ABCF

UPDATE

QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE ABCF

Winter 2006 "Any movement that does not support their political internees is a sham movement.” - O. Lutalo Tssue #44

iPresente! Z

To honor the life and
struggle of Richards
Williams, the ABCF has
dedicated this issue of the
Update as a tribute to him.

Also in this Update:

+ Statement by Ruchell Magee

+ Arrest of ARA Activist

Victory for Mumia Abu-Jamal

+ 11 Arrested for ELF/ALF Actions
+ Memory of William Rogers

- Statement by Jeff Luers

+ Article and Letter by Shoatz

- Sinn Fein Activist Snitches

+ Former Panthers Called Terrorists
+ Looking Cloud Transferred

+ Muntagim Harassed

+ Freeman Extradition Ordered

+ End of Break the Chains

+ ABCF Member Banned from
Prisons

The Anarchist Black Cross (ABC) began
shorly after the 1905 Russian Revolution. It
formed aftr breaking from the Political Red

Cross, due to the groups refusal to support
Anarchist and Social Revolutionary Politcal
Prisoners. The new group. naming itself the
Anarchist Red Cross (ARC) began o provide
aid to those Politcal Prisoners who were
refused support by the PRC.

In the early decades, the organization had
chapters. throughout Europe and North
America. These chapters worked together to
provide assistance to prisoners only in
Russia. Soon other groups, such as the
Latvian Anarchist Red Cross, emerged to
provide aid in other Eastern European coun-
tries. Armed with the ideas of mutual aid and
solidarity, these groups worked tielessly to

provide support t0 those who have suffered
because of their political belicfs.

n 1919, the onganization’s name changed
tothe Anarchist Black Cross to avoid confu-
sion with the_International Red Cross
Through the 19205 uniil 1958, the organiza-
tion worked under various other names but
provided the same level of support as the
other groups working s Anarchist Black
Cross.

Afier 1936, the ABC expanded its id to
places like Grcece, laly and Spain.

In 1958, the organization collapsed but
reemerged in 1967 in London, England
Once again ABC chapters spread throughout
the globe providing support for imprisoned
comrades. Sadly, by the end of the 1970’5
only a handful of ABC chapters stil existed.

Bitin the 80', the ABC began t0 gain popu-
larity again in the US and Eutope. For years,
the ABC's name was kept alive by a number
of completely autonomous groups scattered
throughou the globe and grew to support a
wide Variety of prison issues.

In May of 1995, a small group of ABC
collectives merged into a federation whose
aim was to focus on the overall support and
defense of Political Prisoners and Prisoners
of War.

Various groups have since merged in
numerous networks throughout the globe
working on various prison issues. The
Anarchist Black Cross Federation (ABCF)
has continued its mission to focus on the aid
and support of Political Prisoners. We take
the position that PPPOW's demand our top
priority. We strive to continue with the same
dedication and solidarity 1o our falen com.
tades as those before us have shown.

Introduction:

“Crucally important to maintaining the anarchist integrity of this organization
s the fact that Branch Groups and Support Groups are freely autonomous to
take on whatever nitiatives they can to further the Unity of Purpose of the
ABCF. So long as these initiatives do not contradict any preexisting agree-
ments (Tactical Unity) that have been made by the ABCF, it is not necessary
for all groups to approve of and/or agree with programs, projects or work of
other ABCF collectives.” [from the ABCF Constitution and Structure]

The following definitions are used to describe the below terms whenever
they appear in the ABCF Update or any other ABCF literature.

Political Prisoner (PP): A person incarcerated for actions carried out in
support of legitimate struggles for self determination or for opposing the
illegal policies of the government andor its political subdivisions. [Special
International Tribunal on the Violation of Human Rights of PPPOW'S in
US. Prisons and Jails, Dec. '90]

Prisoner of War (POW): Those combatants struggling against colonial and
alien domination and racist regimes captured as prisoners are to be accorded
the status of prisoner of war and their treatment should be in accordance with
the provisions of the Geneva Conventions Relative to the Treatment of
Prisoners of War of 12 August, 1949 (General Assembly resolution 3103)

