at 1:30 p.m.
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Kevin Rowland, chief investigator for the state medical examiner's office, said two inmates were dead inside the Oklahoma State Reformatory at Granite.
"They said they've sent two more to the hospital and were working on another one there" at the prison, Rowland said.
"You could tell there was chaos in the background," he said at 1:30 p.m.
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FBI actively soliciting more informants for anarchist/earth liberation cases
Following is a statement from a person known to EWOK! (Earth Warriors are OK!, formerly the Twin Cities Eco-Prisoner Support Committee). This person was approached by the local JTTF and offered the possibility of being a paid informant.
The individual has rejected the offer and now has an NLG lawyer. His statement should both inspire us for his refusal to cooperate, and remind us that he is probably not the only person solicited by the government in such a way and, unfortunately, we have to assume that some people will cooperate.
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The individual has rejected the offer and now has an NLG lawyer. His statement should both inspire us for his refusal to cooperate, and remind us that he is probably not the only person solicited by the government in such a way and, unfortunately, we have to assume that some people will cooperate.
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Take action to help parole Robert "Seth" Hayes
Robert “Seth” Hayes is a U.S. political prisoner and former member of
the Black Panther Party who has been imprisoned in New York state for
more than three decades. When Seth was convicted in 1974, his sentence
was 25 years to life. The implicit understanding at the time of his
sentencing was that Seth would serve 25 years as a minimum, after which time he would be eligible for release based on his record and conduct in prison.
In June of 2008, Seth will be going before the parole board for the
fourth time. At each of Seth’s previous parole hearings, he was denied
release.
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the Black Panther Party who has been imprisoned in New York state for
more than three decades. When Seth was convicted in 1974, his sentence
was 25 years to life. The implicit understanding at the time of his
sentencing was that Seth would serve 25 years as a minimum, after which time he would be eligible for release based on his record and conduct in prison.
In June of 2008, Seth will be going before the parole board for the
fourth time. At each of Seth’s previous parole hearings, he was denied
release.
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Eric McDavid's new address
Eric was moved to a new cell at the Sacramento County Jail. Please write to him at the below, updated address:
McDavid, Eric x-2972521 7E113
Sacramento County Main Jail
651 "I" Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
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McDavid, Eric x-2972521 7E113
Sacramento County Main Jail
651 "I" Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
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Rod Coronado reports for prison sentence
It has been 4 days since Rod left me and our 5 year old last Monday in a hotel in Phoenix. It was 3 am. That morning at about 2:15am, Rod got up, began sifting through photos of our kids, trying almost desperately to organize those last minute details that have seemed less urgent until you realize there really is no more time before you have to go…. and “there” is a place that is a vacuum of emotion, warmth, humaneness. He was on his way to catch a flight to Oklahoma; he had to surrender himself to El Reno FCI by noon that day.
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ICE to build new family detention facilities for undocumented peoples
The federal government is accepting bids for up to three new family detention centers that would house as many as 600 men, women and children fighting deportation cases.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement issued a call for proposals last month and set June 16 as the deadline. New facilities are being considered on both coasts and on the Southwestern border. The agency calls for minimum-security residential facilities that would provide a "least restrictive, nonsecure setting" and provide schooling for children, recreational activities and access to religious services.
Family detention has been condemned by human rights groups and immigrant rights organizations as punitive and unnecessary. But immigration authorities said it ensures that immigrants show up for their court hearings and leave the country when ordered deported.
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Immigration and Customs Enforcement issued a call for proposals last month and set June 16 as the deadline. New facilities are being considered on both coasts and on the Southwestern border. The agency calls for minimum-security residential facilities that would provide a "least restrictive, nonsecure setting" and provide schooling for children, recreational activities and access to religious services.
Family detention has been condemned by human rights groups and immigrant rights organizations as punitive and unnecessary. But immigration authorities said it ensures that immigrants show up for their court hearings and leave the country when ordered deported.
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Philadelphia: 4 cops to be fired for beating of suspects
The Philadelphia police commissioner has decided to fire four officers and discipline four others over the videotaped beating of three shooting suspects.
Commissioner Charles Ramsey says the decision was made after a detailed review of the enhanced videotape. Some officers kicked and beat the suspects, who had been pulled from a car during a traffic stop two weeks ago as a TV helicopter taped the confrontation.
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Commissioner Charles Ramsey says the decision was made after a detailed review of the enhanced videotape. Some officers kicked and beat the suspects, who had been pulled from a car during a traffic stop two weeks ago as a TV helicopter taped the confrontation.
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Thursday, May 8, 2008
Eric McDavid sentenced to twenty years in prison!
Eric McDavid, who went on the road to learn what was beyond his middle class, suburban Sacramento upbringing and returned a prisoner, was sentenced Thursday to 19 years and seven months in prison.
At the conclusion of a lengthy hearing before a crowded courtroom, U.S. District Judge Morrison C. England Jr. found McDavid's plan to "disrupt government and commercial installations" overrides his lack of a criminal history and a reputation among family and friends as "a peaceful individual."
England denied defense lawyer Mark Reichel's request for bail pending appeal. Reichel had earlier told the judge, "Mr. McDavid and I plan to pursue his appeal vigorously."
In an extremely unusual move, deputy U.S. marshals allowed McDavid's traumatized and tearful mother, father and two sisters to hug him before he was taken away.
Source and full story
At the conclusion of a lengthy hearing before a crowded courtroom, U.S. District Judge Morrison C. England Jr. found McDavid's plan to "disrupt government and commercial installations" overrides his lack of a criminal history and a reputation among family and friends as "a peaceful individual."
England denied defense lawyer Mark Reichel's request for bail pending appeal. Reichel had earlier told the judge, "Mr. McDavid and I plan to pursue his appeal vigorously."
In an extremely unusual move, deputy U.S. marshals allowed McDavid's traumatized and tearful mother, father and two sisters to hug him before he was taken away.
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Missouri: Police taser man to death
A former girlfriend of an Alton man who died this week after being shocked by a police Taser in Missouri said she is determined to raise their daughter knowing about her father.
She also said Thursday that she will fight for justice in the death of James S. Wilson, 22, of Brown Street, in behalf of their toddler daughter and also so other families won't have to endure the same painful loss.
"He will pay for what he did," Keosha DeBruce, 23, of Alton, said about the St. Charles County (Mo.) sheriff's deputy who used the Taser to shock Wilson. "He took a life that meant something to somebody. He took a life that meant something. The St. Charles (County) cop took something away from me and my daughter. I want justice. I will get justice for James; it's what James would have wanted."
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She also said Thursday that she will fight for justice in the death of James S. Wilson, 22, of Brown Street, in behalf of their toddler daughter and also so other families won't have to endure the same painful loss.
"He will pay for what he did," Keosha DeBruce, 23, of Alton, said about the St. Charles County (Mo.) sheriff's deputy who used the Taser to shock Wilson. "He took a life that meant something to somebody. He took a life that meant something. The St. Charles (County) cop took something away from me and my daughter. I want justice. I will get justice for James; it's what James would have wanted."
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Michigan: Prisoners tried for prison riot
Two inmates have been acquitted of the most serious charges against them after a disturbance at an Upper Peninsula prison camp two years ago.
Jerry Johnson and James Woods were found not guilty Tuesday of assault with intent to murder a corrections officer and assault with a dangerous weapon.
But they were convicted of assaulting corrections officer Albert Basso, who was stabbed, and assisting a riot at Camp Ojibway in Marenisco.
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Jerry Johnson and James Woods were found not guilty Tuesday of assault with intent to murder a corrections officer and assault with a dangerous weapon.
But they were convicted of assaulting corrections officer Albert Basso, who was stabbed, and assisting a riot at Camp Ojibway in Marenisco.
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Eric McDavid's Sentencing is today, prosecution seeking 20 years!
Eric McDavid, the Foresthill man portrayed as an eco-terrorist by the government and "a kind and gentle soul" by his lawyer and family, is due to be sentenced Thursday in Sacramento federal court.
McDavid, 30, was found guilty by a jury in September of conspiring with two others to damage and destroy by fire and an explosive a U.S. Forest Service genetics laboratory in Placerville, the Nimbus Dam and neighboring fish hatchery in Rancho Cordova, and private facilities used in interstate commerce.
Prosecutors are seeking the maximum 20-year sentence while defense attorney Mark Reichel is asking U.S. District Judge Morrison C. England Jr. for a five-year sentence.
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McDavid, 30, was found guilty by a jury in September of conspiring with two others to damage and destroy by fire and an explosive a U.S. Forest Service genetics laboratory in Placerville, the Nimbus Dam and neighboring fish hatchery in Rancho Cordova, and private facilities used in interstate commerce.
Prosecutors are seeking the maximum 20-year sentence while defense attorney Mark Reichel is asking U.S. District Judge Morrison C. England Jr. for a five-year sentence.
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Philadelphia: Police under scrutiny after beating of suspects
A police sergeant and five officers were pulled from street duty Wednesday as city officials investigated television footage showing officers kicking and punching three suspects.
More than a dozen officers were involved, but Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey said investigators were having the videotape enhanced to help determine how many were actually striking the suspects.
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More than a dozen officers were involved, but Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey said investigators were having the videotape enhanced to help determine how many were actually striking the suspects.
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216 arrested at protests against Sean Bell murder
Two hundred sixteen people were arrested during pray-ins protesting the acquittals of three police detectives in the shooting of Sean Bell. The NY Times called the demonstrations "carefully orchestrated," as hundreds of (perhaps a thousand) people gathered at six different locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn, blocking traffic and attracting arrest.
The Reverend Al Sharpton, Bell's fiancee Nicole Paultre Bell, and Bell's two friends who were with him the night he was fatally shot, Joseph Guzman and Trent Benefield, were all arrested at the Brooklyn Bridge protest. The Daily News reported a police lieutenant yelling to Sharpton and others, when they were attempting to march across the bridge, "you are unlawfully obstructing vehicular traffic...I order you to leave the roadway now."
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The Reverend Al Sharpton, Bell's fiancee Nicole Paultre Bell, and Bell's two friends who were with him the night he was fatally shot, Joseph Guzman and Trent Benefield, were all arrested at the Brooklyn Bridge protest. The Daily News reported a police lieutenant yelling to Sharpton and others, when they were attempting to march across the bridge, "you are unlawfully obstructing vehicular traffic...I order you to leave the roadway now."
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Tuesday, May 6, 2008
San Francisco: 63 people swept up in immigration raids
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents on Friday stormed 11 El
Balazo restaurants around the Bay Area, arresting 63 illegal immigrants -
and drawing the outrage of immigration advocates who had marched the
previous day to call for the legalization of undocumented workers.
The raids began at 10:30 Friday morning in San Francisco, San Ramon,
Lafayette, Concord, Pleasanton and Danville and involved 62 people from
Mexico and one from Guatemala.
Virginia Kice, spokeswoman for the immigration agency, called the arrests "a
targeted enforcement action" that is part of a continuing criminal
investigation she couldn't discuss further.
Immigration officials photographed, fingerprinted and interviewed all of
those arrested. Ten women and one man were quickly released on humanitarian
grounds, including pregnancy and medical concerns, pending future
immigration proceedings, Kice said.
Source and full story
Balazo restaurants around the Bay Area, arresting 63 illegal immigrants -
and drawing the outrage of immigration advocates who had marched the
previous day to call for the legalization of undocumented workers.
The raids began at 10:30 Friday morning in San Francisco, San Ramon,
Lafayette, Concord, Pleasanton and Danville and involved 62 people from
Mexico and one from Guatemala.
Virginia Kice, spokeswoman for the immigration agency, called the arrests "a
targeted enforcement action" that is part of a continuing criminal
investigation she couldn't discuss further.
Immigration officials photographed, fingerprinted and interviewed all of
those arrested. Ten women and one man were quickly released on humanitarian
grounds, including pregnancy and medical concerns, pending future
immigration proceedings, Kice said.
Source and full story
Maryland: Activist home raided by police
Monday, May 5th, Montgomery County Police, seemingly under the command of a detective from the DC police(MPD), raided my home in Maryland while I was not present, seeking to steal any and all electronic devices capable of storing audio or video.
At the same time, in Washington, DC, I was ambushed and searched by physical force by five cops(three park cops backing two MPD cops, and including a detective from "intelligence", Matthew Shinton. They asked questions which I did not answer. They also stole electronic devices from my pack by force. I was not shown any search warrant. It is highly unlikely that anything on these devices will prove a threat to anyone, but others possessing flash drives, etc are urged make sure the same is true of their devices.
The raid lasted from sometime in the morning until about 4PM, maybe later, and caused considerable damage, rendering my sleeping quarters uninhabitable.
Source and full story
At the same time, in Washington, DC, I was ambushed and searched by physical force by five cops(three park cops backing two MPD cops, and including a detective from "intelligence", Matthew Shinton. They asked questions which I did not answer. They also stole electronic devices from my pack by force. I was not shown any search warrant. It is highly unlikely that anything on these devices will prove a threat to anyone, but others possessing flash drives, etc are urged make sure the same is true of their devices.
The raid lasted from sometime in the morning until about 4PM, maybe later, and caused considerable damage, rendering my sleeping quarters uninhabitable.
Source and full story
Ohio: 4 arrested during commemoration of Kent State Massacre
Kent police arrested four protesters who were part of a group of about 200 who blocked the West Main Street bridge for about an hour late Sunday afternoon.
The group was taking part in a scheduled march from Kent State University into the town as part of the May 4 commemoration of the campus shootings of protesters 38 years ago.
Police said members of the Kent State University Anti-War Committee and the Portage Community Peace Coalition occupied and blocked the bridge for about an hour.
The four people who were arrested about 4:35 p.m. were released after they were charged with failure to comply with police orders to clear the road, police said.
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The group was taking part in a scheduled march from Kent State University into the town as part of the May 4 commemoration of the campus shootings of protesters 38 years ago.
Police said members of the Kent State University Anti-War Committee and the Portage Community Peace Coalition occupied and blocked the bridge for about an hour.
The four people who were arrested about 4:35 p.m. were released after they were charged with failure to comply with police orders to clear the road, police said.
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Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Utah: 16 animal liberation organizers arrested
On Sunday April 27, 2008, 16 animal activists held an outreach protest at the neighborhood of two University of Utah primate vivisectors to educate the neighborhood about the atrocities occurring at the University of Utah animal resource center. When activists showed up - they discovered that the University of Utah had hired 24 hour security for the homes of some of its personnel - surely with a hefty price tag!
Activists were well-aware that the city had recently adopted an anti-speech ordinance requiring activists to remain off of public property near a 'targeted residence' during a 'targeted residential protest' - so they tailored their protest with that in mind. Rather than do a targeted picket, activists continually marched around the neighborhood - never remaining stationary - to educate the general neighborhood about the barbaric treatment of animals at the U of U facilities. The march also had no targeted residence - no names were ever even mentioned as being associated with the cruelty inside labs.
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Activists were well-aware that the city had recently adopted an anti-speech ordinance requiring activists to remain off of public property near a 'targeted residence' during a 'targeted residential protest' - so they tailored their protest with that in mind. Rather than do a targeted picket, activists continually marched around the neighborhood - never remaining stationary - to educate the general neighborhood about the barbaric treatment of animals at the U of U facilities. The march also had no targeted residence - no names were ever even mentioned as being associated with the cruelty inside labs.
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Kansas City: Six arrested during Immigration protest
A peaceful protest led to several arrests in downtown Kansas City, where dozens of Catholic workers chanted for immigration policy changes outside the federal building.
It was a cause some cared so much about, they were willing to sacrifice their freedom. Six Catholic workers were arrested outside the building when officers told them to move off the property and they didn’t budge.
