Committee Against Political Repression

Support imprisoned NYC grand jury resister Jerry Koch!

nopoliticalrepression — Thu, 23 May 2013 03:18:21 +0000

UPDATE: Jerry has been transfered. New address below.

Gerald “Jerry” Koch, a New York City anarchist and legal activist, has been subpoenaed for the second time to a federal grand jury in New York investigating the same event. He was found in contempt of court on May 21, 2013, and is currently being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, NY.

WRITE TO JERRY

Gerald Koch #68631-054
MCC NEW YORK
METROPOLITAN CORRECTIONAL CENTER
150 PARK ROW
NEW YORK, NY 10007

Letter writing guidelines

Jerry is in immediate need of letters, cards, and photographs. He is currently being held in the special housing unit and, as far as we know, at this time has no access to his commissary. He needs our support and our strength as a community.

In 2009, Jerry was subpoenaed for the first time and refused to testify. Today, as in 2009, the grand jury is being used to conduct a witch hunt against anarchists and political radicals. In refusing to testify, Jerry risks being held in contempt of court and faces incarceration in a federal prison for the duration of the grand jury, which could be up to 18 months.

Under the guise of an exploratory legal investigation, the grand jury is a secretive tool of repression that aims to intimidate and punish those who refuse to collaborate with the State. There is a long history of grand juries being used whenever the State focuses on a new “enemy”: they were used in the 1950s during the “Red Scare,” in the 1960s against the Black Panthers, and more recently against environmental and animal rights groups in what became known as the “Green Scare.”

This grand jury, like the ongoing targeting of anarchists in the Pacific Northwest, is part of a new, escalating wave of repression against anarchists nationwide, who are being persecuted specifically for their political beliefs and practices. It is no coincidence that the government would try to silence Jerry, as he has been an effective and tireless legal advocate for anarchists, Occupy Wall Street protesters, and others expressing political dissent. Jerry was the person everyone could count on to be waiting for them outside of jail, to support them in the courtroom, and to help with their legal defense. Although Jerry knew he would be in the crosshairs of the State for providing much needed legal support to hundreds of political activists, no one expected that the state would retaliate with a second subpoena. It is clear that the State’s goal is not just to pressure Jerry into informing on the radical community, but to take away someone who is an integral part of our community–someone who makes us all stronger.

By refusing to collaborate with the grand jury once again, Jerry demonstrates his great personal integrity, commitment, and support for the radical community. It is now our turn to stand by Jerry and show him the support and solidarity he deserves. It is time to send a message that, no matter how many times they come after us, we, like Jerry, will refuse to cooperate and to bargain for our freedom at the expense of our friends’ liberty.

Check out Jerry Resists for ongoing updates on his case, and to donate money or buy a sweet “Fuck A Grand Jury” shirt.

Upcoming court dates for May Day 2013 arrestees

nopoliticalrepression — Mon, 20 May 2013 22:20:26 +0000

From PSA

16 people in Seattle are still facing charges from May Day 2013. At least four of those people are facing felonies. Two of these people are still in jail and one is facing serious jail time as a result of prior convictions. A lot of people have court dates coming up and while it will be difficult to ‘pack the court’ for all of them, it is important that at the very least a few folks show up to show support for those arrested each time there is a court date. This page will be updated periodically as new information and new court dates arise.

Be aware that the Seattle Pigs say that they are working “feverishly” to identify further May Day suspects. You will be expected to show a state-issued ID card and will not be allowed to bring weapons (pocket-knives even), cell phones, or any other kind of sketchy material into the courthouse. If there is any reason you suspect that there may be pictures of you committing a crime on May Day and you did not properly conceal your identity, it may be worth considering not coming to the courthouse. Solidarity can be given in many different ways.