The ABCF is:
PRISONER’S COMMITTEE

QJORE LUTALD BILL DUNNE

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Tnton NS ose5s Box10001

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T8 /805 HANFBEY

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Sotin Walple WA

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ABCF GROUPS

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JAX ABC totot

Saoniie e VNNPEG ABC

322050382 Winnipeg, Manitoba,

ontnenLase MO 1%, i

P05 42053 SUCC
Joamne Mance
Monireal OC

H2W 213 Canadal

LAABC
PO BOX 11223
Whiter, CA 90603

ABCF 2006 Federation Council Meeting [Ji"l

Afier nearly 3 1/2 years since the last conference, the ABCF held
4 Federation Council meeting in Philadelphia on February 3-d.
Members from Los Angeles, Philadelphia, New Jersey and Montreal
came together to discuss the present status of the Federation, as well
as, the future of the organization. Some of the agenda items ranged
from the drag policy, prison council and the status of new PPPOWs
to much needed constiutional and structural changes.

As we begin the eleventh year of the Federation, we are commit-
ted to strengihening the organization, ensuring another eleven years
of dedicated non-partisan support. We are dedicated to improving the
financial stability of the Warchest and the Subsistence Fund. Most
importantly, we are committed to building a movement of resistance
against the continued oppression of those who have struggle against
colonial and imperialist forces. We have a renewed dedication
towards our Unity of Purpose and are ready to get back to work!

Los Angeles ABCF

NEWS FROM THE FRONT

Looking Cloud Transferred

According to our brother Bill Dunne,
Fritz Arlo Looking Cloud has been trans.
ferred to USP Atwater.

For those unaware of Looking Cloud , he
was aceused and convicted of the murder of
Anna Mae Pictou-Aquash in 1976. Looking
Cloud's conviction rested mainly on_his
own confession, during which he admitted
being under the influence.

Twenty-three witnesses called by the
Prosecution gave testimonies that contra-
dicted Looking Clouds confession. The
majority of evidence they did provide was
less sbout Arlo Looking Cloud and more
about prominent members of the American
Indian Movement. Some witnesses were
paid-offby the FBI for their estimony.

Looking Cloud’s new address is:

Fritz Arlo Looking Cloud
#07609-073

Box 019001

Atwater, CA 95301

Freeman Ordered Back to US

On November 25, 2005,

the Camadian Court

approved an order for

o cadition for Gary

Freeman (aka Joseph

Pannell) A former Panther,

Freeman, s suspected of

shooting a_Chicago cop
more than 35 years ago.

Freeman was arrested
but fled the country after he was freed on
bail in 1973. He apparently lived in
Monireal for several years before moving to
Toronto.

Immigration officials caught up with
him in July 2004, acting on a request from
the FBL It wasn't immediately clear where
he was being held or how quickly the extra-
dition order could be carried out

After the Toronto court ruling
Freeman's wife and four children stood in
protest outside the downtown U.S.
Consulate.

Freeman and his supportes claim he is
innocent of the erime he is aceused of.

ABCF Mbr. Banned from Jail

Tim Fasnacht, member of the Philly sec-
tion of the Anarchist Black Cross
Federation has received news that he has
been permanently banned from visiting
New Jersey State Prisons.

This recent development is part of the
increasing political repression against
Ojore Lutalo, currently being held in
Trenton State Prison.

Recent charges against Lutalo include
his. association with the BLA, American

-

Friends and Service Commitice and the
ABCE, all of whom have been considered
by the New Jersey Prison system as prison
threat groups.

In addition to this action, donations
being sent to Ojore by the ABCF are all
being seized. These funds are viewed by the
Trenton prison as part of Ojore’s “illegal
business practices” the authorities are
accusing Ojore of practicing.

The banning of visitation by supporters
and the seizing of funds is an obvious
attempt to break Ojore’s spirit. W ask for
all supporters to write Ojore and let him
know he is not alone. Wrie him at:

OjoreLutalo
#59860 / Box 861
Trenton, NJ 08625

The End of Break the Chains

Break the Chains (BTC) has decided it
was time to throw in the towel. BTC was an
o rganization known for its consistent sup-
port of political prisoners and prisoners of
war in North America. Many collective
members have still committed themselves
to the support of their imprisoned com-
rades. We wish them al the best of luck and
thank them for their years of friendship and
commitment.

Jalil Still Faces Harassment

Jalil Muntagim #77-

A-4283 continues to be
harassed by prison
authorities. Recently he
was arbitrarily moved
from C Block to E
Block at Aubum
Correctional Facility
without any notice o
warning. In E Block he is subjected to con-
ducted tours by visitors like an animal in a
200. Despite his complaints at these viola-
tions of his privacy they continue,

Jalil has filed an’ official complaint
against the warden asking for retum to his
former cell block, where he lived for 2
112 years without any complaints where he
is eligible for transfer to the honor block.

