NYC FBI PROTEST: 'From Colombia to Palestine, Solidarity is No Crime!'

About 200 people marched and rallied outside the Federal Building in lower Manhattan Sept. 28 to protest FBI raids and Grand Jury subpoenas targeting anti-war activists. Chants included: “From Colombia to Palestine, solidarity is not a crime!” and “FBI-Gestapo, stop the raids now!”

A speak-out followed the rally in front of the Federal Building’s Broadway entrance, including representatives of the International Action Center, City Council Member and Freedom Party gubernatorial candidate Charles Barron, Al-Awday NY-Palestine Right of Return Coalition, Desis Rising Up and Moving, December 12th Movement, Bayan, National Lawyers Guild, Lynne Stewart Defense Committee, Workers World Party and others.

All of the speakers emphasized their solidarity with the targeted activists in the Midwest and the crucial importance for the entire progressive movement to mount a united resistance to this new escalation of police/government attacks on opponents of U.S. imperialism.

The demonstration was initiated by the International Action Center and supported by many other groups as part of a series of coordinated actions at FBI offices and Federal Buildings across the U.S.

Early on the morning of Sept. 24, FBI agents raided eight homes and offices of anti-war activists in Minneapolis and Chicago. They confiscated computers, books, documents, cell phones, passports, and even children’s drawings. The same day agents subpoenaed 11 activists in Illinois, Minnesota and Michigan to appear before a federal Grand Jury. Harassing visits and calls were paid to others in Wisconsin, California and North Carolina.

Search warrants and subpoenas indicated the government was looking for evidence of “material support” for resistance movements in Palestine and Colombia that the U.S. government has labeled “terrorist organizations.” The raided activists deny any wrong-doing.

Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision this year in Holder v. Humanitarian Law Project (HLP), which found that speech could constitute “material support,” there is great concern that the government is now seeking to clamp down on people’s rights to oppose U.S. foreign policy. These raids constitute a new level of repression and attempted intimidation against the entire progressive movement.

In the days following the raids, demonstrations were held outside Federal Buildings and FBI offices in more than 30 cities demanding: 1) Stop the repression against trade union, anti-war and international solidarity activists; 2) Immediately return all confiscated materials; and 3) End the Grand Jury proceedings and raids.

The booklet If An Agent Knocks, recently updated by the Center for Constitutional Rights, is an important resource for activists to understand and protect their rights. The publication can be downloaded free from CCR’s web site at ccrjustice.org/if-agent-knocks-(-booklet). Protect your right to speak out and help others protect theirs!

Report and photos by redguard