"We can't just simply let this go by and continue to get worse silently," Louis Rodemann said.
The protesters were concerned about policies they say ruin families through deportation.
"Once they're deported it's very hard for them to get back," Brad Grabs said.
Some sacrifices immigrants make, the protesters said, are far greater than the ones made today by the six who were arrested.
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It was a cause some cared so much about, they were willing to sacrifice their freedom. Six Catholic workers were arrested outside the building when officers told them to move off the property and they didn’t budge.
"We can't just simply let this go by and continue to get worse silently," Louis Rodemann said.
The protesters were concerned about policies they say ruin families through deportation.
"Once they're deported it's very hard for them to get back," Brad Grabs said.
Some sacrifices immigrants make, the protesters said, are far greater than the ones made today by the six who were arrested.
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After 8 weeks, political prisoner Sami Al-Arian ends hunger striker
Sami Al-Arian ended his hunger strike Friday morning when he took nutritious liquids for the first time in 60 days. Later that day, the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a Virginia judge's ruling finding Al-Arian, 49, in contempt of court for refusing to testify in a federal investigation of several Islamic charities suspected of aiding terrorist organizations.
It marked the first time that the former USF engineering professor had consumed anything other than water during a hunger strike which left him 50 pounds lighter, unable to walk and constantly trembling, said his wife, Nahla.
"We felt so relieved," said Nahla. "He told us that he did it for us, to end our worry. He said he stopped eating for us and he started eating for us."
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It marked the first time that the former USF engineering professor had consumed anything other than water during a hunger strike which left him 50 pounds lighter, unable to walk and constantly trembling, said his wife, Nahla.
"We felt so relieved," said Nahla. "He told us that he did it for us, to end our worry. He said he stopped eating for us and he started eating for us."
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Louisiana: State to hold hearings into handling of Angola 3 case
Rep. Cedric Richmond, Chairman of the Louisiana House Judiciary Committee, will hold a press conference tomorrow at 12:30 pm to announce hearings into the cases of Herman Wallace and Albert Woodfox, two men who continue to be held in Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola but who maintain that they are innocent. Wallace and Woodfox, two of the “Angola Three,” spent 36 years in solitary confinement following the murder of prison guard Brent Miller in 1972. The hearings will investigate allegations that prosecutorial misconduct and corruption were behind the 1974 conviction.
Rep. Richmond’s decision to initiate hearings arose from conversations with US Representative John Conyers, Chair of the US House Judiciary Committee, as well as a letter he received from Teenie Verrett, the widow of Brent Miller, and petitions from approximately 25,000 members of ColorofChange.org, a racial justice organization, urging Governor Bobby Jindal to investigate the case. Richmond will discuss his decision to investigate and what he hopes the hearings will accomplish.
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Rep. Richmond’s decision to initiate hearings arose from conversations with US Representative John Conyers, Chair of the US House Judiciary Committee, as well as a letter he received from Teenie Verrett, the widow of Brent Miller, and petitions from approximately 25,000 members of ColorofChange.org, a racial justice organization, urging Governor Bobby Jindal to investigate the case. Richmond will discuss his decision to investigate and what he hopes the hearings will accomplish.
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Solidarity Statement from Leonard Peltier to Mumia Abu Jamal
To Mumia Abu-Jamal -- my brother in this Struggle; and your family, friends, and supporters.
I offer you my warmest greetings. How appropriate, after so many years, that I now send you word from a cage housed in the very same state as yours.
Perhaps it is destiny that we would find ourselves incarcerated so near, under similar circumstance, by similar forces, using similar excuses, for a similar love of our people.
Perhaps it is destiny that we arrived at a similar truth -- that we had to stand in opposition to a similar oppression.
Perhaps it was destiny that we were unable to stand idly by with similar brutality all around us, and similar violence thrust upon us, as the only means to survive.
Given the choice of lying down to die or standing up to live, we chose to live. Standing up and living is our only crime in this, the land of the free and home of the brave. Our dream is still alive, and as hunger striker Bobby Sands once said, you can lock up the dreamer but you cannot place chains around an idea.
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I offer you my warmest greetings. How appropriate, after so many years, that I now send you word from a cage housed in the very same state as yours.
Perhaps it is destiny that we would find ourselves incarcerated so near, under similar circumstance, by similar forces, using similar excuses, for a similar love of our people.
Perhaps it is destiny that we arrived at a similar truth -- that we had to stand in opposition to a similar oppression.
Perhaps it was destiny that we were unable to stand idly by with similar brutality all around us, and similar violence thrust upon us, as the only means to survive.
Given the choice of lying down to die or standing up to live, we chose to live. Standing up and living is our only crime in this, the land of the free and home of the brave. Our dream is still alive, and as hunger striker Bobby Sands once said, you can lock up the dreamer but you cannot place chains around an idea.
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New blog dedicated to South Dakota Native Resistance
For more updates about what's going on in the Ihanktowan/Yankton Souix resistance in South Dakota:
http://ihanktowansolidarity.blogspot.com/
http://ihanktowansolidarity.blogspot.com/
North Carolina: Suspect killed by police after tasering during traffic stop
The man who was Maced and stunned with a Taser by Greensboro police during a traffic stop last Tuesday died Sunday at Moses Cone Hospital.
Police said Paul Thompson ate an unidentified drug before Greensboro police pulled his vehicle over on Interstate 85 near Rehobeth Church Road and was Maced and stunned with a Taser after he struggled with the officer.
EMS units then arrived and transported Thompson to Moses Cone Hospital, where he initially was in a coma.
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Police said Paul Thompson ate an unidentified drug before Greensboro police pulled his vehicle over on Interstate 85 near Rehobeth Church Road and was Maced and stunned with a Taser after he struggled with the officer.
EMS units then arrived and transported Thompson to Moses Cone Hospital, where he initially was in a coma.
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California: Two in-custody deaths at hands of police in one week
A mentally ill man died Sunday after earlier collapsing in Richmond police custody, the department's second in-custody death in a week.
Alan Arce, 51, stopped breathing about 3:30 a.m. Friday after a patrol officer handcuffed him on the lawn of a care facility in the 4200 block of Ohio Avenue. Police and paramedics performed CPR en route to a hospital, where Arce lingered on life support for two days.
"He was in front of the house, on the front lawn. The officer tried to calm him down, but he started to run," Detective Sgt. Lee Hendricsen said. "The officer grabbed him by the shirt, and he fell, but not hard."
Arce fell on the grass, and the officer told investigators that he did not hit his head. The officer rolled Arce on to his stomach and handcuffed him behind his back, police said. Then he stopped breathing.
Internal affairs and the Contra Costa district attorney's office each launched probes of the incident, as they did three days earlier after another mentally ill man died in an April 22 fight with Richmond police.
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Alan Arce, 51, stopped breathing about 3:30 a.m. Friday after a patrol officer handcuffed him on the lawn of a care facility in the 4200 block of Ohio Avenue. Police and paramedics performed CPR en route to a hospital, where Arce lingered on life support for two days.
"He was in front of the house, on the front lawn. The officer tried to calm him down, but he started to run," Detective Sgt. Lee Hendricsen said. "The officer grabbed him by the shirt, and he fell, but not hard."
Arce fell on the grass, and the officer told investigators that he did not hit his head. The officer rolled Arce on to his stomach and handcuffed him behind his back, police said. Then he stopped breathing.
Internal affairs and the Contra Costa district attorney's office each launched probes of the incident, as they did three days earlier after another mentally ill man died in an April 22 fight with Richmond police.
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Tennessee: Police kill man while in custody
A Jackson man died in a Milan hospital early Sunday after being arrested and later transported there by police, officials confirmed on Monday.
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The mother of Jermaine Ward, 28, and a friend who was arrested with him on Monday said they think the arrests were a form of harassment by police and that police caused Ward's death.
''He was in perfect health, worked out in the gym and for him to all of a sudden wind up dead doesn't add up,'' said Ward's mother, Carolyn Nesbitt.
Friend Angalena Choat agreed.
"I think that boy shouldn't be dead right now," Choat said. "I think that they (police) abused their authority."
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The mother of Jermaine Ward, 28, and a friend who was arrested with him on Monday said they think the arrests were a form of harassment by police and that police caused Ward's death.
''He was in perfect health, worked out in the gym and for him to all of a sudden wind up dead doesn't add up,'' said Ward's mother, Carolyn Nesbitt.
Friend Angalena Choat agreed.
"I think that boy shouldn't be dead right now," Choat said. "I think that they (police) abused their authority."
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Mississippi: Work is now a felony for the undocumented
On March 17, Mississippi Governor Hayley Barbour signed into law the farthest-reaching employer sanctions law of any on the books in the U.S. Employer sanctions is a shorthand name for laws that prohibit employers from hiring immigrants who don't have legal immigration status in the U.S. That provision was part of the Immigration Reform and Control Act, passed by Congress in 1986, which for the first time in U.S. history required employers to verify the immigration status of employees.
The Mississippi bill, SB 2988, requires employers to use an electronic system to verify immigration status, called E-Verify. That system has only recently been developed by the Department of Homeland Security, and by the department's own admission, is not a complete record. Its accuracy is unknown, but by comparison, the Social Security database of U.S. workers, compiled since the 1930s, contains millions of errors.
The Mississippi bill goes much further, however. Employers are absolved from any liability for hiring undocumented workers so long as they use the E-Verify system. But it will become a felony for an undocumented worker to hold a job. Anyone caught "shall be subject to imprisonment in the custody of the Department of Corrections for not less than one (1) year nor more than five (5) years, a fine of not less than one thousand dollars ($1000) nor more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000) or both." Anyone charged with the crime of working without papers will not be eligible for bail. The law is set to become effective for large employers on July 1.
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The Mississippi bill, SB 2988, requires employers to use an electronic system to verify immigration status, called E-Verify. That system has only recently been developed by the Department of Homeland Security, and by the department's own admission, is not a complete record. Its accuracy is unknown, but by comparison, the Social Security database of U.S. workers, compiled since the 1930s, contains millions of errors.
The Mississippi bill goes much further, however. Employers are absolved from any liability for hiring undocumented workers so long as they use the E-Verify system. But it will become a felony for an undocumented worker to hold a job. Anyone caught "shall be subject to imprisonment in the custody of the Department of Corrections for not less than one (1) year nor more than five (5) years, a fine of not less than one thousand dollars ($1000) nor more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000) or both." Anyone charged with the crime of working without papers will not be eligible for bail. The law is set to become effective for large employers on July 1.
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Binghamton, NY: Anti-war protesters will not face judicial charges from school administration
Students arrested in the Vestal Parkway protest will not have to face judicial charges from the University, after a meeting between students, administrators and the Graduate Student Organization last week settled the matter through a discussion.
Last Thursday, the students involved in the Vestal Parkway protest incident met with a number of BU officials to discuss perspectives and the possibility of avoiding further action. Among those in attendance at the meeting were GSO President Wazir Mohamed, Student Association President David Bass, Associate Vice President and Dean of Students Lloyd Howe and Vice President for Student Affairs Brian Rose.
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Last Thursday, the students involved in the Vestal Parkway protest incident met with a number of BU officials to discuss perspectives and the possibility of avoiding further action. Among those in attendance at the meeting were GSO President Wazir Mohamed, Student Association President David Bass, Associate Vice President and Dean of Students Lloyd Howe and Vice President for Student Affairs Brian Rose.
Source and full story
Canada: Tense standoff continues in Ontario
Monday, April 28, 2008: After a tense exchange this morning, in which the OPP informed Mohawk spokesperson Jason Maracle to get people out of the area or they would come in, the OPP instead disbanded a Mohawk roadblock erected on the perimetre of the reclaimed quarry site. This psychological warfare on the part of the police resulted in a tense face-off between the OPP and community members. At present, the OPP has removed one of the roadblocks on the Slash Road and pulled back, but remains present in the direct vicinity of the quarry in great numbers. At the centre of the dispute is the Culbertson Tract, land which rightfully belongs to the Mohawks of Tyendinaga. Community members have been occupying a gravel quarry site for over a year.
In addition, a blockade of Highway 6, taken in support of the Tyendinaga Mohawks, continues by people of the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory. Six Nations community members have said they will remove the Highway 6 bypass blockade once they receive confirmation the OPP have withdrawn from the Mohawks of Tyendinaga. The road is now barricaded with a downed hydro tower, wires and a telephone pole.
Important to note is that, despite the reporting in mainstream press, Mohawk spokesperson Shawn Brant's arrest on Friday, April 25th stems from an incident which took place on Monday April 21st. Specifically, Shawn Brant has been charged for his role in allegedly preventing further attacks on a woman from Tyendinaga and a young child by racist rednecks from the town of Deseronto.
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In addition, a blockade of Highway 6, taken in support of the Tyendinaga Mohawks, continues by people of the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory. Six Nations community members have said they will remove the Highway 6 bypass blockade once they receive confirmation the OPP have withdrawn from the Mohawks of Tyendinaga. The road is now barricaded with a downed hydro tower, wires and a telephone pole.
Important to note is that, despite the reporting in mainstream press, Mohawk spokesperson Shawn Brant's arrest on Friday, April 25th stems from an incident which took place on Monday April 21st. Specifically, Shawn Brant has been charged for his role in allegedly preventing further attacks on a woman from Tyendinaga and a young child by racist rednecks from the town of Deseronto.
Source and full story
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Canada: Four Mohawks charged with assault on OPP
Today, four people appeared for remand court in Napanee to respond to charges in relation to confrontations with Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers on April 25, 2008, on Deseronto Road.
At approximately 1:45 pm yesterday, OPP officers arrested Shawn Brant on charges in relation to an assault that occurred on April 21, 2008. After the arrest, an OPP vehicle window was smashed and an officer assaulted. At 4:00 pm, suspects wanted in relation to protests that had occurred in Deseronto on April 21 and 22, 2008 attended the area of Deseronto Road, north of Bridge Street. Officers attempted to arrest suspects who resisted with the assistance of other persons.
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At approximately 1:45 pm yesterday, OPP officers arrested Shawn Brant on charges in relation to an assault that occurred on April 21, 2008. After the arrest, an OPP vehicle window was smashed and an officer assaulted. At 4:00 pm, suspects wanted in relation to protests that had occurred in Deseronto on April 21 and 22, 2008 attended the area of Deseronto Road, north of Bridge Street. Officers attempted to arrest suspects who resisted with the assistance of other persons.
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Canada: OPP surrounds Mohawks
URGENT CALL: FRIDAY APRIL 25TH 2008- MOHAWKS OF TYENDINAGA UNDER ONTARIO PROVINCIALPOLICE SIEGE - SHAWN BRANT ARRESTED ON FAKE WEAPONS CHARGES ON CULBERTSON TRACT - OPP CRUISERS AND VANS SURROUND – 20 DOWN BY TRAIN TRACTS ON DESERONTO ROAD AND BRIDGE ST.
MNN. At 2:45 pm. today, Friday, April 25th, 2008, Shawn Brant was arrested for an incident that happened on Monday on Slash Road. He was attacked by Deseronto citizens who were trying to run our blockades. He had no weapons whatsoever. The OPP are trying to make Shawn out to be the leader there. He is not.
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MNN. At 2:45 pm. today, Friday, April 25th, 2008, Shawn Brant was arrested for an incident that happened on Monday on Slash Road. He was attacked by Deseronto citizens who were trying to run our blockades. He had no weapons whatsoever. The OPP are trying to make Shawn out to be the leader there. He is not.
