[PEN-L:30259] FW: Anti-Racist 28 face up to 40 years

[Sabri Oncu <soncu@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

I have no means to verify this but it sure sounds bad!

Sabri

+++++++++++

From: "Nausicaa B" <nausiciaa@xxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Bmore Anti-Racist 28:  Urgent help needed!
Date: Sat, 14 Sep 2002 14:30:05 -0400

::Please forward widely::

Calling all musicians, bands, and artists! As some of you may
have heard, on August 24th 28 anti-racist activists were
arrested while trying to protest against a white supremacist
rally in Baltimore. Below is a statement from the arrestees on
what happened. Suffice it to say that they did nothing, yet are
facing up to 40 years in prison EACH. There are several benefit
projects in the works, including several compilation CDs. If your
band could contribute a track or two, it would be immensely
appreciated. If you are interested in doing so, please contact:

Geoff: anarchocommie@xxxxxxxxxxx
OR
chewy: blakelvis@xxxxxxxxxxx

Be sure to mention that you are contacting us regarding the
"Anti-Racist 28 Legal Defense Benefit"!

----------------------------------
Support The Baltimore Anti-Racist 28!

On the morning of August 24, 2002, twenty-eight anti-racist
activists went to the Baltimore Travel Plaza to protest the
neo-nazi organization "The National Alliance." Some two hundred
racists were gathering there to meet before caravanning to their
march and rally in Washington, D.C. later that day. As the
activists entered the parking lot of the Travel Plaza, it began
to storm and the group was confronted by several police cars. The
twenty-eight attempted to return to their cars when suddenly they
were surrounded by dozens of police cars and wagons. Held in the
pouring rain for nearly an hour, they were eventually cuffed and
brought to the Southeast District police station. After hours of
shivering on the floor of a conference room without being
charged, they were transferred to Central Booking and held for
almost twenty-four hours before receiving their papers. When they
finally were allowed to see commissioners, some of the
twenty-eight were released on their own recognizance while others
received bail amounts upwards of $10,000. None of these
twenty-eight activists had committed any crime, nor were they
told what they were being charged with until after they had been
interviewed. Bail was raised and all activists are
now out of jail, but the legal battle is just beginning.

Later that night...

Baltimore police carried out a raid on a community center, the
activists were using to coordinate jail solidarity, without a
warrant. They confiscated pamphlets, magazines and other
literature. Immediately afterward, police surrounded a
progressive activist center and they attempted another
warrant-less search. The activists inside refused to talk to
police and instead called the media. The police left the scene
when the media showed up. Police then followed and pulled over
cars traveling to and from these locations without providing
reasons for the stops. Several people were pulled over at
gunpoint for trying to reach these safe spaces. The Baltimore
Police Department is going forward with their trumped up charges.
Once again the police are protecting violent racists over the
interests of our communities.

In addition to funds, the Baltimore Anti-Racist 28 are also in
need of legal support. Any legal resources you can provide will
be greatly appreciated and are desperately needed.

It is clear that the charges against the Baltimore Anti-Racist 28
and the harassment of the Baltimore Anti-Racist community are
part of a larger attempt to silence the voices of committed
activists. Due to the scale of media coverage and the various
regions represented by the defendants, this case is important to
everyone continent-wide who is opposed to racial and other nazi
prejudices.

Accurate information on the charges and the police tactics and
response to anti-racism must be disseminated. Corporate media
accounts are based on the statements by the police and the
National Alliance. Please spread the true message as far and wide
as you can. Flyers, benefits, teach-ins, demonstrations, etc. are
needed to assist the Anti-Racist 28 through their court cases.

The Results:

Twenty-six activists have each been charged with:

One count of rioting (unlimited penalty)

Three counts of second degree aggravated assault (punishable by
up to 10 years in prison and/or a $2,500 fine)

One count of possession of a deadly weapon with intent to injure
(punishable by up to 3 years in prison and/or a $1,000 fine)

One count of malicious destruction of property valued over $500
(punishable by up to 3 years in prison and/or a $2,500 fine)

One count of disorderly conduct (punishable by up to 60 days in
prison and/or a $500 fine)

The twenty-seventh activist, a minor, received the same charges
plus an additional 20 counts of Second Degree Aggravated Assault.

The twenty-eighth activist, a representative of the National
Lawyers Guild, was also arrested while he attempted to protect
the rights of the activists. He was charged with one count of
failing to obey an officer (punishable by up to 60 Days in prison
and/or a $500 fine).

The National Alliance claimed to police that they were confronted
by anti-fascists in the morning. If so, they had been there and
left well before the twenty-eight had arrived. The police decided
to round up anyone in the parking lot and are attempting to pin
any real or imagined crimes the National Alliance racists
complained of on these innocent activists. These anti-racist
activists need your assistance as they are facing a combined
total of about 1,177 years of jail time.

Please donate to the Baltimore Anti-Racist 28 Legal Defense Fund.
Many thousands of dollars will be needed by these brave and
dedicated activists to fight these bogus charges. Much thanks to
all of the great people who sent money for bail, but the serious
costs will begin now. Every little bit counts.

In solidarity,

The Baltimore Anti-Racist 28 Defense Committee

Silence Is Approval!
Demand Justice Now!