Dates:

May 20th @ 8:30 AM
Seattle Superior Court
516 3rd Ave RM E1201

May 23rd @ 9:30 AM
Seattle Municipal Court
600 5th Ave RM 1102

May 28th @ 9AM
Seattle Municipal Court
600 5th Ave RM 1002

May 29th @ 1:00 PM
Seattle Superior Court
516 3rd Ave RM E1201

May 30th @ Time TBA
Seattle Superior Court
516 3rd Ave RM E1201

June 3rd @ 10 AM
Seattle Municipal Court
600 5th Ave
3 people in 3 Different court rooms at the same time 1002, 1001, & 1101

June 25th @ time TBA
Seattle Superior Court
516 3rd Ave RM E1201

Repression has entered a new phase

nopoliticalrepression — Mon, 20 May 2013 22:17:39 +0000

Reposted from Say Nothing

This site has dedicated itself to spreading a non-cooperative attitude and practice towards the federal grand jury which currently investigates anarchists in the Pacific Northwest. This remains true, but the scope of what we are dealing with here has grown. Non-cooperation must extend beyond the grand jury room to every place the cops show up.

By subpoenaing individuals to the grand jury, the feds were specifically targeting people they believed (wrongly or not) knew about the individuals who allegedly traveled to Seattle from Portland, allegedly via Olympia, allegedly to attack the federal courthouse. They intended two things: to get information regarding those people, and to create snitches.

Their new strategy still embraces those goals, but also broadens their intimidation to include those whose associations are third or fourth-degree from possible rioters. They want to wedge apart anarchists and those who are sympathetic to their aims.

Some facts about the recent feds’ visits:

They flashed a lot of resources. The feds appeared simultaneously in 3 or 4 cities (Portland, Olympia and Seattle, and probably Vancouver) as well as some rural places around the region. They appeared in groups as large as 6-8.
They visited around 10 houses in Olympia, and several other locations for a total of perhaps 20 contacts in Olympia. They visited at least one but reportedly as many as 3 different homeless youth service organizations in Seattle, in addition to an anarchist bookstore. They harassed a handful of people in Seattle quite intensely. Several people in Portland were visited, and reports suggest some people in Vancouver, BC were visited.
At one house, the feds knocked and someone answered the door. Once the door was open, the feds muscled their way into the house, intimidating residents and asking questions.
The US Marshals are involved. Marshals track, arrest, and transport people. They also serve subpoenas, and had served at least one subpoena last year related to May Day 2012.
The scope of their contacts has greatly increased. They are not focused on anarchists and activists: now they target artists, hipsters, and show spaces.
They showed lists of names and series of photos. They said things along the lines of, “Here is a photo of someone unmasked. Here is a photo of someone masked up. Is it the same person? What is their name?”

Their goal was to prevent May Day 2013 from being a riotous affair. We have seen that, in spite of their attempts, rage spilled over in Seattle on May 1st and numerous windows were broken and police were injured. #fbifail

Beyond May Day 2013, they were trying to continue their investigation into May Day 2012. By fishing broadly through subcultural milieus, they hoped to get pieces of information that would lead them to others who would give them more information which they could leverage against yet other people, eventually working their way back in to prosecute those they believe smashed their stupid little courthouse, prosecuting any other crimes they uncover in their process.

Broadly, it seems that people refused to cooperate. Some people talked with the feds. It is worth reiterating again: answer absolutely no questions that the feds ask you. You do not have to acknowledge knowing anyone. You do not have to name people in photographs. You do not have to compare photographs. You do not have to wipe their asses. You do not even have to provide them toilet paper. All you have to do is tell them that you won’t speak to them, and close the door or walk away.

Stay free & wild! Someone submitted these tips to PSA.

Kris Hermes article on Grand Juries

nopoliticalrepression — Sun, 05 May 2013 23:33:09 +0000

Kris Hermes, co-founder of the Grand Jury Resistance Project, recently wrote an article on the use of Grand Juries at Political Counterintelligence. You can read the article here.

Multiple houses in Olympia and Seattle visited by the FBI this morning

nopoliticalrepression — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 20:58:08 +0000

At least 2 houses in Olympia and 2 in Seattle were visited this morning by the FBI, looking for a few different people. At least one of the people is being sought because the FBI wants to interview them about May Day/ black bloc. At this point it is unclear whether there are subpoenas for either of the people the FBI is looking for, or whether they’re trying a more informal approach.

If the FBI comes to your house or stops you on the street you don’t have to talk to them. If they give you a subpoena, don’t talk to them – call your lawyer or the NLG. Shut the door in their faces or walk away. It is never a good idea to talk to the FBI. Instead, call the National Lawyers’ Guild immediately at (888) 654-3265.

Know Your Rights Training on April 27th

nopoliticalrepression — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 20:44:52 +0000

Check out the facebook event page here!