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Massachusetts: Springfield Police to wear black uniforms to "inspire fear"
The city's new police commissioner, William Fitchet, says members of the department's Street Crime Unit will again don black, military-style uniforms as part of his strategy to deal with youth violence.
Fitchet's predecessor, Edward Flynn, had ditched the black attire as part of an effort to soften the image of the unit. Flynn left Springfield in January to become the police chief in Milwaukee.
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Fitchet's predecessor, Edward Flynn, had ditched the black attire as part of an effort to soften the image of the unit. Flynn left Springfield in January to become the police chief in Milwaukee.
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Friday, April 25, 2008
Update from Marty, South Dakota
I am Oitancan Zephier, a former police officer of the Yankton Sioux Tribe, combat veteran of Afghanistan and a father. Last week I quit my job when the protests started over the building of a hogfarm by a corporation on private land surrounded by tribal lands. I quit because the Bureau of Indian Affairs will not help us. They stand and watch us get tossed in jail. The filth of the pigs will effect every part of our indian people here.
There is a headstart school 2 miles away from the hog farm. There is a kindergarten through 12th grade school 4 miles away. There is a day care a couple miles away from the site. It is a prejudice act granted by the state of South Dakota to these pigfarm owners. We need your help. If this is completed they will assume jurisdiction of all that surrounds them. The already began taking our tribal road, which we have intensely fought for 2 weeks now.
I have been thrown in jail while on our indian land by a state officer. That is wrong! I am begging you for your help. If you can, please publish the cry for help below in any way you can.
Contact me if you can help; or please forward this on to anyone who can help us.
----------------------------------------------------------
People! We need your help! Come to Marty, SD now! Help us fight the
Longview Farms Hogfarm and the State of South Dakota.
We need the help of every nation that is willing to help us! Don't wait for an invitation. Please! Come help us now! We're too busy with things here to think of everyone that can help us.
We have our hands full with whats in front of us. Call us. Make suggestions. Give us advice! Whatever it is, help us! We need bodies.
We need people! people! people! We need people willing to fight! We need people willing to go to jail by a state officer on indian land!
Doesn't that seem wrong to you? I went to jail while standing on a tribal highway by a South Dakota state deputy, while the Bureau of Indian Affairs watched.
That's what is happening! It is wrong! We need money for bail. Many more of our indian people will be going to jail.
If we don't fight this, Indian people will continue to lose land. Next time it will be your people. Remember when a cry for help came out what "reason" or "excuse" you gave.
You'll get it right back when you need help. The system keeps us locked in place. It keeps us working, paying bills and plugged into society.
In that mindset we're all robots programmed to do what the government wants us to do pay taxes! Give them money! "I gotta feed my family," you're thinking.
I know it. I was too but overcame it. Tunkasina (the grandfather) knows that our fight is right and honorable. Better things will follow for us.
This is really not about a hog farm! This is about the racist state of south dakota moving in the middle of Indian country and saying, "This is our road!"
Tomorrow it will be "this is our land!" We need to fight! We need your help!
Oi Zephier
Ihanktonwan Dakota
Yankton Sioux Tribe
Marty, SD 57361
Zephiero@hotmail.com
(605) 454-8355 (Cell)
There is a headstart school 2 miles away from the hog farm. There is a kindergarten through 12th grade school 4 miles away. There is a day care a couple miles away from the site. It is a prejudice act granted by the state of South Dakota to these pigfarm owners. We need your help. If this is completed they will assume jurisdiction of all that surrounds them. The already began taking our tribal road, which we have intensely fought for 2 weeks now.
I have been thrown in jail while on our indian land by a state officer. That is wrong! I am begging you for your help. If you can, please publish the cry for help below in any way you can.
Contact me if you can help; or please forward this on to anyone who can help us.
----------------------------------------------------------
People! We need your help! Come to Marty, SD now! Help us fight the
Longview Farms Hogfarm and the State of South Dakota.
We need the help of every nation that is willing to help us! Don't wait for an invitation. Please! Come help us now! We're too busy with things here to think of everyone that can help us.
We have our hands full with whats in front of us. Call us. Make suggestions. Give us advice! Whatever it is, help us! We need bodies.
We need people! people! people! We need people willing to fight! We need people willing to go to jail by a state officer on indian land!
Doesn't that seem wrong to you? I went to jail while standing on a tribal highway by a South Dakota state deputy, while the Bureau of Indian Affairs watched.
That's what is happening! It is wrong! We need money for bail. Many more of our indian people will be going to jail.
If we don't fight this, Indian people will continue to lose land. Next time it will be your people. Remember when a cry for help came out what "reason" or "excuse" you gave.
You'll get it right back when you need help. The system keeps us locked in place. It keeps us working, paying bills and plugged into society.
In that mindset we're all robots programmed to do what the government wants us to do pay taxes! Give them money! "I gotta feed my family," you're thinking.
I know it. I was too but overcame it. Tunkasina (the grandfather) knows that our fight is right and honorable. Better things will follow for us.
This is really not about a hog farm! This is about the racist state of south dakota moving in the middle of Indian country and saying, "This is our road!"
Tomorrow it will be "this is our land!" We need to fight! We need your help!
Oi Zephier
Ihanktonwan Dakota
Yankton Sioux Tribe
Marty, SD 57361
(605) 454-8355 (Cell)
NYC: Police officers who murdered Sean Bell acquitted
A judge in New York has acquitted three police officers who shot dead an unarmed man hours before his wedding.
Sean Bell, 23, who was black, was shot as he left a strip club in the suburb of Queens in November 2006.
Two detectives, Michael Oliver and Gescard Isnora, faced charges of manslaughter. A third, Marc Cooper, had been accused of reckless endangerment.
The case had generated accusations of police racism and brutality, and there were angry protests outside the court.
Bell's fiancee, Nicole Paultre Bell, walked out of the packed courtroom as soon as Supreme Court Justice Arthur Cooperman cleared the three officers of all charges.
Source and full story
Sean Bell, 23, who was black, was shot as he left a strip club in the suburb of Queens in November 2006.
Two detectives, Michael Oliver and Gescard Isnora, faced charges of manslaughter. A third, Marc Cooper, had been accused of reckless endangerment.
The case had generated accusations of police racism and brutality, and there were angry protests outside the court.
Bell's fiancee, Nicole Paultre Bell, walked out of the packed courtroom as soon as Supreme Court Justice Arthur Cooperman cleared the three officers of all charges.
Source and full story
Kentucky: Police officer "accidentally" draws pistol instead of taser
Nicholasville Police report a officer accidentally shot a man while trying to break up a domestic disturbance. A written statement from Nicholasville Police says Lieutenant Bill Jones thought he was drawing his taser but instead drew and firedhis sidearm. A man was wounded and taken to the UK Hospital for treatment. The man's name and condition not being released.
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Source and full story
Ohio: Police taser, kill man
A hospital spokesman said a man has died five days after he was subdued outside a bar near Miami University by a police officer using a stunning device.
University Hospital spokesman Don Crouse said 24-year-old Kevin Piskura of Chicago died shortly after 5 p.m. Thursday at the Cincinnati hospital.
Police said Oxford Officer Geoff Robinson used the device early Saturday morning as he tried to break up a fight. Police said Piskura argued with police after a friend was escorted from a bar.
Piskura was heard screaming as police shocked him outside the Brick Street restaurant.
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University Hospital spokesman Don Crouse said 24-year-old Kevin Piskura of Chicago died shortly after 5 p.m. Thursday at the Cincinnati hospital.
Police said Oxford Officer Geoff Robinson used the device early Saturday morning as he tried to break up a fight. Police said Piskura argued with police after a friend was escorted from a bar.
Piskura was heard screaming as police shocked him outside the Brick Street restaurant.
Source and full story
NYC: The Police State comes to the subway; If you thought the police presence was bad now, just wait
The NYPD is pulling out all the stops to beef up safety of the subways. On Thursday it launched a new anti-terror effort called "Operation Torch," but the cost of the program is raising some eyebrows.
The NYPD's new firepower consists of cops with Mp5 submachine guns, rifles, body armor and bomb-sniffing dogs.
Starting Thursday, five or six teams a day will patrol the major transit hubs in the city in the new program, all thanks to a 50 percent increase in a Homeland Security grant.
"Times Square, Grand Central, Penn Station … the locations you would expect, but not only those locations. The assignments will vary and will be following no discernible pattern," NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly said.
Source and full story
The NYPD's new firepower consists of cops with Mp5 submachine guns, rifles, body armor and bomb-sniffing dogs.
Starting Thursday, five or six teams a day will patrol the major transit hubs in the city in the new program, all thanks to a 50 percent increase in a Homeland Security grant.
"Times Square, Grand Central, Penn Station … the locations you would expect, but not only those locations. The assignments will vary and will be following no discernible pattern," NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly said.
Source and full story
Thursday, April 24, 2008
California: Prison rebellion of undocumented people at Mira Loma
The incident started between rival gang members, classified as illegal immigrants waiting to be deported.
The fight spread to the detention center's outdoor yard, and hundreds took part in the brawl, and authorities say they had to be subdued with tear gas.
A sheriff's spokesman says it was diffused within minutes.
Ten detainees were treated for injuries.
Source and full story
The fight spread to the detention center's outdoor yard, and hundreds took part in the brawl, and authorities say they had to be subdued with tear gas.
A sheriff's spokesman says it was diffused within minutes.
Ten detainees were treated for injuries.
Source and full story
Olympia: Three more charged in connection to "Evergreen Riot"
Three more people have been charged with first-degree malicious mischief and riot in connection with the Feb. 15 riot that resulted in a sheriff’s patrol car being overturned and looted at The Evergreen State College during a hip-hop concert.
Evergreen spokesman Jason Wettstein said two of the three people arrested were Evergreen students.
Those charged are Kelly Primeaux, 21, as well as Evergreen students Justin Killing, 19, and Christina Shimizu, 22. All are charged with first-degree malicious mischief, a Class B felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine; and riot, a gross misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a $5,000 fine.
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Evergreen spokesman Jason Wettstein said two of the three people arrested were Evergreen students.
Those charged are Kelly Primeaux, 21, as well as Evergreen students Justin Killing, 19, and Christina Shimizu, 22. All are charged with first-degree malicious mischief, a Class B felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine; and riot, a gross misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a $5,000 fine.
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Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Colorado: 2 killed after Guards allow Nazis and black prisoners to mingle during racist celebrations of Hitler's Birthday
Officials at the U.S. Penitentiary in Florence allowed white-supremacist inmates to mingle on the same recreation yard with black inmates on Adolf Hitler's birthday with deadly results.
Two inmates — one black and one white — were shot to death by guards Sunday after authorities say they ignored commands and numerous warning shots to stop their fighting.
Given the date, a "holy day" to white supremacists, according to an expert on hate crimes, race-based conflict was predictable — particularly considering the popularity of white-supremacist gangs in U.S. prisons.
"I'm not an expert in keeping prisons calm, but it certainly does seem like a dangerous business to allow groups of white-supremacist criminals to congregate on Hitler's birthday," said Mark Potok of the Southern Poverty Law Center, which tracks hate groups. "The truth is, it is an iconic day in the white-supremacist calendar."
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Two inmates — one black and one white — were shot to death by guards Sunday after authorities say they ignored commands and numerous warning shots to stop their fighting.
Given the date, a "holy day" to white supremacists, according to an expert on hate crimes, race-based conflict was predictable — particularly considering the popularity of white-supremacist gangs in U.S. prisons.
"I'm not an expert in keeping prisons calm, but it certainly does seem like a dangerous business to allow groups of white-supremacist criminals to congregate on Hitler's birthday," said Mark Potok of the Southern Poverty Law Center, which tracks hate groups. "The truth is, it is an iconic day in the white-supremacist calendar."
Source and full story
Midwest Greenscare: Marie Mason update, April 23
Marie Mason was arrested and charged with ELF activities in Michigan dating back almost a decade. As many of you already know Marie has since been released on an unsecured bond and has been under house arrest for over a month now awaiting trial. Marie's attorney petitioned the court to serve her house arrest in her own community of Cincinnati, Ohio, where her young daughter, close friends, animal companions, and support crew are located. The court denied her request citing she "did not have sufficient property interests in Cincinnati." She has since been required to serve her house arrest in the western district of Michigan.
While house arrest is no where near as bad as incarceration it still has its own bag of stresses and hardships. We are encouraging folks to continue to send Marie letters of support. House arrest does not have any silly jail rules like what type of ink or paper you use so get creative. Letters, Photos, Art, videos, collages, vegan baked goods and vegan recipes are all welcome. Email letters of support are also welcome and can be sent to freemarie@riseup.net and will be forwarded to Marie.
Source and full story
While house arrest is no where near as bad as incarceration it still has its own bag of stresses and hardships. We are encouraging folks to continue to send Marie letters of support. House arrest does not have any silly jail rules like what type of ink or paper you use so get creative. Letters, Photos, Art, videos, collages, vegan baked goods and vegan recipes are all welcome. Email letters of support are also welcome and can be sent to freemarie@riseup.net and will be forwarded to Marie.
Source and full story
Milwaukee: Hmong community protests police violence against community member
More than 100 members of the Hmong community protested at Milwaukee City Hall Tuesday. They’re demanding an apology from the police chief, and a thorough investigation into the case of a Hmong man who claims an officer beat him.
Protesters carried signs bearing a photograph of the bloodied, battered face of Koua Moua. The 40-year-old machinist claims he was beaten by Officer Kelly Parker, after he stopped Moua on suspicion of drunk driving in February. Moua was treated for his injuries and charged with resisting an officer.
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Protesters carried signs bearing a photograph of the bloodied, battered face of Koua Moua. The 40-year-old machinist claims he was beaten by Officer Kelly Parker, after he stopped Moua on suspicion of drunk driving in February. Moua was treated for his injuries and charged with resisting an officer.
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Canada: OPP threatens force against native blockade, blockade disassembled
Native protesters who orchestrated a blockade of a major portion of this town earlier this week dispersed Tuesday morning when confronted by a phalanx of OPP officers.
As well, the developer who sparked the incident pledged Tuesday to stay away from developing any portion of lands involved in the native claim known as the Culbertson Tract.
Shortly before 10 a.m., almost 200 officers from area detachments and led by the OPP's Public Order Unit approached the native demonstration set up along Old Highway 2 at the eastern boundary of Deseronto. Police "advised those present at the road closure site to leave or be subjected to arrest and criminal charges," said OPP Const. Jackie Perry.
After a short verbal exchange, the protesters decided to fold up their banners and de-camp to the nearby quarry where they have been holed up for a year.
Source and full story
As well, the developer who sparked the incident pledged Tuesday to stay away from developing any portion of lands involved in the native claim known as the Culbertson Tract.
Shortly before 10 a.m., almost 200 officers from area detachments and led by the OPP's Public Order Unit approached the native demonstration set up along Old Highway 2 at the eastern boundary of Deseronto. Police "advised those present at the road closure site to leave or be subjected to arrest and criminal charges," said OPP Const. Jackie Perry.
After a short verbal exchange, the protesters decided to fold up their banners and de-camp to the nearby quarry where they have been holed up for a year.
Source and full story
South Dakota: Tribal leaders blame law enforcement for escalating tension during hog farm protests
The vice chairman of the Yankton Sioux Tribe blames county and state law officers for escalating tension at the site of a protest over a hog farm being built west of Wagner.
"We're trying to remain peaceful and here they are antagonizing our people," John Stone said of the Tuesday morning arrests of 15-20 protesters for disorderly conduct.
A big truck carrying construction materials approached, and some protesters refused to get off the asphalt road past the site.