‘All are urged to protest this act by writ-
ing or calling the authorities whose
address and itles are listed below. Please
demand that Jalil is returned to his previ-
ous location at once.

State Commissioner of Cortections
Alan ). Croce

4 Tower Place

Albany, NY_12203

Telephone (518) 484-2346

Warden, Auburn Correctional Facility
135 State Street

Auburn, NY 13021

Telephone: (315) 253-8401

Running Down the Walls

sk run/walk

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May 21, 2006

LA-ABCF is proud to announce the

return of Running Down the Walls

(RDTWs), 5k run/walk for Political
Prisoners/ Prisoners of War.

“Donations through RDTW 2006 will
be divided between the ABCF
Warchest and the New Panther
Vanguard sponsored program,
Growing Healthy.

“We are looking for locations in cities
and prisons for RDTWS solidarity
runs. For info contact LA-ABCF.

New Issue of 4strugglemag

Issue #6 Out Now! Writings by
Political Prisoners and edited by
Bill Dunne. Available online at:

wwwdstrugglemag.org.

Atticles by Jaan Laaman, Ray
Levasseur, Kevin “Rashid” Johnson.

Netdahe Williams Stoddard, Kazi
Toure, Ben Evans (Boston Jericho)

Paper copies are available (four dol-
lars, free to prisoners) by emailing
‘montrealabef@gmail.com
or writing to:

4strugglemag
PO. Box 42053
Suce. Jeanne Mance
Montreal QC H2W 2T3 Canada

A Statement issued by LA-ABCF

With a heavy heart, we are saddened by the news
that political prisoner, Richard Williams has passed
away. Many of Richard’s supporters agree with his
friend and comrade, Diane Fyino, that his problems
stemmed from the 15-months of isolation he faced after
9/11. The State was tireless in its efforts to break his
spirit and his will. His body, no longer able stay as
strong as his spirit, began to weaken under the pressure
of captiviy.

For those who are not aware of Richard, his death
ended 26 years of imprisonment. He was sentenced to
life for actions carried out in support of those who suf-
fered under apartheid regime and the paramilitary death
squads in Central and South America. He targeted
those responsible for the death and torture of the inno-
cent. His love was so deep for the people of the world;
resistance was the only option against those who
oppressed. He lived in resistance so that others can
experience a moment of ife

His life was defined by his continuous struggle. The
flame in his heart burned bright for the oppressed and
colonized. His spit, dedicated to the strugale forfree-
dom and humanism in every comer of the world,
inspired us all to follow his lead. His sacifice for the
struggle of liberty and resistance everywhere, humbled
those of us who found ourselves in his shadow. We, who
knew him, count our blessings for the moments we
shared

Our sadness is only relieved by the knowledge that
our comrade will be met by the likes of Steven Biko,
Bobby Sands, Pedro Albizu Campos and others who
struggles against oppression. We have to accept that
such a man could only walk among us for brief moment
in time. A candle can only bur so long before the light
is forced to go out.

Richard went through lfe with open arms but closed
fists; prepared to embrace the world but fight for what is
fight and just. Richard can now relax his fists. It is time
for us to close ours.

Amandia,

LA-ABCF

A Statement Issued by Askatasuna

Dear Comrades and Friends,

Upon hearing of US Political Prisoner Richard
Williams* death, the Basque Pro-Amnesty Organization
Askatasuna wishes to state the following:

We are saddened by news of Richard's death and
send our condolences to his family, friends and com-
rades.

The Basque people knows what it means to have sons
and daughters die in distant jails. Only weeks ago, our
comrade, Basque poliical prisoner Jose Anjel “Kotto”
Altzuguren, was driven o death by the oppressors of our
people. We know suffering and can relate to yours.

'€ penitentiary system is designed to desroy a polit-
ical activist, in physical, mental and political terms.
Political prisoners in our country and around the world
are given a clear choice: renounce, surrender, or every
instrument at the State's disposal will be used o try to
break you

Nevertheless, political prisoners continue to resist and
be part of national and social liberation struggles around
the world. They are an example of human and political
dignity and commitment

“This is why, despite the sadness at this time, we must
never lose sight of the fact that Richard remained com-
mitted to his principles and his struggle to the very last.
Despite his death and the terrible conditions imposed_on
him by the penitentiary system, he was never defeated
In his own words, they were “unable to crush his spirit”.