Maddy Pfeiffer has been released from prison!!

nopoliticalrepression — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 03:44:52 +0000

As of 7pm last night, April 11th, grand jury resister Maddy Pfeiffer is free! Welcome home, Maddy!

More information will be released as it comes to us.

Oakland, CA: Noise demo in solidarity with grand jury resisters

nopoliticalrepression — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 04:18:23 +0000

From PSA:

Friday, April 26, 2013 – 7:00pm

Earlier this month, a call to action was made for a week of solidarity with the PNW Grand Jury resistors. This week is the week leading up to May Day, the day the FBI is using as an excuse to engage in their anarchist witch hunt.

So Friday, April 26th we are calling for a rowdy noise demonstration/street party in solidarity with those facing repression from the Seattle grand jury (and everywhere else, too!) Repression will not keep us down!

Bring noisemakers of all sorts, from fireworks to casseroles.

April 26th • 7pm • OGP (14th & Broadway)

See You at the Finish-line, Leavin Em’ : Eight Months in Exile

nopoliticalrepression — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 04:08:39 +0000

From PSA:

—–Eight months ago I was subpoenaed for the Grand Jury investigating the incidents of May Day 2012 in Seattle Washington. However, unlike others involved I had not been “served”, therefore I had a chance to flee, and to do so legally. These past eight months have been the most trying months that I have ever lived. In this period I have loved yet I have lost, and I have felt emboldened yet defeated.
Though I am technically not breaking any laws, the degree to which I am public about my situation is something that has constantly been on my mind. I do not want to publish the exact place I am in or full name because I have already been harassed (both verbally and physically) in my current location. Yet, at the same time there seems to be a lot of confusion around the situation that myself and others are in, exile. This statement is an attempt to clarify the situation that I am in and speak a little about what my experience has been. This statement is also a call for support and solidarity. Both are things that I really need right now. Thanks for reading.—–