Seven cars from the South Dakota Highway Patrol and the Charles Mix County Sheriff's Office arrived, and officers made the arrests. Sheriff Ray Westendorf said the people were arrested because they were blocking traffic.
Source and full story
"We're trying to remain peaceful and here they are antagonizing our people," John Stone said of the Tuesday morning arrests of 15-20 protesters for disorderly conduct.
A big truck carrying construction materials approached, and some protesters refused to get off the asphalt road past the site.
Seven cars from the South Dakota Highway Patrol and the Charles Mix County Sheriff's Office arrived, and officers made the arrests. Sheriff Ray Westendorf said the people were arrested because they were blocking traffic.
Source and full story
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
New York: UB art professor Steven Kurtz cleared of federal terrorism charges related to his artwork
For the first time in four years, since his wife died of heart failure in their Allentown home, setting off a government investigation into whether he was a terrorist because of the bacteria he kept for his artwork, Steven J. Kurtz is finally free of federal charges.
Kurtz, 49, the University at Buffalo art professor and co-founder of the Critical Art Ensemble, saw a federal judge dismiss the government charges Monday as “insufficient on its face.”
U. S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara said the government could not support the charges of wire fraud and mail fraud for the way Kurtz obtained bacteria from a fellow academic at the University of Pittsburgh, Dr. Robert E. Ferrell.
The dismissed indictment came as no surprise to Kurtz’s lawyer, Paul J. Cambria, who has described the government’s prosecution as “an unbelievable overreaction.”
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Kurtz, 49, the University at Buffalo art professor and co-founder of the Critical Art Ensemble, saw a federal judge dismiss the government charges Monday as “insufficient on its face.”
U. S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara said the government could not support the charges of wire fraud and mail fraud for the way Kurtz obtained bacteria from a fellow academic at the University of Pittsburgh, Dr. Robert E. Ferrell.
The dismissed indictment came as no surprise to Kurtz’s lawyer, Paul J. Cambria, who has described the government’s prosecution as “an unbelievable overreaction.”
Source and full story
Breaking: 20 arrested in South Dakota anti-hog farm protest
A week long battle against a proposed hog farm west of Wagner, South Dakota has intensified today, as state police, working outside of their jurisdiction arrested 20 Yankton Souix tribal members and allies as they blockaded a road leading to the construction site of the farm.
The week long protests culminating in the road blockade are aimed at shutting down the proposed farm that would produce nearly 70,000 piglets a year for the factory farm industry, Long View Farms, LLC. Multiple concerns have been raised about pollution and smell, factors that have plagued similar developments around the country. The proposed farm would be less than 5 miles from a tribal Headstart program and school for native children.
Last Tuesday, one person was injured as he was hit by a frontloader attempting to start construction on the project. A tribal court has ruled that construction should be halted, and no land belonging to the tribe (including the road where protesters were arrested this morning) can legally be used for the construction project.
That court decision was denied by Long View Farms and their attorneys, and seemingly by the state, as their actions this morning would indicate.
Hundreds have protested the farm proposal through various methods. The blockade this morning was the most militant of the protests thus far, preventing a truck carrying construction materials from entering the site.
Kansas Mutual Aid, a Kansas based anarchist collective is currently accepting funds for the legal defense of those arrested. At this time, the vast majority of the charges appear to be for disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. Comrades that are at this moment heading to South Dakota to help stand with the Yankton Souix have said an attorney has been secured, but a $5,000 retainer is needed.
Please send any donations to:
Kansas Mutual Aid
PO Box 442438
Lawrence, KS 66044
Or if in Lawrence, we will start accepting legal donations through the Solidarity Center, 1109 Massachusetts Street starting Wednesday April 23rd.
At this time, make checks payable to Kansas Mutual Aid.
We will ensure all funds sent here will be deposited into a fund being created by local indigenous organizers for legal defense of those arrested in South Dakota.
In love and solidarity!
Dave Strano
on behalf of Kansas Mutual Aid
Updates will be posted to staterepressionnews.blogspot.com as they become available.
The week long protests culminating in the road blockade are aimed at shutting down the proposed farm that would produce nearly 70,000 piglets a year for the factory farm industry, Long View Farms, LLC. Multiple concerns have been raised about pollution and smell, factors that have plagued similar developments around the country. The proposed farm would be less than 5 miles from a tribal Headstart program and school for native children.
Last Tuesday, one person was injured as he was hit by a frontloader attempting to start construction on the project. A tribal court has ruled that construction should be halted, and no land belonging to the tribe (including the road where protesters were arrested this morning) can legally be used for the construction project.
That court decision was denied by Long View Farms and their attorneys, and seemingly by the state, as their actions this morning would indicate.
Hundreds have protested the farm proposal through various methods. The blockade this morning was the most militant of the protests thus far, preventing a truck carrying construction materials from entering the site.
Kansas Mutual Aid, a Kansas based anarchist collective is currently accepting funds for the legal defense of those arrested. At this time, the vast majority of the charges appear to be for disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. Comrades that are at this moment heading to South Dakota to help stand with the Yankton Souix have said an attorney has been secured, but a $5,000 retainer is needed.
Please send any donations to:
Kansas Mutual Aid
PO Box 442438
Lawrence, KS 66044
Or if in Lawrence, we will start accepting legal donations through the Solidarity Center, 1109 Massachusetts Street starting Wednesday April 23rd.
At this time, make checks payable to Kansas Mutual Aid.
We will ensure all funds sent here will be deposited into a fund being created by local indigenous organizers for legal defense of those arrested in South Dakota.
In love and solidarity!
Dave Strano
on behalf of Kansas Mutual Aid
Updates will be posted to staterepressionnews.blogspot.com as they become available.
Breaking: MOVE women denied parole
Three female MOVE members who have been behind bars since the 1978 shootout that killed Philadelphia Police Officer James Ramp and injured seven others were denied parole this morning, according to a spokesman for the state Board of Probation and Parole.
Debbie Sims Africa, Janet Hollaway Africa and Jeanene Phillips Africa were just informed of the decision and the reasons for the rejection, spokesman Leo Dunn said.
Dunn said each was informed they had minimized or denied the "nature and circumstances" of the offense, "refused to accept responsibility" and lacked remorse.
He said the fourth reason for the rejections was the "negative recommendation" by the prosecutor.
Decisions are still pending for four other MOVE members eligible for parole consideration this month. Five of nine votes would be required for parole to be granted.
Source and full story
Debbie Sims Africa, Janet Hollaway Africa and Jeanene Phillips Africa were just informed of the decision and the reasons for the rejection, spokesman Leo Dunn said.
Dunn said each was informed they had minimized or denied the "nature and circumstances" of the offense, "refused to accept responsibility" and lacked remorse.
He said the fourth reason for the rejections was the "negative recommendation" by the prosecutor.
Decisions are still pending for four other MOVE members eligible for parole consideration this month. Five of nine votes would be required for parole to be granted.
Source and full story
Arizona: Bill would permit confiscation of books opposed to American values like capitalism
Arizona schools whose courses "denigrate American values and the teachings of Western civilization" could lose state funding under the terms of legislation approved Wednesday by a House panel.
SB1108 also would bar teaching practices that "overtly encourage dissent" from those values, including democracy, capitalism, pluralism and religious tolerance. Schools would have to surrender teaching materials to the state superintendent of public instruction, who could withhold state aid from districts that broke the law.
Another section of the bill would bar public schools, community colleges and universities from allowing organizations to operate on campus if it is "based in whole or in part on race-based criteria," a provision Rep. Russell Pearce, R-Mesa, said is aimed at MEChA, the Moviemiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlan, a student group.
The 9-6 vote by the Appropriations Committee sends the measure to the full House.
Source and full story
SB1108 also would bar teaching practices that "overtly encourage dissent" from those values, including democracy, capitalism, pluralism and religious tolerance. Schools would have to surrender teaching materials to the state superintendent of public instruction, who could withhold state aid from districts that broke the law.
Another section of the bill would bar public schools, community colleges and universities from allowing organizations to operate on campus if it is "based in whole or in part on race-based criteria," a provision Rep. Russell Pearce, R-Mesa, said is aimed at MEChA, the Moviemiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlan, a student group.
The 9-6 vote by the Appropriations Committee sends the measure to the full House.
Source and full story
South Dakota: Hog farm battle continues, tribal members remove blockade
Members of the Yankton Sioux Tribe who had blocked the road to the construction site of a controversial large-scale hog farm near Wagner this morning dismantled their roadblock at the request of a tribal official.
A group of a couple dozen people had pulled vehicles onto the road about a half mile north of the site miles west of Wagner.
But tribal Vice Chairman John Stone later got the people to move off the road, telling them that if they didn’t, they risk being arrested.
Stone said the tribe can’t block the road until it gets documentation from the Bureau of Indian Affairs showing that it’s a tribal road, not a county road.
“We need time to get the documents,” he said.
Source and full story
A group of a couple dozen people had pulled vehicles onto the road about a half mile north of the site miles west of Wagner.
But tribal Vice Chairman John Stone later got the people to move off the road, telling them that if they didn’t, they risk being arrested.
Stone said the tribe can’t block the road until it gets documentation from the Bureau of Indian Affairs showing that it’s a tribal road, not a county road.
“We need time to get the documents,” he said.
Source and full story
South Carolina: Deportation prisons proposed
Under a new proposal, three regional prisons would hold all of South Carolina's illegal immigrants as they await deportation, officials said, easing the burden on local jails but raising the concerns of some advocates for the poor.
Several counties in North Carolina also have been considering similar prisons.
Under South Carolina's current system, illegal immigrants who commit crimes are held in county jails while they wait for the Department of Homeland Security to transfer them to Atlanta, the closest federal immigration court. Sheriffs of some S.C. counties already complain that their jails operate every day above their capacity, and removing inmates slated for deportation to a special holding facility could help.
Drafted by the S.C. Sheriffs' Association after discussions with the governor's office and federal immigration officials, the new plan divides the state into three broad regions, and places an approximately 400-bed jail in each region.
Source and full story
Several counties in North Carolina also have been considering similar prisons.
Under South Carolina's current system, illegal immigrants who commit crimes are held in county jails while they wait for the Department of Homeland Security to transfer them to Atlanta, the closest federal immigration court. Sheriffs of some S.C. counties already complain that their jails operate every day above their capacity, and removing inmates slated for deportation to a special holding facility could help.
Drafted by the S.C. Sheriffs' Association after discussions with the governor's office and federal immigration officials, the new plan divides the state into three broad regions, and places an approximately 400-bed jail in each region.
Source and full story
Anti-war GI resister jailed pending court-martial
25-year old PFC Jackson joined the Army in 2005, and aspired to join the Special Forces. While stationed in Korea, inspired by the writings of Vietnam and Iraq war objectors, Jackson began to rethink his involvement in the Army.
“I feel ashamed every day,” Jackson wrote in his recent conscientious objector (CO) application. “I feel ashamed for taking part in the killing of others, and for allowing my comrades to be killed themselves. By putting on a uniform, I am showing my support. … I can no longer be a part of the Armed Forces or any organization of a violent nature.”
After two and a half years of honorable service, Ryan says he could no longer ignore his conscience. “Once my beliefs started to evolve and change, I became a different person,” he explains. “It starts to take a hold of you, giving you hope that you can make a difference, that you can change what you are doing, and that it is not too late!”
After surrendering to the military at Fort Sill, he was ordered to return to his unit at Fort Gordon, Georgia—which he did without escort. Once he arrived at Fort Gordon, however, he was placed under arrest. Ryan has been held in the brig under pre-trial confinement for the last week.
Source and full story
“I feel ashamed every day,” Jackson wrote in his recent conscientious objector (CO) application. “I feel ashamed for taking part in the killing of others, and for allowing my comrades to be killed themselves. By putting on a uniform, I am showing my support. … I can no longer be a part of the Armed Forces or any organization of a violent nature.”
After two and a half years of honorable service, Ryan says he could no longer ignore his conscience. “Once my beliefs started to evolve and change, I became a different person,” he explains. “It starts to take a hold of you, giving you hope that you can make a difference, that you can change what you are doing, and that it is not too late!”
After surrendering to the military at Fort Sill, he was ordered to return to his unit at Fort Gordon, Georgia—which he did without escort. Once he arrived at Fort Gordon, however, he was placed under arrest. Ryan has been held in the brig under pre-trial confinement for the last week.
Source and full story
Sunday, April 20, 2008
L.A. city council passes resolution calling for former SLA member to remain in prison
The Los Angeles City Council endorsed a resolution calling for ex-Symbionese Liberation Army member Sara Jane Olson to serve out the rest of her prison term.
Olson had been paroled in March after serving half of a 12-year sentence for her role in a deadly 1975 bank robbery and an attempt to bomb two Los Angeles police cars.
However, Olson was back in custody a few days after her release when California prison officials discovered a mistake in the calculation of her release. She will serve at least another year.
The Los Angeles Times said Wednesday's council vote came after Olson's lawyers filed a motion in Sacramento seeking her immediate release. The motion claimed Olson's due-process rights had been violated because corrections officials had no legal right to re-arrest her.
Source and full story
Olson had been paroled in March after serving half of a 12-year sentence for her role in a deadly 1975 bank robbery and an attempt to bomb two Los Angeles police cars.
However, Olson was back in custody a few days after her release when California prison officials discovered a mistake in the calculation of her release. She will serve at least another year.
The Los Angeles Times said Wednesday's council vote came after Olson's lawyers filed a motion in Sacramento seeking her immediate release. The motion claimed Olson's due-process rights had been violated because corrections officials had no legal right to re-arrest her.
Source and full story
California: D-Q University arrestees won't be prosecuted
Deputy district attorney says civil issues hamper case
Occupants from D-Q University will not be prosecuted for trespassing, according to a statement released by the Yolo County District Attorney's Office.
The DA's office issued a statement late Thursday afternoon saying those "recently arrested at D-Q University" will not be prosecuted.
Ann Hurd, a deputy district attorney, said the statement applied to all those arrested in the past months at D-Q.
Yolo County Sheriff's deputies were called to the campus on Feb. 20 and March 31 to remove occupants. The first arrests were of three occupants, including unofficial caretaker Christopher Yazzie, 26. The second involved about 18 people, ranging from college-age to elderly individuals.
Source and full story
Occupants from D-Q University will not be prosecuted for trespassing, according to a statement released by the Yolo County District Attorney's Office.
The DA's office issued a statement late Thursday afternoon saying those "recently arrested at D-Q University" will not be prosecuted.
Ann Hurd, a deputy district attorney, said the statement applied to all those arrested in the past months at D-Q.
Yolo County Sheriff's deputies were called to the campus on Feb. 20 and March 31 to remove occupants. The first arrests were of three occupants, including unofficial caretaker Christopher Yazzie, 26. The second involved about 18 people, ranging from college-age to elderly individuals.
Source and full story
South Dakota: Native anti-Hog Farm organizers need help finding lawyer
This popped up in the State Repression News inbox today:
Please pass far and wide,
Any one who can help get a Lawyer or Attorney for one of the Protesters who
was injured when a skid loader ran into him. Please call
Frances Zephier 605-941-2674
Please pass far and wide,
Any one who can help get a Lawyer or Attorney for one of the Protesters who
was injured when a skid loader ran into him. Please call
Frances Zephier 605-941-2674
Friday, April 18, 2008
South Dakota: Highway Patrol leaves hog farm protest zone
State Highway Patrol officers resumed regular duties Thursday after two days at the site of a protest over a planned hog farm near Wagner, a spokesman for Gov. Mike Round says.
"The Highway Patrol does not have any troopers at the protest site today,'' Mitch Krebs, press secretary to the governor said Thursday by e-mail. "They have resumed the usual patrol schedule in that area.''