FREEDOM FOR ALL POLITICAL PRISONERS

AGUR ETA OHORE (WE SALUTE YOU AND HONOR
YOU), RICHARD

In the Basque Country,

Askatasuna

14 Bourgneuf Karrika 64100 Baiona/

14 Rue Bourgneuf 64100 Bayonne

askatasuna eh@ree.fr

(issued 12/12/05)

$

From Ray and Jamila, for Richard

The first time | met our comrade Richard Williams was in a safehouse,
underground. For the next decade we engaged in a common struggle to
provide whatever support we could muster to the downpressed—be they
victims of apartheid in South Africa, or slaughtered in Central America—and
1o defend ourselves. It wasn't until the last hour of the last trial that we were
consigned by our enemy to different prisons. | would never see him again
Richard, like many political prisoners, has never received the recogn
tion and respect he deserves. He has been vilified in the media and ignored
by the left—a shared experience by many political prisoners. But then,
Richard never sought accolades. The brother | know is not ego driven nor
laden with grandiose ideas about what others should march fo. He has at
his essence that uncommon quality of a revolutionary —feeling every injus-
tice done to the poor and working people of this planet.
1 know Richard well, having risked our lives together time after time. He
never wavered when confronied with danger, and didn't disappoint when
demands upon us were critical. I've seen him act decisively When it took i oo i
courage to step up, and step down in situations that required defusing. He's Richard, like many pol
all of that—a people’s soldier and friend ical prisoners, has never
A man of deep commitment and fiery passion, he dedicated his lfe to P .
others. The fallout from that was not being able to see his own children dur- received the recognition
ing the most dangerous years. He made that sacrifice, but the longing for and respect he
his kids was intense and it laid heavy in his heart
S’?vw:‘\ce ;«ufi geekpulhe ’sacdrmcecim whal we believe true agd neces- deserves. He has been
sary? When the illing fields in Central America were littered with the yilicicd | i
bodies of compafieros and thair children. Richard did not stand idly by, Vilified in the media and
Wher‘\ aplvaanrl‘\e\d d:‘enched Sm._lrm Africa in I'he blood and suffering of African ignored by the left—a
people, Richard chose to act. The lineage from prison and antiracist activist ;
to underground guerrilla is not difficult to figureRichard has the heart, Shared experience by
consciousness, and political perspective 10 take it to a brutal enemy. many political prisoners.”

Continue on pg. 12 - Ray Levasseur

Jaan Laaman Remembers Richard Wiliams

My Friend Richard Williams
Richard Charles Williams, my dear brother, my comrade, | could write a book
of maybe a screen play about you and your life. It would be a righteous movie,
action packed, principled, some real humor, and all built around a It of struggle
and hope. Of course between revolutionary "need to know" principles, and
Hollywood's comic book propaganda movies, i's not oo likely your real movie is
going to get made just yet. But your revolutionary life, your warm, good heart, and
your determined Spirit of Resistance will continue to inspire and guide those of us
who know you and all those who will yet come to know you.
From our earliest days, 34-35 years ago, working together, struggling and hav-
ing each other's back, | remember how Seriously you took the words of Che
Guevara and how you admired his life. You know Ive always thought of you as
embodying the true living spiit of Che. While you have consistently been rea-
soned and practical in strategic outiook, you have always been willing to pick up
ihe sirugole of gppressod nafons and gooples amywhere in the wor: You are
rue antimperialist and humanitarian. Your entire adult lfe is a solid expression
—| of the real meaning of Proletarian Internationalism. And f anyone is not familiar
“I remember how seri- with these terms—go do a lte investigating. It not only to see what kind of man
« th Richard has been his whole lfe, but this worid needs new and more socialists and
ously you took the revolutionaries in the 21st century—you could be one.
words of Che Guevara , Besides the labels and ‘isms,” if I had to briefly tell you about Richard, Id say
he is a very nice and regular person. Someone you would want to be your friend
and how you admired and fellow worker.
is i . For me personally, | have no dearer friend or closer comrade than Richard. We
his life. You know I've | 1240 P08 Y thar's chidren . home birthg. and we put in soma hours on
always thought of you gmbaH machines in quite a few clubs and pubs. Yeah, you mostly were the pin-
as embodying the true ball champ! From construction sites (Richard's a good carpenter) to picket lines,
AS adying and yes, battle lines too, | feel proud and honored to have shared these with you,
living spirit of Che.” my comrade, my brother, my friend.