I understand that there has been some confusion around the issue of my exile and this is something I hope to clear up. I am a grand jury resister and though I am not in currently in prison, I am sure that if I were to enter back into the United States before the Grand Jury investigation is closed I would be served my subpoena and ordered to appear in front of the Grand Jury. Being that cooperation with the state is not something I would ever do, I view my leaving the country as an act of resistance, a refusal to engage in any sort of dialogue with the State. Since my leaving, I have been contacted multiple times by the FBI in regards to when my new subpoena date is, and also just to be harassed.
My subpoena was not the first interaction I have had with the FBI, it has been a fairly constant thing in my life for the past two years. I understand that there are other people who have also not been served who have been able to avoid being harassed and haven’t been ordered to appear in front of the Grand Jury. These people have not left the country and I think this is great news and wish nothing but the best for those people. Unfortunately I don’t see myself being in that situation, since there have also been people who the agents have gone to pretty extensive lengths to serve. Given all of the information I have, this is not a risk I am willing to take.
I want to be clear that I stand in complete solidarity with all other Grand Jury resisters, regardless of whether they chose to appear or not. To me, this is a personal choice and I don’t view the refusal to appear as either better or worse than the refusal to answer their questions in person. But if I can avoid going to prison, especially while doing so legally, that is what I will do, and I have no regrets about the decisions I have made.
In many ways thinking back on the past eight months is something that is hard to do. While it’s easy to recount the events; the late august beach trips, the three day drive fueled by four bottles of “5 hour energy” and too much McDonald’s(even for me), celebrating a friends birthday by trekking part way up a snow-covered and drinking champagne and sending fireworks in the night sky. It seems like time has just flown by. But that sinking feeling in my stomach is always there to remind me just how long it’s actually been. The countless number of sad phone calls made to my best friend at home remind of just how many days I have been gone. Experiencing the death of my 24 year old brother while not being able to attend the funeral or grieve in person with my family and old friends. This is what makes the weeks feel like months, and the months feel years. These are not so subtle reminders that, in some ways, my time is being stolen.
Financially there have been lots of amazing people and organizations who have provided me with what I need and I want to express my utmost gratitude to them.. But most of my money has come in the form of financial aid from the university I am still currently attending in the States. However, I am no longer able to receive money due to my graduating and am going to need to be relying on donations for the rest of my exile. Finding employment here is very hard given that I do not have status nor know the language you need to be employed. I will be having friends set up in a website in the near future with an option to donate both by mail, in person, and online. Anything than anyone can offer would be greatly appreciated as I currently have rent, bills, transportation costs, and I really really like tacos.
I very much appreciate all of the solidarity actions that have happened for Grand Jury resistors. I can’t think of any other act of repression that has inspired so many solidarity actions and it is heartwarming to see that they are still happening. While solidarity means lots of different things to lots of different people, I want to clarify that I have no interest in the discourse of rights and laws. I am not just opposed to some laws, I am opposed to all laws. And for there to be “rights” there must be a state-body that grants these rights. I don’t engage in and support acts of resistance for a more benevolent state and better laws, I desire the immediate eradication of the State, Capital, and all those who seek to uphold the domination I wish to destroy. Solidarity means a lot of things, but it also means attack!
I want to say that I stand in full support of all the actions that occurred on May Day 2012 in Seattle. The Kenzo Nakamura courthouse was attacked because it is an institution that perpetuates the racist, patriarchal, hetero-normative, and ultimately, capitalist forms of domination that continue to enslave the world. While Nakamura died in World War II fighting for a country that was solely trying to further it’s goal of empire and colonization, his family was forced into an internment camp (along with 110,000 other Japanese people) by the racist politicians and judges. Furthermore, the courthouse stands as a monument to two things which disgust me, the State and Capital. I wish nothing more than to see attacks targeted at all facets of domination multiply, as we continue to take care of each other and nurse our wounds, both physical and emotional, together.
While I have been removed from my life, my life has not been removed from me. I’m aware that while my life back in the Northwest goes on without me, but in many ways it’s hard for my life here to go on knowing that. I say this not to criticize but to clarify that I cannot simply view my situation as being on a adventure or “traveling”, and I don’t want others to view it this way either. The reason why I left was because it was the only option other than going to prison, any form of cooperation has never and will never be an option for me. I have been able to experience lots of amazing things during the past eight months, some experiences I wouldn’t trade for anything else. But I’m constantly reminded by the context in which all of these experiences are taking place, and as a special person once told me, context is everything.
This context is not something that ever goes away, but the people I’m able to surround myself with and spend my time with not only make the time pass faster but allow me to appreciate the amount of “freedom” I’m enjoying that I could have had taken away from me by being sent to prison. These people make me want to return and continue to have them be a large part of my life. All in all, I’m doing okay.

PS- It’s my birthday on Tuesday April 2nd, I’m turning 24! Luckily I will be surrounded by new friends but if you feel like celebrating with me, even though I can’t be there, here is a list of things I like so I can be there in spirit! The movie “The Notebook”, Ice-cream cake, jello-shots(!!), Caribbean food (especially Jamaican and Puerto Rican), The TV show “No Reservations with Anthony Bourdain”, and Mountain Dew “Baja Blast” from Taco Bell, and Doo-wop music.

Solidarity and Complicity to All Fellow Resisters!

Long Live Anarchy!

I Love You Maddy!

Yours In Exile,
S.

PSA: Call for Coordinated Week of Action for Grand Jury Resisters, April 24-May 1, 2013

nopoliticalrepression — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 20:28:38 +0000

Read the full call-out on PSA

“Call for Coordinated Week of Action
April 24-May 1st 2013
Solidarity with Grand Jury Resisters

“Remember that it was a year ago on May 1st, 2012 that anarchists so dramatically attacked Seattle, a city built on two hundred years of desecration. Anarchists organized with the clear and almost theatrical intent of acting on our disgust, sadness, and love of freedom. The holiday was to be a public display, in broad business daylight as part of the anti-capitalist march. We gave ourselves that arena for communal empowerment, a ritualized demonstration to exhibit our beliefs and attack our enemy. It was on that day that we evoked the spirit of our ancestors and comrades, risking the Everyday to give a tradition that lights our lives on fire room to play.

“Consider using the anger, pain, and sadness you’ve experienced because of this wave of repression or because of the State and its affects as momentum to express solidarity and continue on with the Beautiful Idea. Let’s use this coordinated week of action for the much needed joy, perseverance, and defiance. Yatta Yatta Yatta, get out there, do something, it’s easy to attack!”