As many as 50 patrol vehicles were parked near the protest site Tuesday and Wednesday, near the proposed location of a hog farrowing unit planned by Long View Farms of Iowa. A group of protesters, sometimes including an estimated 100 or more people, stood across the road from the site. Protesters are concerned for the health of their children and the safety of the environment if a hog farm is built. The farrowing unit could handle as many as 3,350 sows and produce up to 70,000 pigs a year.
Source and full story
"The Highway Patrol does not have any troopers at the protest site today,'' Mitch Krebs, press secretary to the governor said Thursday by e-mail. "They have resumed the usual patrol schedule in that area.''
As many as 50 patrol vehicles were parked near the protest site Tuesday and Wednesday, near the proposed location of a hog farrowing unit planned by Long View Farms of Iowa. A group of protesters, sometimes including an estimated 100 or more people, stood across the road from the site. Protesters are concerned for the health of their children and the safety of the environment if a hog farm is built. The farrowing unit could handle as many as 3,350 sows and produce up to 70,000 pigs a year.
Source and full story
Texas: Prison taken off lockdown three weeks after rebellion rocked facility
A lock-down at the federal prison in Three Rivers has been lifted, officials said Thursday.
The lock-down was imposed on March 28 following a riot of rival groups that erupted in two housing units. One 38-year-old inmate died and 22 others were injured with makeshift knives in the conflict.
During lock-down about 1,160 inmates were restricted to their residence areas, institution officials said. Now, normal activities have resumed, said assistant warden Abby Harris.
Source and full story
The lock-down was imposed on March 28 following a riot of rival groups that erupted in two housing units. One 38-year-old inmate died and 22 others were injured with makeshift knives in the conflict.
During lock-down about 1,160 inmates were restricted to their residence areas, institution officials said. Now, normal activities have resumed, said assistant warden Abby Harris.
Source and full story
North Dakota: Bosnian man faces deportation after conviction upheld for participating in riot
The North Dakota Supreme Court has upheld the conviction of a Fargo man who jurors found engaged in a riot while armed with what a witness said was a baseball bat.
Thursday’s unanimous decision upholds the 18-month prison sentence of Mevludin Hidanovic, who earlier lost a plea for parole in connection with a melee involving 15 to 30 participants during the 2006 Red River Valley Fair.
Hidanovic, who denied taking part in the riot, said he was at the fairgrounds with his family and was told about a fight, but said the incident was over by the time he arrived at the scene.
Source and full story
Thursday’s unanimous decision upholds the 18-month prison sentence of Mevludin Hidanovic, who earlier lost a plea for parole in connection with a melee involving 15 to 30 participants during the 2006 Red River Valley Fair.
Hidanovic, who denied taking part in the riot, said he was at the fairgrounds with his family and was told about a fight, but said the incident was over by the time he arrived at the scene.
Source and full story
Midwest Green Scare: Up to 15 others may have been snitched out by Frank Ambrose
New information has recently been obtained on FBI informant Frank Ambrose. Ambrose has already plead guilty and agreed to help the government and their investigation of ELF/ALF actions in any way.
Court documents reveal that Ambrose was being used by the FBI not only to gather information on ELF/ALF activities but general movement organizing as well. Specifically I-69 organizing and Cincinnati Earth First! organizing.
We have confirmed there is an active Grand Jury out of Grand Rapids, MI. Recently released court documents suggest Ambrose has provided information on "15" other people allegedly involved in ELF/ALF actions.
Source and full story
Court documents reveal that Ambrose was being used by the FBI not only to gather information on ELF/ALF activities but general movement organizing as well. Specifically I-69 organizing and Cincinnati Earth First! organizing.
We have confirmed there is an active Grand Jury out of Grand Rapids, MI. Recently released court documents suggest Ambrose has provided information on "15" other people allegedly involved in ELF/ALF actions.
Source and full story
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Oklahoma: Sheriff ran sex-slave ring out of jail
An Oklahoma sheriff resigned after an investigation reveals he was running a sex-slave operation from his jail, police said.
Michael Burgess surrendered to Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation agents and posted bond Wednesday night, hours after he resigned as Custer County sheriff amid 35 felony charges, including accusations of forcible oral sodomy, kidnapping, rape and perjury. Investigators said at one point Burgess oversaw wet T-shirt contests at the Custer County Jail.
The 35 charges against Burgess include bribery of a public official, indecent exposure, 14 counts of rape in the second degree and rape by instrumentation.
Souce and full story
Michael Burgess surrendered to Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation agents and posted bond Wednesday night, hours after he resigned as Custer County sheriff amid 35 felony charges, including accusations of forcible oral sodomy, kidnapping, rape and perjury. Investigators said at one point Burgess oversaw wet T-shirt contests at the Custer County Jail.
The 35 charges against Burgess include bribery of a public official, indecent exposure, 14 counts of rape in the second degree and rape by instrumentation.
Souce and full story
South Dakota: Governor denies anyone being injured during Monday's tribal protest against hog farm
A man who said he had been knocked down on Tuesday by a piece ofequipment and later arrested disputed Rounds' claim no one was injured.
Robin Bair, 41, says he was standing behind the front line of protesters talking to a state trooper when a piece of earth moving equipment backed up and struck both him and a police officer.
He was arrested, handcuffed and pulled away from the site by police, he said.
Rounds said Tuesday he was told the equipment had not moved and Bair was not injured. Bair says he went to the Wagner Community Hospital for treatment, and Wednesday had a bruised hip and arm and other injuries. "For them to say it didn't happen, the doctors sure gave me a lot of pain killers and muscle relaxers," he said.
Source and full story
Robin Bair, 41, says he was standing behind the front line of protesters talking to a state trooper when a piece of earth moving equipment backed up and struck both him and a police officer.
He was arrested, handcuffed and pulled away from the site by police, he said.
Rounds said Tuesday he was told the equipment had not moved and Bair was not injured. Bair says he went to the Wagner Community Hospital for treatment, and Wednesday had a bruised hip and arm and other injuries. "For them to say it didn't happen, the doctors sure gave me a lot of pain killers and muscle relaxers," he said.
Source and full story
April 17th Update from Twin Cities Eco Prisoner Support Committee
April 16th, 2008:
Just wanted to check in and let you know that NA-ELPSN has created a page specifically for information about the informant Frank Ambrose - http://www.ecoprisoners.org/ambrose.htm
We will try to add more documents and information as we receive it.
April 10th, 2008:
It has been brought to our attention by reputable sources that a grand jury is currently convened in Michigan investigating actions that police informant Frank Ambrose plead guilty to. Ambrose’s plea agreement is available at the address below:
http://midwestgreenscare.files.wordpress.com/2008/03/plea-agreement-frank-ambrose.pdf
We have also been informed that indictments related to this grand jury are likely to be coming soon.
We apologize for the lack of more complete information but felt an urgency to make what little we know available to the public.
Source and full story
Just wanted to check in and let you know that NA-ELPSN has created a page specifically for information about the informant Frank Ambrose - http://www.ecoprisoners.org/ambrose.htm
We will try to add more documents and information as we receive it.
April 10th, 2008:
It has been brought to our attention by reputable sources that a grand jury is currently convened in Michigan investigating actions that police informant Frank Ambrose plead guilty to. Ambrose’s plea agreement is available at the address below:
http://midwestgreenscare.files.wordpress.com/2008/03/plea-agreement-frank-ambrose.pdf
We have also been informed that indictments related to this grand jury are likely to be coming soon.
We apologize for the lack of more complete information but felt an urgency to make what little we know available to the public.
Source and full story
South Dakota: Massive police buildup as second day of protests against hog farm ends
More than 40 Highway Patrol vehicles monitored the second day of a mostly American Indian protest near Marty Wednesday, prompting one Indian man to accuse the state of trying to escalate the conflict.
The protest, which began Tuesday, was expected to swell to more than 100 by late Wednesday. But at times during the day, the number of Highway Patrol squad cars — up to 50, according to some accounts — outnumbered actual protesters.
“We’re not here to start something into a conflict,” said Kip Spotted Eagle, a Yankton Sioux Tribal member. “When they all got here, they were pulling out their AR-15’s and large-caliber rifles. They want to escalate this.”
Source and full story
The protest, which began Tuesday, was expected to swell to more than 100 by late Wednesday. But at times during the day, the number of Highway Patrol squad cars — up to 50, according to some accounts — outnumbered actual protesters.
“We’re not here to start something into a conflict,” said Kip Spotted Eagle, a Yankton Sioux Tribal member. “When they all got here, they were pulling out their AR-15’s and large-caliber rifles. They want to escalate this.”
Source and full story
Chicago: Holy Name 6 formally indicted
The six people responsible for yelling and spraying fake blood in an anti-war protest during Easter Mass at Holy Name Cathedral were indicted on Wednesday.
On March 23, three men and three women were arrested at the Cathedral at 735 N. State St. about 11:40 a.m., according to police News Affairs Officer Marcel Bright.
In March, Judge Don Panarese set bond at $25,000 for Ephran Ramirez, Ryane Ziemba, Regan Maher, Mercedes Phinaih and Angela Haban; and at $35,000 for Donte Smith, who prosecutors said has a past conviction for illegally entering a U.S. Military installation.
There was no record of any of the protesters remaining in jail on Wednesday.
Each of the protesters were indicted Wednesday on one count of criminal defacement of property, according to state’s attorney’s office spokesman Andy Conklin.
Source and full story
On March 23, three men and three women were arrested at the Cathedral at 735 N. State St. about 11:40 a.m., according to police News Affairs Officer Marcel Bright.
In March, Judge Don Panarese set bond at $25,000 for Ephran Ramirez, Ryane Ziemba, Regan Maher, Mercedes Phinaih and Angela Haban; and at $35,000 for Donte Smith, who prosecutors said has a past conviction for illegally entering a U.S. Military installation.
There was no record of any of the protesters remaining in jail on Wednesday.
Each of the protesters were indicted Wednesday on one count of criminal defacement of property, according to state’s attorney’s office spokesman Andy Conklin.
Source and full story
Sober motorists in Oregon and Arizona being falsely arrested for DUIs
A number of sober motorists in Arizona and Oregon have been falsely accused of driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) and drugs. In Corvallis, Oregon a falsely accused motorist is fighting back.
At the beginning of the month, Brian J. Noakes, 23, filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against David Cox, a former award-winning Corvallis Police Officer. Cox had pulled over Noakes last June. Because Noakes had a cold, his eyes were bloodshot. Noting this, Cox accused Noakes of being high behind the wheel and arrested him. When Noakes' wife asked what was going on, Cox threatened to shoot her with his taser. As reported by the Corvallis Gazette-Times newspaper, breath and urine tests confirmed Noakes had been completely sober and free from drugs.
Source and full story
At the beginning of the month, Brian J. Noakes, 23, filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against David Cox, a former award-winning Corvallis Police Officer. Cox had pulled over Noakes last June. Because Noakes had a cold, his eyes were bloodshot. Noting this, Cox accused Noakes of being high behind the wheel and arrested him. When Noakes' wife asked what was going on, Cox threatened to shoot her with his taser. As reported by the Corvallis Gazette-Times newspaper, breath and urine tests confirmed Noakes had been completely sober and free from drugs.
Source and full story
Canada: 10 year old arrested, threatened with taser for being "noisy"
The parents of a 10-year-old boy want to know why Ottawa police barged into their apartment with guns drawn to arrest their son - for being noisy.
Lukasz Gurzynski was clowning around with friends on his apartment balcony and sword fighting with sticks with the television left blaring inside on Sunday afternoon.
A neighbour told the kids to quiet down and tossed a beer can from an adjoining balcony, cracking the glass sliding door.
Someone then called police and three officers arrived, put the boy in handcuffs and kept him in a police cruiser until his mortified parents arrived 20 minutes later.
Lukasz claims the arresting officer told him he would have used a Taser gun on him if he had brandished one of the stick swords when officers first arrived.
Source and full story
Lukasz Gurzynski was clowning around with friends on his apartment balcony and sword fighting with sticks with the television left blaring inside on Sunday afternoon.
A neighbour told the kids to quiet down and tossed a beer can from an adjoining balcony, cracking the glass sliding door.
Someone then called police and three officers arrived, put the boy in handcuffs and kept him in a police cruiser until his mortified parents arrived 20 minutes later.
Lukasz claims the arresting officer told him he would have used a Taser gun on him if he had brandished one of the stick swords when officers first arrived.
Source and full story
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Feds to start collecting DNA samples from everyone they arrest
The government plans to begin collecting DNA samples from anyone arrested by a federal law enforcement agency — a move intended to prevent violent crime but which also is raising concerns about the privacy of innocent people.
Using authority granted by Congress, the government also plans to collect DNA samples from foreigners who are detained, whether they have been charged or not. The DNA would be collected through a cheek swab, Justice Department spokesman Erik Ablin said Wednesday. That would be a departure from current practice, which limits DNA collection to convicted felons.
Expanding the DNA database, known as CODIS, raises civil liberties questions about the potential for misuse of such personal information, such as family ties and genetic conditions.
Ablin said the DNA collection would be subject to the same privacy laws applied to current DNA sampling. That means none of it would be used for identifying genetic traits, diseases or disorders.
Congress gave the Justice Department the authority to expand DNA collection in two different laws passed in 2005 and 2006.
Source and full story
Using authority granted by Congress, the government also plans to collect DNA samples from foreigners who are detained, whether they have been charged or not. The DNA would be collected through a cheek swab, Justice Department spokesman Erik Ablin said Wednesday. That would be a departure from current practice, which limits DNA collection to convicted felons.
Expanding the DNA database, known as CODIS, raises civil liberties questions about the potential for misuse of such personal information, such as family ties and genetic conditions.
Ablin said the DNA collection would be subject to the same privacy laws applied to current DNA sampling. That means none of it would be used for identifying genetic traits, diseases or disorders.
Congress gave the Justice Department the authority to expand DNA collection in two different laws passed in 2005 and 2006.
Source and full story
Miami: Liberty City 7 retrial ends in second mistrial
A judge has declared a mistrial in the retrial of six men accused of plotting terrorist acts with al Qaeda.
The decision comes after 13 days of deliberation and marks the second time government prosecutors have failed to convince a jury that the six defendants were guilty of terror-related charges.
It is unclear whether the government will pursue a third trial against the defendants.
The first trial ended in a mistrial last December after nine days of deliberations left a jury hopelessly deadlocked on the six defendants. A seventh was acquitted.
The defendants are known as the "Liberty City 7" because authorities say the men operated out of a warehouse in Miami's Liberty City housing project.
Source and full story
The decision comes after 13 days of deliberation and marks the second time government prosecutors have failed to convince a jury that the six defendants were guilty of terror-related charges.
It is unclear whether the government will pursue a third trial against the defendants.
The first trial ended in a mistrial last December after nine days of deliberations left a jury hopelessly deadlocked on the six defendants. A seventh was acquitted.
The defendants are known as the "Liberty City 7" because authorities say the men operated out of a warehouse in Miami's Liberty City housing project.
Source and full story
Puerto Rico: FBI goes to homes of independentistas
FBI agents went today to the homes of several independentistas seeking information related to investigations under way.
Harry RodrÃguez, spokesperson for the FBI in San Juan, confirmed that "this morning the FBI was conducting some interviews in different cities in Puerto Rico."
"It wasn't an operation as the media is reporting. Some of our most utilized and productive investigative techniques are interviews of people who may have information about investigations which are under way," he added in an interview with Associated Press.
The independentista organization The New School, which develops political work in public housing and poor communities across the Island, denounced the FBI's going to the home of two of its members on Thursday morning.