Jaan Laaman, Ohio 7 ani-mperialit poliical prisoner
-Jaan Laaman {igeled from Walpole state prison on Dacemoer 2, 2005)

Ruchell Magee Responds to Article

Article “Release Ruchell Cinque
Magee™ did me justice and 1 thank all
standup people “who still support my
fight, our fight against injustice.

AS 1o the jury acquitial on the kid-
napping count, the jury are with my lit-
igation currently pending in the U.S
Supreme Court, entitled: Ruchell
Cingue Magee vs. California, number
05-8103, showing imprisonment for
something twelve Jurors acquitted me in
1973

On December 27, 2005, the
California_Court of Appeals, First
Appellate, issued an order- directing the
Board of Prisons Terms 1o show cause
a5 to why it should not be compelled to
comply with Penal Code 1170.2, (site
time and release my person). This
means the Board must reschedule hear-
ing and release me.

Sentences by the courts on kidnap
convictions expired in 1988 at 17-years
under the law which I was sentenced.

I have served 44 years in the
California state prisons for kidnap con-
victions based on false records that are
in need of correcting.

The courts need only to review these

records in need of correcting,

What is thought to be a Board of
Parole is an organized crime ring prac-
ticing slavery- under the color of the
law

The board invents a charge referred
t0 as “suitability.” From there, they sen-
tence prisoners to life without parole-
without a jury.

The same board members receive a
fat pay salary at the taxpayer’s expense,
and for year have gotten away with
practicing slavery by use of organized
erime influence.

Called up in the federal court where
Board members are charged with organ-
ized crime activity, the Board members
failed / refused / to show by subpoena
where their attorneys claim they are
immune to civil and criminal action.

Under civil right law (1983), all state
agents are liable where violating peo-
ple’s rights,

Under California state law (penal
code 1170.2) the Board of Parole have a
mandatory duty to hold Determined
Sentence Law hearings and fix time in
all lifer-sentences issued before July I,
1977 and 1978

By failure to fix time, the Board
made up some kangaroo-court madness-
talking about more punishment than 44
years for kidnapping, because “Magee,
if released from prison would pose &
threat to the public.”

“That the gravity (nature) of Magee’s
case stem from his role in the Marin
County shootout, which left four per-
sons dead, one 'including a Superior
Court, Judge Haley:” All this was heard
by a jury of twelve who found me not
guilty.

The Board claims it cannot accept
evidence of innocence supported by the
jury’s acquittal, unless order by the
court,

Under PC 1170.2, the Board does not
need a court order to comply with the
law made for it to comply.

1 want the public to see the Board's
response in a court order to be filed by
January 23, 2006 by 4:00 p.m.

My Intention is 1o keep all of my
supporters informed on the court action.

Public hearings give us a chance o
expose corruption in need of correcting,

1 remain,

Ruchell Cinque Magee.

Gay Activist Faces USA Patriot Act

On December 4, 2005, Jason Robbins, a
26-year old member of the Philadelphia
Chapter of Anti-Racist Action, was arrest-
ed at a peaceful demonstration in support
of Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Trans- gender
rights and reproductive freedom in
Phoenixville, PA. According to supporters,
Robbins was badly beaten by police and
was hospitalized,

The arrest took place at a demonstration
outside the home of two organizers with
the notorious queer bashing and anti-repro-
ductive freedom organization, Repent
America. The organization regularly
harasses and intimidates members of the
L/G/B/T community and disrupts events
such as AIDS fundraisers and pride festi-
vals. It is known to have links to the White.
Rose Society, who advocate for and sup-
port the bombing of abortion clinics.

Robbins has been charged with violat-
ing a provision of the USA PATRIOT Act,
ostensibly a set of anti-terrorist laws,
which have instead been used 1o trgei
nonviolent political activists. His violation
of law, you may ask, consists of peacefully
protesiing against 4 violent aganization
that has terrorist links,

Since being released from police cus-
tody, Jason and his supporters have sen a
consistent increase in harassment

The other two_arrestee, originally

ANTI-RACIST

ACTION

chared with_disorderly conduct_and
assessed a S50 fine, have seen these

chanss nullified, only to receive two addi-
tional notices in the mail recharging them
with disorderly conduct and setting the
maximum penalty of a $300 fine. In addi-

tion, they are now also being charged with
harassment. In tota, these activists are fac-
ing upwards of $500 in fines, plus court
costs and legal fees - all for paricipation in
a peaceful and legal demonstration.