"This is another act in the new repressive modality of the United States government against those who struggle for the independence of Puerto Rico. Their actions are intended to provoke incidents to create a pretext to execute them," warned the organization, in reference to the FBI's shooting death of Machetero leader Filiberto Ojeda RÃos in 2005.
The New School identified those intervened as Miguel Viqueira and Tania Delgado Soto. "When Miguel was preparing to leave for work, several agents, armed and with bullet proof vests bearing the FBI initials, surrounded him and with a hostile and provocative attitude began to threaten him," said a press release.
"Although Miguel told them he had nothing to say to them and tried to close the door of his car to leave, they did not allow him to do so and continued insulting and threatening him. After a while they left without showing any judicial order for the intervention," the New School reported.
As for Delgado Soto, who is an employee of Cooperative Development, two men and a woman from the FBI in a white van stopped her.
"When she refused to accede to their demand that she cooperate, and when she insisted on calling her lawyers, they left," the organization added.
Héctor Pesquera, co-chair of the National Hostos Independence Movement (MINH), confirmed both interventions.
From his perspective, the FBI "is harassing the independence movement in its zeal to keep sending the message that they rule, and that this is a colony."
Edgardo Delgado Bras, Tania's father, said his 29 year old daughter called him to tell him what happened.
"This is a pattern; it's not isolated, to intimidate those of us who believe in independence," said Delgado Bras, also an attorney.
The FBI spokesperson specified that they intervened with people in Yauco, Peñuelas, Bayamón, Guaynabo and San Juan. No one was arrested.
RodrÃguez refused to comment on whether the interviews are related to the alleged evidence found in the home of Ojeda RÃos, who the FBI killed during an operation to arrest him in September of 2005.
He also declined to identify those interviewed or to confirm the names Associated Press knew about.
From the perspective of The New School, Thursday's interventions are "FBI provocations."
"The watchword is: don't allow yourself to be intimidated, don't answer questions, keep silent, call a lawyer as soon as you can, and don't be provoked. Every act of persecution by repressive agencies of the United States should be immediately denounced," added the organization.
Ojeda RÃos, one of the alleged architects of the robbery of 7.1 million dollars of a Wells Fargo depot in Hartford, Connecticut in 1983 was a fugitive for 15 years before the FBI killed him during an operation to arrest him at his home in Hormigueros.
Source and full story (in Spanish)
Harry RodrÃguez, spokesperson for the FBI in San Juan, confirmed that "this morning the FBI was conducting some interviews in different cities in Puerto Rico."
"It wasn't an operation as the media is reporting. Some of our most utilized and productive investigative techniques are interviews of people who may have information about investigations which are under way," he added in an interview with Associated Press.
The independentista organization The New School, which develops political work in public housing and poor communities across the Island, denounced the FBI's going to the home of two of its members on Thursday morning.
"This is another act in the new repressive modality of the United States government against those who struggle for the independence of Puerto Rico. Their actions are intended to provoke incidents to create a pretext to execute them," warned the organization, in reference to the FBI's shooting death of Machetero leader Filiberto Ojeda RÃos in 2005.
The New School identified those intervened as Miguel Viqueira and Tania Delgado Soto. "When Miguel was preparing to leave for work, several agents, armed and with bullet proof vests bearing the FBI initials, surrounded him and with a hostile and provocative attitude began to threaten him," said a press release.
"Although Miguel told them he had nothing to say to them and tried to close the door of his car to leave, they did not allow him to do so and continued insulting and threatening him. After a while they left without showing any judicial order for the intervention," the New School reported.
As for Delgado Soto, who is an employee of Cooperative Development, two men and a woman from the FBI in a white van stopped her.
"When she refused to accede to their demand that she cooperate, and when she insisted on calling her lawyers, they left," the organization added.
Héctor Pesquera, co-chair of the National Hostos Independence Movement (MINH), confirmed both interventions.
From his perspective, the FBI "is harassing the independence movement in its zeal to keep sending the message that they rule, and that this is a colony."
Edgardo Delgado Bras, Tania's father, said his 29 year old daughter called him to tell him what happened.
"This is a pattern; it's not isolated, to intimidate those of us who believe in independence," said Delgado Bras, also an attorney.
The FBI spokesperson specified that they intervened with people in Yauco, Peñuelas, Bayamón, Guaynabo and San Juan. No one was arrested.
RodrÃguez refused to comment on whether the interviews are related to the alleged evidence found in the home of Ojeda RÃos, who the FBI killed during an operation to arrest him in September of 2005.
He also declined to identify those interviewed or to confirm the names Associated Press knew about.
From the perspective of The New School, Thursday's interventions are "FBI provocations."
"The watchword is: don't allow yourself to be intimidated, don't answer questions, keep silent, call a lawyer as soon as you can, and don't be provoked. Every act of persecution by repressive agencies of the United States should be immediately denounced," added the organization.
Ojeda RÃos, one of the alleged architects of the robbery of 7.1 million dollars of a Wells Fargo depot in Hartford, Connecticut in 1983 was a fugitive for 15 years before the FBI killed him during an operation to arrest him at his home in Hormigueros.
Source and full story (in Spanish)
Eric McDavid Update: New Address and Sentencing
Dear friends,
Sentencing has been re-scheduled for May 1st. When re-scheduling the date, Eric's lawyer attempted to set it for April 24, but was unable to do so because Judge England will be getting married next week. In lieu of wedding gifts, we're asking that folks make a small donation to Eric's commissary fund to help his transition to federal prison. When he moves to a federal facility, his commissary account will move with him. If he has money in his account when he arrives, he will be able to purchase the necessities - including money for phone calls to loved ones, vegan food, and writing material. If you would like to make a donation, you can send a check or money order to "Sacramento Defense Fund" at:
SPS
PO Box 163126
Sacramento, CA 95816
Please make sure you make it out to "Sacramento Defense Fund." Otherwise we will be unable to deposit it. Be sure to make a note that the funds are intended for Eric's commissary account.
We'll keep you updated about sentencing as things change.
Yesterday Eric was moved to a different floor. His new address is:
McDavid, Eric x-2972521 7E128
Sacramento County Main Jail
651 "I" St.
Sacramento, CA 95814
If you have recently sent Eric a letter or a book, please don't be surprised if it gets sent back. Just put the new address on it and resend! Please keep Eric in your thoughts and continue sending him your love and support.
Yours,
SPS
Source and full story
Sentencing has been re-scheduled for May 1st. When re-scheduling the date, Eric's lawyer attempted to set it for April 24, but was unable to do so because Judge England will be getting married next week. In lieu of wedding gifts, we're asking that folks make a small donation to Eric's commissary fund to help his transition to federal prison. When he moves to a federal facility, his commissary account will move with him. If he has money in his account when he arrives, he will be able to purchase the necessities - including money for phone calls to loved ones, vegan food, and writing material. If you would like to make a donation, you can send a check or money order to "Sacramento Defense Fund" at:
SPS
PO Box 163126
Sacramento, CA 95816
Please make sure you make it out to "Sacramento Defense Fund." Otherwise we will be unable to deposit it. Be sure to make a note that the funds are intended for Eric's commissary account.
We'll keep you updated about sentencing as things change.
Yesterday Eric was moved to a different floor. His new address is:
McDavid, Eric x-2972521 7E128
Sacramento County Main Jail
651 "I" St.
Sacramento, CA 95814
If you have recently sent Eric a letter or a book, please don't be surprised if it gets sent back. Just put the new address on it and resend! Please keep Eric in your thoughts and continue sending him your love and support.
Yours,
SPS
Source and full story
South Dakota: Several Arrested In Hog Farm Protest
[See article written by non-corporate sources below]
by Randy Dockendorf
Despite about a handful of arrests made during Tuesday's demonstrations, protests will continue at a hog farm planned for west of Wagner, the protest organizer said Tuesday.
The Yankton Sioux Tribe and other hog farm opponents tried to stop work Tuesday at the Long View Farm, said tribal member Mike Archambeau. He said the protesters are trying to enforce a tribal judge's ruling, issued Monday, that removes and excludes the operation from tribal land.
"We will continue protesting until those people are out of there," Archambeau said.
Tribal members went through with the protest even after the tribal judge issued his ruling, Archambeau said. The hog farm is located on deeded land, surrounded by tribal land.
Source and full story
by Randy Dockendorf
Despite about a handful of arrests made during Tuesday's demonstrations, protests will continue at a hog farm planned for west of Wagner, the protest organizer said Tuesday.
The Yankton Sioux Tribe and other hog farm opponents tried to stop work Tuesday at the Long View Farm, said tribal member Mike Archambeau. He said the protesters are trying to enforce a tribal judge's ruling, issued Monday, that removes and excludes the operation from tribal land.
"We will continue protesting until those people are out of there," Archambeau said.
Tribal members went through with the protest even after the tribal judge issued his ruling, Archambeau said. The hog farm is located on deeded land, surrounded by tribal land.
Source and full story
32 Penn State students handcuffed, let go
Thirty-two Penn State students staging a sit-in at Old Main were handcuffed, and later released, when they refused to leave the protest Tuesday afternoon, organizers said.
The students left Old Main after police took down their information and removed the handcuffs, said Aaron Troisi, a member of the Penn State chapter of United Students Against Sweatshops, which organized the protest.
It was not known Tuesday if charges are planned against the protesters. Bill Mahon, Penn State’s vice president of university relations, said the courts would notify the students about any further legal action, but he would not comment on whether the university would press charges.
The students, who are members and supporters of USAS, staged the protest at around 11 a.m. in a mezzanine lounge on the second floor of Old Main. The sit-in was held in conjunction with a rally Tuesday afternoon on the Old Main steps in which students and community members demanded that Penn State President Graham Spanier sign on to the Designated Supplier Program.
Source and full story
The students left Old Main after police took down their information and removed the handcuffs, said Aaron Troisi, a member of the Penn State chapter of United Students Against Sweatshops, which organized the protest.
It was not known Tuesday if charges are planned against the protesters. Bill Mahon, Penn State’s vice president of university relations, said the courts would notify the students about any further legal action, but he would not comment on whether the university would press charges.
The students, who are members and supporters of USAS, staged the protest at around 11 a.m. in a mezzanine lounge on the second floor of Old Main. The sit-in was held in conjunction with a rally Tuesday afternoon on the Old Main steps in which students and community members demanded that Penn State President Graham Spanier sign on to the Designated Supplier Program.
Source and full story
Florida: Students Arrested In School Protest Appear In Court
Several Miami high school students will have to wait to find out if charges against them related to a school protest will be dropped.
On Feb. 28, 26 students were arrested after a brawl broke out at Miami Edison Senior High School. The students were protesting the way the assistant principal had disciplined a classmate, and a fight broke out.
The cases against 21 of those arrested in connection with the brawl have been dismissed. Three students who still face charges appeared in juvenile court on Wednesday.
Kertch Conce, the lawyer representing the three students, said a team of 20 attorneys has been involved in the cast.
Source and full story
On Feb. 28, 26 students were arrested after a brawl broke out at Miami Edison Senior High School. The students were protesting the way the assistant principal had disciplined a classmate, and a fight broke out.
The cases against 21 of those arrested in connection with the brawl have been dismissed. Three students who still face charges appeared in juvenile court on Wednesday.
Kertch Conce, the lawyer representing the three students, said a team of 20 attorneys has been involved in the cast.
Source and full story
Dr. Al-Arian Faces Shocking Abuse in New Facility
Yesterday morning, Dr. Sami Al-Arian was transported by immigration agents to the Hampton Roads Regional Jail in Portsmouth, Virginia. Since arriving at the facility, he has been subjected to numerous, shocking abuses, even worse than those he experienced at a detention center in Maryland.
When Dr. Al-Arian arrived at Hampton Roads Jail, he was initially placed in the general population and given a standard green uniform. Hours later, however, he was placed in segregation unit. Officials told him that he was placed on suicide watch because he was not eating. Dr. Al-Arian is on the 45th day of a hunger strike to protest the government’s refusal to honor its agreement and release him.
After placing him on suicide watch, prison guards confiscated all of Dr. Al-Arian’s belongings. His clothing, including undergarments, were taken away, and he was given only a thin hospital gown to wear in the cold prison. Although Dr. Al-Arian suffers from weak eyesight, his eyeglasses were also taken away. His cell contains no bed sheets, blankets or pillows, only a hard metal bed frame beneath a one-inch mattress. Furthermore, guards took his drinking cup needed to drink water, which is critical during his hunger strike. Further, Dr. Al-Arian was also told that he would only be given one telephone call every 15 days, and that he would not be allowed any attorney calls. Even if he were to be given regular calls, a single call from Hampton Roads Regional Jail costs $25.
Source and full story
When Dr. Al-Arian arrived at Hampton Roads Jail, he was initially placed in the general population and given a standard green uniform. Hours later, however, he was placed in segregation unit. Officials told him that he was placed on suicide watch because he was not eating. Dr. Al-Arian is on the 45th day of a hunger strike to protest the government’s refusal to honor its agreement and release him.
After placing him on suicide watch, prison guards confiscated all of Dr. Al-Arian’s belongings. His clothing, including undergarments, were taken away, and he was given only a thin hospital gown to wear in the cold prison. Although Dr. Al-Arian suffers from weak eyesight, his eyeglasses were also taken away. His cell contains no bed sheets, blankets or pillows, only a hard metal bed frame beneath a one-inch mattress. Furthermore, guards took his drinking cup needed to drink water, which is critical during his hunger strike. Further, Dr. Al-Arian was also told that he would only be given one telephone call every 15 days, and that he would not be allowed any attorney calls. Even if he were to be given regular calls, a single call from Hampton Roads Regional Jail costs $25.
Source and full story
ICE raids Arkansas poultry plant
Federal agents raided a north Arkansas poultry plant Wednesday morning over suspected immigration violations, authorities said.
Temple Black, a spokesman for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, told The Associated Press that the arrests came as part of an ongoing criminal investigation that involved a Pilgrim's Pride poultry plant in Batesville. Black declined to say how many people were arrested or describe the nature of the investigation.
"We anticipate agents and officers will be on the premises for several hours," Black said. "More information about the investigation and those arrested will be available this afternoon."
Independence County Sheriff Keith Bowers said the raid occurred at 6 a.m. Wednesday. Bowers said ICE agents did not tell him what their purpose was in raiding the plant, but said they had a warrant list with about 60 names on it.
Bowers said he and five other deputies only provided security at the plant's gates during the operation and left just after 8 a.m.
Federal agents "came in in cooperation with Pilgrim's Pride," Bowers said.
Source and full story
Temple Black, a spokesman for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, told The Associated Press that the arrests came as part of an ongoing criminal investigation that involved a Pilgrim's Pride poultry plant in Batesville. Black declined to say how many people were arrested or describe the nature of the investigation.
"We anticipate agents and officers will be on the premises for several hours," Black said. "More information about the investigation and those arrested will be available this afternoon."
Independence County Sheriff Keith Bowers said the raid occurred at 6 a.m. Wednesday. Bowers said ICE agents did not tell him what their purpose was in raiding the plant, but said they had a warrant list with about 60 names on it.
Bowers said he and five other deputies only provided security at the plant's gates during the operation and left just after 8 a.m.
Federal agents "came in in cooperation with Pilgrim's Pride," Bowers said.
Source and full story
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
BREAKING: South Dakota: Native Anti-Hog Farm protest attacked by Police
by Prophecy, Antithesis
There is a protest going on right now as we speak in Marty, South Dakota home of the Ihanktowan aka Yankton Sioux. There have been multiple arrests, including minors, as protesters seek to block front loader bulldozers from breaking ground on a new pig farm that will be occupied by thousands of pigs and their waste near a Head Start Program filled with Native children. A man was struck by the metal scoop of the front loader (which is used to excavate tons of dirt) and was medically evacuated by ambulance.
State Troopers have violated their jurisdiction by arresting protesters on a BIA controlled road which is considered Federal land and therefore off limits to State Agencies and Law Enforcement. It was said that the arrests of the minors and others were conducted illegally by the State Police on the Federal Road and they were escorted to State Land nearby to receive their citations and were released.
South Dakota Highway Patrol have informed the Officers that they are in fact in violation of their jurisdiction as this is being written and being told to stand down and not to detain any more protesters. Dakota, Lakota and Nakota and other Native Activists including a AIM chapter are mobilizing to this spot to support and join their Indigenous Families to protect their Native children and community from this gross violation of Tribal Sovereignty and Basic Human Rights.
One Land, One People, One Struggle!!
Mitakuye Oyasin!
For more info: keyawitko2676@yahoo.com
All e-mails will be forwarded to parties involved in today's protest
Corporate News Story
Background Article
There is a protest going on right now as we speak in Marty, South Dakota home of the Ihanktowan aka Yankton Sioux. There have been multiple arrests, including minors, as protesters seek to block front loader bulldozers from breaking ground on a new pig farm that will be occupied by thousands of pigs and their waste near a Head Start Program filled with Native children. A man was struck by the metal scoop of the front loader (which is used to excavate tons of dirt) and was medically evacuated by ambulance.
State Troopers have violated their jurisdiction by arresting protesters on a BIA controlled road which is considered Federal land and therefore off limits to State Agencies and Law Enforcement. It was said that the arrests of the minors and others were conducted illegally by the State Police on the Federal Road and they were escorted to State Land nearby to receive their citations and were released.
South Dakota Highway Patrol have informed the Officers that they are in fact in violation of their jurisdiction as this is being written and being told to stand down and not to detain any more protesters. Dakota, Lakota and Nakota and other Native Activists including a AIM chapter are mobilizing to this spot to support and join their Indigenous Families to protect their Native children and community from this gross violation of Tribal Sovereignty and Basic Human Rights.
One Land, One People, One Struggle!!
Mitakuye Oyasin!
For more info: keyawitko2676@yahoo.com
All e-mails will be forwarded to parties involved in today's protest
Corporate News Story
Background Article
Avelino Claudio, Puerto Rican freedom fighter, to be held without bail
A federal magistrate ruled Tuesday that Avelino Gonzalez Claudio, a militant Puerto Rican nationalist charged in the 1983 robbery of a West Hartford armored car depot, is a flight risk and should be imprisoned without bail while awaiting trial.
Gonzalez, 65, is one of 19 members of the militant pro-independence group Los Macheteros indicted for planning and carrying out the $7 million robbery on Sept. 12, 1983. At the time, it was the largest cash robbery in U.S. history. Records seized in the case show that Los Macheteros planned to use the money to finance a revolutionary war against the United States.
Source and full story
Gonzalez, 65, is one of 19 members of the militant pro-independence group Los Macheteros indicted for planning and carrying out the $7 million robbery on Sept. 12, 1983. At the time, it was the largest cash robbery in U.S. history. Records seized in the case show that Los Macheteros planned to use the money to finance a revolutionary war against the United States.
Source and full story
Louisiana: Attorneys for Angola prisoners declare that confessions of murder of guard were products of coercion, violence
Four state prisoners testified Monday that Louisiana State Penitentiary officers beat them severely in the wake of the Dec. 28, 1999, slaying of security Capt. David C. Knapps.
The testimony came during a hearing before 20th Judicial District Judge George H. Ware Jr., who will decide whether to throw out statements made by five Angola inmates who face first-degree murder charges in Knapps’ slaying and those made by other inmates during the investigation.
The hearing continues today.
Defense attorneys say the statements should not be allowed at trial because they were made under duress.
Source and full story
The testimony came during a hearing before 20th Judicial District Judge George H. Ware Jr., who will decide whether to throw out statements made by five Angola inmates who face first-degree murder charges in Knapps’ slaying and those made by other inmates during the investigation.
The hearing continues today.
Defense attorneys say the statements should not be allowed at trial because they were made under duress.
Source and full story
Harvard cops deny allegations of fostering "red squad"
The Harvard University Police Department (HUPD) denied allegations that the University maintains an undercover political intelligence unit in the wake of two arrests that attracted the scrutiny of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).
“Despite what the ACLU asserts, we do not maintain an undercover unit,” HUPD spokesman Steven G. Catalano wrote in a statement yesterday. But a police report does show evidence of undercover intelligence gathering at a political demonstration.
“I had been photographing the demonstrators for intelligence gathering,” Detective Thomas F. Karns Jr. wrote in a March 3 report of his activities at a human rights protest in the Square. He described himself as “conducting plain clothes surveillance on a demonstration.”
Massachusetts residents Lisa M. Nieves and Patrick J. Keaney were arrested by Karns after the protest.
Source and full story
“Despite what the ACLU asserts, we do not maintain an undercover unit,” HUPD spokesman Steven G. Catalano wrote in a statement yesterday. But a police report does show evidence of undercover intelligence gathering at a political demonstration.
“I had been photographing the demonstrators for intelligence gathering,” Detective Thomas F. Karns Jr. wrote in a March 3 report of his activities at a human rights protest in the Square. He described himself as “conducting plain clothes surveillance on a demonstration.”
Massachusetts residents Lisa M. Nieves and Patrick J. Keaney were arrested by Karns after the protest.
Source and full story
Minneapolis: Critical Mass participant acquitted of charges of assault on police officer
Ten minutes before the jury decided the verdict that could send University student Augustin Ganley to jail for more than two years, the six jury members hunched over a notebook computer in the darkened courtroom and watched three cell phone videos one last time, while the videos - with their soundtracks of sirens, curses and chants - blared through the room.
In the course of the trial, the prosecution introduced three witnesses, all Minneapolis police officers, while the defense countered with nine eyewitnesses, some of whom were Ganley's friends.
In the end, the amount of the defense's evidence, with its grainy cell phone videos, outweighed the sworn testimony of a Minneapolis policeman.
Ganley was acquitted Monday of charges of assaulting a police officer, obstruction and fleeing, all of which carried a penalty of up to two years and three months in jail. The charges stemmed from an Aug. 31 Critical Mass bike protest, where 19 people were arrested.
Source and full story
In the course of the trial, the prosecution introduced three witnesses, all Minneapolis police officers, while the defense countered with nine eyewitnesses, some of whom were Ganley's friends.
In the end, the amount of the defense's evidence, with its grainy cell phone videos, outweighed the sworn testimony of a Minneapolis policeman.
Ganley was acquitted Monday of charges of assaulting a police officer, obstruction and fleeing, all of which carried a penalty of up to two years and three months in jail. The charges stemmed from an Aug. 31 Critical Mass bike protest, where 19 people were arrested.
Source and full story
Nazis and cops: side by side against Mumia
From the International Concerned Family and Friends of Mumia Abu Jamal:
On April 19 there is a mass DC neo-Nazi rally for the NSM (National
Socialist Movement) in "commemoration" of both Hitler's birthday and the
Oklahoma City bombing. The Philadelphia chapters are apparently not going
to DC. Instead, there are plans for them to join with the FOP in
countering our demonstration. We are sharing this to inform people and
expose their actions, and the FOP's affiliations. However, the
demonstration will go on, always with the safety of our community as top
priority, and our determination to never back down. We are not terrified
of them or their bald heads. Their parents and grandparents have been
lynching our people, and 20 some years ago wore blue uniforms during their
torture and arrest of Mumia. The march will go on. They just better not
get in our way.
ICFFMAJ wants to thank Philadelphia Anti-Racist Action and the One
People's Project for their work in educating the community about the
Neo-Nazi threat. The link to the flyer below provides detailed
information about the Neo-Nazis planning on counter-demonstrating
Saturday's demonstration for Mumia. As ICFFMAJ has stated before, we've
never been stopped before and we won't be stopped now.
Both KSS and MDS are confirmed as planning to show and attempt to counter.
Philly ARA and One People's Project have put together a flyer about it.
http://www.oppforum.com/images/mumiarallyflyer.pdf
On April 19 there is a mass DC neo-Nazi rally for the NSM (National
Socialist Movement) in "commemoration" of both Hitler's birthday and the
Oklahoma City bombing. The Philadelphia chapters are apparently not going
to DC. Instead, there are plans for them to join with the FOP in
countering our demonstration. We are sharing this to inform people and
expose their actions, and the FOP's affiliations. However, the
demonstration will go on, always with the safety of our community as top
priority, and our determination to never back down. We are not terrified
of them or their bald heads. Their parents and grandparents have been
lynching our people, and 20 some years ago wore blue uniforms during their
torture and arrest of Mumia. The march will go on. They just better not
get in our way.
ICFFMAJ wants to thank Philadelphia Anti-Racist Action and the One
People's Project for their work in educating the community about the
Neo-Nazi threat. The link to the flyer below provides detailed
information about the Neo-Nazis planning on counter-demonstrating
Saturday's demonstration for Mumia. As ICFFMAJ has stated before, we've
never been stopped before and we won't be stopped now.
Both KSS and MDS are confirmed as planning to show and attempt to counter.
Philly ARA and One People's Project have put together a flyer about it.
http://www.oppforum.com/images/mumiarallyflyer.pdf
Blackwater training domestic U.S. police departments
[Editor's Note: Despite the anti-immigrant rheotoric in this article, it is being posted because it raises a number of issues of direct concern to those that challenge the state and capitalist power. State Repression News stands against all borders and border controls and in solidarity with all "migrants".]
There are many police and law enforcement officials who are concerned with the growing trend of using military-trained mercenaries to train and work with local police officers in the United States, but there are many who believe the events of September 11, 2001 dictate the need for a new paradigm.
For example, Kentucky's Lexington Police Department contracted Blackwater Security International to provide what's described as homeland security training. Meanwhile, that city's Mayor Jim Newberry and its chief of police Anthony Beatty refused free training provided by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement federal program that prepares police officers to enforce immigration and border security as part of their duties.
Lexington is on the nation's list of so-called Sanctuary Cities in which police officers are prohibited from working with ICE or Border Patrol agents in the United States. Critics are angry over the use of local tax dollars to hire Blackwater personnel to train the police.
But Lexington isn't the only city using hired guns to help local police officers. In New Orleans, heavily armed operatives from the Blackwater private security firm, infamous for their work in Iraq, are openly patrolling the streets of that beleaguered city.
Source and full story
There are many police and law enforcement officials who are concerned with the growing trend of using military-trained mercenaries to train and work with local police officers in the United States, but there are many who believe the events of September 11, 2001 dictate the need for a new paradigm.
For example, Kentucky's Lexington Police Department contracted Blackwater Security International to provide what's described as homeland security training. Meanwhile, that city's Mayor Jim Newberry and its chief of police Anthony Beatty refused free training provided by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement federal program that prepares police officers to enforce immigration and border security as part of their duties.
Lexington is on the nation's list of so-called Sanctuary Cities in which police officers are prohibited from working with ICE or Border Patrol agents in the United States. Critics are angry over the use of local tax dollars to hire Blackwater personnel to train the police.
But Lexington isn't the only city using hired guns to help local police officers. In New Orleans, heavily armed operatives from the Blackwater private security firm, infamous for their work in Iraq, are openly patrolling the streets of that beleaguered city.
Source and full story
North Carolina: SDSer files motion alleging that the Chapel Hill town ordinance addressing crowds is unconstitutional
About 25 people gathered in front of the Franklin Street post office to rally in support of the student protester arrested in November.
Tamara Tal, a member of Students for a Democratic Society, was scheduled to appear in court Monday and planned to plead not guilty to a charge of failure to disperse.
Tal's lawyer, Al McSurely, filed a motion alleging that the Chapel Hill town ordinance addressing crowds is unconstitutional.
The ordinance states that it is unlawful for a person to refuse a police request to disperse from blocking any street, sidewalk, alley or public walkway.
Source and full story
Tamara Tal, a member of Students for a Democratic Society, was scheduled to appear in court Monday and planned to plead not guilty to a charge of failure to disperse.
Tal's lawyer, Al McSurely, filed a motion alleging that the Chapel Hill town ordinance addressing crowds is unconstitutional.
The ordinance states that it is unlawful for a person to refuse a police request to disperse from blocking any street, sidewalk, alley or public walkway.
Source and full story
Monday, April 14, 2008
MOVE 9 Parole Update - April 12th
ONA MOVE, Everybody! This is an update on the MOVE 9 parole situation.
Janine, Janet and Debbie were interviewed by Matthew Mangino in person and Judy Viglione watched on closed circuit TV. Janine told us that Mangino questioned her about the issue of innocence and then he didn't want to hear any information about MOVE's innocence. Janet and Debbie got to put out a lot of information about how many people sit in prison for 20, 30 years and have to be released because their innocence is proven so a conviction does not make a person guilty. Viglione asked Janet and Debbie a few questions about what they would be doing if they were released. The decision could take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.
Source and full story
Janine, Janet and Debbie were interviewed by Matthew Mangino in person and Judy Viglione watched on closed circuit TV. Janine told us that Mangino questioned her about the issue of innocence and then he didn't want to hear any information about MOVE's innocence. Janet and Debbie got to put out a lot of information about how many people sit in prison for 20, 30 years and have to be released because their innocence is proven so a conviction does not make a person guilty. Viglione asked Janet and Debbie a few questions about what they would be doing if they were released. The decision could take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.
Source and full story
South Carolina: Officers of state's Department of Public Safety could face criminal charges over assaults on suspects
Investigations into the embattled S.C. Department of Public Safety could lead to criminal charges against troopers, outside monitoring of the agency and independent review of citizens’ complaints, state and federal officials say.
Federal and state law enforcement authorities will meet for the first time as a group this week to determine the scope and direction of their probes, said Kevin McDonald, acting U.S. attorney for South Carolina.
He declined to discuss specifics of videotapes obtained by The State newspaper showing Highway Patrol troopers engaging in questionable behavior, but said, “some I’ve reviewed are troubling.”
Source and full story
Federal and state law enforcement authorities will meet for the first time as a group this week to determine the scope and direction of their probes, said Kevin McDonald, acting U.S. attorney for South Carolina.
He declined to discuss specifics of videotapes obtained by The State newspaper showing Highway Patrol troopers engaging in questionable behavior, but said, “some I’ve reviewed are troubling.”
Source and full story
Nevada: ACLU declares inquest of police shooting of suspect "a sham"
The family of a woman killed by Henderson police says they are planning to file a lawsuit against the police department.
On Friday, jurors in a coroner's inquest, ruled that an officer was justified in shooting Deshira Selimaj during a confrontation that started when Deshira's husband, an ice cream truck driver, was pulled over for a traffic violation.
The ACLU is also criticizing the inquest. Gary Peck of the American Civil Liberties Union says the inquest was "a sham" and there are still unanswered questions about the shooting.
Source and full story
On Friday, jurors in a coroner's inquest, ruled that an officer was justified in shooting Deshira Selimaj during a confrontation that started when Deshira's husband, an ice cream truck driver, was pulled over for a traffic violation.
The ACLU is also criticizing the inquest. Gary Peck of the American Civil Liberties Union says the inquest was "a sham" and there are still unanswered questions about the shooting.
Source and full story
Sea Shephard Crew declares ship raid as "act of war"
Canada's fisheries minister defended the arrest of an anti-seal-hunt vessel Saturday, and dismissed the crew members as "money-sucking manipulators."
An armed RCMP team, working with fisheries personnel and the coast guard, boarded and seized the Farley Mowat in the Gulf of St. Lawrence on Saturday as it was monitoring the hunt.
The head of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, Paul Watson, said the arrest of the Mowat was "an act of war," claiming the Dutch-registered vessel was outside Canadian jurisdiction.
Source and full story
An armed RCMP team, working with fisheries personnel and the coast guard, boarded and seized the Farley Mowat in the Gulf of St. Lawrence on Saturday as it was monitoring the hunt.
The head of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, Paul Watson, said the arrest of the Mowat was "an act of war," claiming the Dutch-registered vessel was outside Canadian jurisdiction.
Source and full story
ACLU accuses Harvard University of maintaining a red squad
The nation’s preeminent civil liberties group is accusing the University of maintaining a political intelligence unit within the Harvard University Police Department (HUPD), an allegation that comes after two protesters were arrested during a demonstration in the Square.
The protesters allege that undercover HUPD officers were photographing the demonstration, according to John Reinstein, the legal director of the Massachusetts division of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).
“What we found really quite surprising and disturbing is that the Harvard police department has an undercover, plainclothes, political intelligence unit which so far as I know has never been acknowledged by them before,” Reinstein said.
Source and full story
The protesters allege that undercover HUPD officers were photographing the demonstration, according to John Reinstein, the legal director of the Massachusetts division of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).
“What we found really quite surprising and disturbing is that the Harvard police department has an undercover, plainclothes, political intelligence unit which so far as I know has never been acknowledged by them before,” Reinstein said.
Source and full story
Phoenix: Mayor asks FBI to investigate Sheriff Joe over civil rights violations
The mayor wants the FBI to investigate whether the local county sheriff has violated any civil rights laws with his recent high-profile crackdowns on illegal immigrants.
The "saturation patrols" have drawn protests from civil rights and immigrant-rights advocates, but they have drawn support from backers of Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio and from people who believe the government hasn't done enough against illegal immigration.
In an April 4 letter to U.S. Attorney General Michael Mukasey, Mayor Phil Gordon asked the agency and the Justice Department's civil rights division to examine what he called discriminatory harassment and improper stops, searches, and arrests by sheriff's deputies in Maricopa County, which encompasses the metropolitan area.
Source and full story
The "saturation patrols" have drawn protests from civil rights and immigrant-rights advocates, but they have drawn support from backers of Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio and from people who believe the government hasn't done enough against illegal immigration.
In an April 4 letter to U.S. Attorney General Michael Mukasey, Mayor Phil Gordon asked the agency and the Justice Department's civil rights division to examine what he called discriminatory harassment and improper stops, searches, and arrests by sheriff's deputies in Maricopa County, which encompasses the metropolitan area.
Source and full story
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Canada: Anti-sealing ship's crew described being raided at gunpoint
Stunned and angry crew from the anti-sealing vessel Farley Mowat emerged from a Cape Breton jail Sunday, maintaining the dramatic seizure of their ship by a black-clad RCMP squad brandishing submachine-guns violated international law.
The Mounties' elite marine team was called in Saturday by federal Fisheries Minister Loyola Hearn two weeks after a group of seal hunters complained that the Mowat came dangerously close to them in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
Source and full story
The Mounties' elite marine team was called in Saturday by federal Fisheries Minister Loyola Hearn two weeks after a group of seal hunters complained that the Mowat came dangerously close to them in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
Source and full story
Jeff "Free" Luers transfered again
Dear Friends,
We have just been informed today that Jeff was transferred to a minimum security prison in Portland - the Columbia River Correctional Institution. We do not know if this will be his "final" destination or not as he serves his last 2 years, but for the time being, and most likely for a while, his address is:
Jeffrey Luers # 13797671
CRCI
9111 NE Sunderland Ave
Portland, OR 97211-1708
Hopefully letters and books sent to him at Coffee Creek will be forwarded to him, but if you get any mail returned to you, please resend it in a new envelope to his new address. And please write to him now so that he start receiving mail and letters of support right away as he gets settled at this new location.
Thank you all for your support!
-Friends of Jeffrey Free Luers
Source and full story
We have just been informed today that Jeff was transferred to a minimum security prison in Portland - the Columbia River Correctional Institution. We do not know if this will be his "final" destination or not as he serves his last 2 years, but for the time being, and most likely for a while, his address is:
Jeffrey Luers # 13797671
CRCI
9111 NE Sunderland Ave
Portland, OR 97211-1708
Hopefully letters and books sent to him at Coffee Creek will be forwarded to him, but if you get any mail returned to you, please resend it in a new envelope to his new address. And please write to him now so that he start receiving mail and letters of support right away as he gets settled at this new location.
Thank you all for your support!
-Friends of Jeffrey Free Luers
Source and full story
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Kansas: Coroner's findings indicate that while tasing didn't kill him, Police behavior still killed Goodyear worker
The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is reviewing the death of a man who was stunned with a Taser three times by a local sheriff’s deputy, but the coroner cited other factors as causing his death.
County Coroner Erik Mitchell concluded that Walter E. Haake Jr., who has diabetes and heart problems, died after being held face down by deputies. Mitchell found that the March 30 death at the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. plant in north Topeka, where Haake worked, was accidental.
Mitchell said when a person with heart problems is held in such a position and his chest is compressed, “Sudden death occasionally results.”
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County Coroner Erik Mitchell concluded that Walter E. Haake Jr., who has diabetes and heart problems, died after being held face down by deputies. Mitchell found that the March 30 death at the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. plant in north Topeka, where Haake worked, was accidental.
Mitchell said when a person with heart problems is held in such a position and his chest is compressed, “Sudden death occasionally results.”
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U.S.: New domestic spying program set to go into affect
The Bush administration said yesterday that it plans to start using the nation's most advanced spy technology for domestic purposes soon, rebuffing challenges by House Democrats over the idea's legal authority.
Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said his department will activate his department's new domestic satellite surveillance office in stages, starting as soon as possible with traditional scientific and homeland security activities -- such as tracking hurricane damage, monitoring climate change and creating terrain maps.
Sophisticated overhead sensor data will be used for law enforcement once privacy and civil rights concerns are resolved, he said. The department has previously said the program will not intercept communications.
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Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said his department will activate his department's new domestic satellite surveillance office in stages, starting as soon as possible with traditional scientific and homeland security activities -- such as tracking hurricane damage, monitoring climate change and creating terrain maps.
Sophisticated overhead sensor data will be used for law enforcement once privacy and civil rights concerns are resolved, he said. The department has previously said the program will not intercept communications.
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New York State: Less crime should not mean fewer prisons
For nearly a decade, one of New York City’s major exports — criminals — has been in decline, a result of less crime. In the alternative universe of state government, this is the textbook definition of catastrophe. A steady supply of criminals is the foundation of the economy of large swaths of New York State, which has 70 prisons that employ about 20,000 people as correction officers.
The prisons are also a source of political power to upstate Republicans because the inmates are counted as permanent residents when legislative districts are drawn — even though they cannot vote and their actual homes may be hundreds of miles away.
In January, the State Department of Correctional Services said that because the state had 9,000 fewer inmates than it did in 1999, it would close four prisons that had space for 1,346. Another agency said the state should close five mostly unused juvenile facilities because even empty beds cost $140,000 to $200,000 each to maintain with staff and other services.
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The prisons are also a source of political power to upstate Republicans because the inmates are counted as permanent residents when legislative districts are drawn — even though they cannot vote and their actual homes may be hundreds of miles away.
In January, the State Department of Correctional Services said that because the state had 9,000 fewer inmates than it did in 1999, it would close four prisons that had space for 1,346. Another agency said the state should close five mostly unused juvenile facilities because even empty beds cost $140,000 to $200,000 each to maintain with staff and other services.
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Liberty City Seven case may reach second mistrial over hung jury; Bush administration still pushing for prison and deportation
Just as in the first trial, jurors hit a stalemate in the case against six men accused of scheming to destroy the Sears Tower in Chicago and bomb FBI offices in Miami and elsewhere. They were told to continue deliberating nonetheless.
The jurors said Friday in a terse note issued on their 10th day of deliberations that they could not agree on the guilt or innocence of any of the accused men.
"We are unable to come to a unanimous decision on any of the counts for all of the defendants," the note read.
The first trial in the "Liberty City Seven" case also ended in a mistrial in December because of a hung jury for alleged ringleader Narseal Batiste and the five other defendants. One man was acquitted by the first jury, but the Bush administration intends to deport him to Haiti.
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The jurors said Friday in a terse note issued on their 10th day of deliberations that they could not agree on the guilt or innocence of any of the accused men.
"We are unable to come to a unanimous decision on any of the counts for all of the defendants," the note read.
The first trial in the "Liberty City Seven" case also ended in a mistrial in December because of a hung jury for alleged ringleader Narseal Batiste and the five other defendants. One man was acquitted by the first jury, but the Bush administration intends to deport him to Haiti.
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L.A.: Alteration to law would allow officers to investigate immigration status of "gang members"
Calling it a response to public outrage over gang crime in Los Angeles, Councilman Dennis Zine said Friday he wants to alter the LAPD's long-standing Special Order 40 by allowing officers to question gang members about their immigration status.
Opposed by immigration-rights activists, the amendment would bolster already existing relationships with immigration officials and require police to report gang members who are in the country illegally.
But it would not alter the crux of the 1979 rule that prohibits officers from asking crime victims about their immigration status.
"These are people who are terrorizing their own communities," Zine said. "They are extorting business for protection money. They are victimizing their own communities. We need to give gang officers another tool to deal with the problem."
Still, activists and the LAPD say officers should not be used to enforce immigration laws and argue that authorizing officers to obtain gang members' immigration status would do just that.
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Opposed by immigration-rights activists, the amendment would bolster already existing relationships with immigration officials and require police to report gang members who are in the country illegally.
But it would not alter the crux of the 1979 rule that prohibits officers from asking crime victims about their immigration status.
"These are people who are terrorizing their own communities," Zine said. "They are extorting business for protection money. They are victimizing their own communities. We need to give gang officers another tool to deal with the problem."
Still, activists and the LAPD say officers should not be used to enforce immigration laws and argue that authorizing officers to obtain gang members' immigration status would do just that.
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Canada: Black student group alleges racism was the cause of police action
A group of students from the University of Windsor is filing an application with the Ontario Human Rights Commission this week alleging that racism influenced the city police force's handling of a campus party.
The group Students Against Anti-Black Racism is requesting that the commission conduct an independent investigation into the decision by police to use more than two dozen officers and a K-9 unit to break up a Caribbean-themed dance party held on campus in late January.
Students allege officers responded to a routine call with unusually high numbers of officers and resources and went on to use excessive force when arresting some students.
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The group Students Against Anti-Black Racism is requesting that the commission conduct an independent investigation into the decision by police to use more than two dozen officers and a K-9 unit to break up a Caribbean-themed dance party held on campus in late January.
Students allege officers responded to a routine call with unusually high numbers of officers and resources and went on to use excessive force when arresting some students.
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Indianapolis: Community protests after charges against police officer dropped
The mother of a teen who was kicked by a police officer during last year's Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration said Friday the officer is being treated too leniently.
Fredereka Hill gathered with supporters at Second Baptist Church to protest prosecutors' decision to drop a battery charge against Indianapolis police Officer Adam Chappell.
Hill said she wants the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department to fire Chappell.
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Fredereka Hill gathered with supporters at Second Baptist Church to protest prosecutors' decision to drop a battery charge against Indianapolis police Officer Adam Chappell.
Hill said she wants the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department to fire Chappell.
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North Carolina: 6 students arrested at ASU after three day sit in against sweatshop products
A sit-in protest about oversight of working conditions in factories that make Appalachian State University-licensed apparel ended last night with the arrest of six students.
The sit-in began Wednesday morning in ASU’s administration building. The number of students has varied over three days, with some students going in and out.
Six students were arrested about 7:30 and taken to the magistrate’s office. They were charged with disorderly conduct and trespassing. The students were booked into jail last night, then released on $300 bonds,organizers said.
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The sit-in began Wednesday morning in ASU’s administration building. The number of students has varied over three days, with some students going in and out.
Six students were arrested about 7:30 and taken to the magistrate’s office. They were charged with disorderly conduct and trespassing. The students were booked into jail last night, then released on $300 bonds,organizers said.
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Canada: Anti-seal hunt protesters say coast guard raided vessel
A conservation group monitoring the annual seal hunt said armed Canadian Coast Guard officers boarded their vessel the Farley Mowat in the Gulf of St. Lawrence Saturday.
Paul Watson, who heads the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, said coast guard officers stormed the vessel at 11 a.m. local time. Watson received a call from Albertan Shannon Mann, 35, the onboard communications officer for the protest ship.
"Shannon said that the icebreaker the Des Groseilliers and the (offshore patrol ship) Sir Wifrid Grenfell dispatched four small boats carrying officers and they swarmed the vessel and came on board," said Watson. "They seized everything."
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Paul Watson, who heads the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, said coast guard officers stormed the vessel at 11 a.m. local time. Watson received a call from Albertan Shannon Mann, 35, the onboard communications officer for the protest ship.
"Shannon said that the icebreaker the Des Groseilliers and the (offshore patrol ship) Sir Wifrid Grenfell dispatched four small boats carrying officers and they swarmed the vessel and came on board," said Watson. "They seized everything."
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Dr. Al-Arian Placed in Punitive Detention
At 1 a.m. on Saturday, Dr. Sami Al-Arian was moved by hostile prison guards from a regular holding cell at the Howard County Detention Center in Jessup, Maryland, to the "Special Housing Unit." The SHU is an extremely punitive and restrictive section of the prison where inmates are placed in solitary confinement 23 hours a day, usually in freezing temperatures. Prisoners are normally moved there for violating prison rules. However, in the case of Dr. Al-Arian, he has always been placed there without reason or any explanation. In the SHU, prisoners are subjected to continuous, deafening alarm sounds and have little contact with the outside world. With no medical supervision, this is an extremely dangerous place for Dr. Al-Arian to be during his hunger strike, which is on its 41st day. Dr. Al-Arian was also held in solitary confinement for 37 months before and during his trial. This was a deliberate attempt by the government to break him down physically and psychologically and to prevent him from preparing for his trial.
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Mumia Legal Update April 2008
This Legal Update is made on behalf of my client, Mumia Abu-Jamal, who remains on Pennsylvania's death row. Many people have inquired as to our reaction and position concerning recent legal developments, and what will happen now. This should answer many of those questions and alleviate some of the confusion.
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, Philadelphia
As widely reported in the media, the U.S. Court of Appeals issued its long-awaited decision on March 27, 2008. (Abu-Jamal v. Horn, Nos. 01-9014, 02-9001, 2008 WL 793877 (3rd Cir. 2008).) Mumia and I had legal conferences that day, and we have been in frequent contact since including a death-row meeting earlier this week and a discussion this evening. We view the opinion of the three-judge panel as a mixed bag with some good, some very wrong, and a remarkable dissenting opinion by a judge on racism that gives us great hope for eventual victory.
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U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, Philadelphia
As widely reported in the media, the U.S. Court of Appeals issued its long-awaited decision on March 27, 2008. (Abu-Jamal v. Horn, Nos. 01-9014, 02-9001, 2008 WL 793877 (3rd Cir. 2008).) Mumia and I had legal conferences that day, and we have been in frequent contact since including a death-row meeting earlier this week and a discussion this evening. We view the opinion of the three-judge panel as a mixed bag with some good, some very wrong, and a remarkable dissenting opinion by a judge on racism that gives us great hope for eventual victory.
Source and full story
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