Brian Leach, a participant in the demon-
stration and the person who police on the
scene decided was the “leader,” received
chanss of harassment - a summaryoffense
~and also of making terroristic threats - a
misdemeanor.

Supporters of Robbins anticipate fur-
ther harassment and charges against the
L/G/B/T activist and his supporters.
They are attempting to make an exam.
ple not only out of Jason, but of all the
activists associated with his case and
the campaign against Repent America
and other right-wing ideologues.

The misuse of the USA PATRIOT
Act s only one tactic used by law
enforcement agencies in the war against
dissent. Jason had been violently
thrown o the ground and then slammed
into the side of a car before being taken
away. He was charged with aggravated
assault, disorderly conduct, resisting
arrest, and reckless endangerment; none
of the four charges relate 1o the original
justification for his arrest: refusing to
supply ID.

On a positive note, Jason is in dis-
cussion with new counsel for his case.
This attorney has experience in the
activist community and in cases that are
politically motivated, like Jason's. He
has also expressed interest in working
as a team with the atiorneys defending
the other GLBT and pro-choice activists
facing charges stemming from the same
demonstration. If retained, Jason's new
attorey is asking for half of what his
original attorney wanted for the case.

Major Court Victory for Mumia Abu-Jamal

by Jeff Mackler

In a decision that will likely stun the
Pennsylvania legal establishment that has
been trying to railroad innocent death row
political prison and award winning journal-
ist, Mumia Abu-Jamal 1o the execution
chambers for 24 years, the US. Court of
Appeals of the Third Circuit, reversed two
eritical Federal District Court rulings.

‘The Third Circuit's December 6 rulings
eranted “certificates of appealability” 1o
Jamal to challenge alleged race and judicial
bias in the 1995 Post Conviction Relief
Action proceedings overseen by Munia's
original 1982 rial court “hanging” judge,
Albert Sabo. Sabo went o extreme lengths
to keep evidence of innocence out of the
court record.

‘The court also allowed Munia to chal-
lenge the trial summation remarks of the
state's lead prosecutor, Joseph McGill, who
told the jury, " If you find the Defendant
guilty of course, there would be appeal
after appeal and perhaps there could be a
reversal of the case, or whatever, so that
may not be final.”

‘Munia's lead attorney, Robert R. Bryan,
told this writer that McGills summation
had the effect of qualtatively lowering the
historic burden of proof regarding reason-
able doubt and presumption of innocence.
Similar remarks by Pennsylvania prosecu-
tors have resulted in new trials in other

“The Third Circuit's decision was all the
more remarkable in that under the provi-
sions of the reactionary 1996 Anti-terror-
ism and Effective Death Penalty Act, the
court had no obligation to even consider
defense challenges to the Federal District
Courts denial of certificates of appealabil-
ity.

“The court called for an nitial January 17
defense bricf on these two issues as well as

o the single ssue that had previously been

certified for appeal, that s, the defense
insistence that the exclusion of 11 of 14
Black jurors constituted an unconstitution-
al violation of the Supreme Court ruling on
this issue in the famous case of Batson v
Kentucky.

“The Third Circuits decision was not all
in favor of Mumia. It denied certificates of
appealability on 2 number of other impor-
tant points raised by the defense including
the right to self-representation and it
allowed the State of Pennsylvania 1o chal-
lenge a Federal District Court decision that
had ordered the State 10 hold a new sen-

tencing hearing based on constitutionally
flawed jury instructions issued by Judge
Sabo. While legal analysts doubt that
Pennsylvania prosecutors will be success.-
ful i pursuing this “victory” for reaction, if
they are, Mumia may be once again be sub-
Ject 1o an order for his execution by lethal
njection.

"The Third Circuit decision opens the
door 10 a new trial and freedom for my
client,” said Bryan. "The case is now on
the fast track,” he added. The next several
months will sce defense and prosccution
attorneys meeting stringent deadlines for a
series of briefs and counter briefs. The 10-
person court will them issue a decision or
Set a date for a hearing and oral arguments.

There are several possible outcomes,
from the worst, but least expected scenario
where Sabo's unconstitutional sentencing
instructions are upheld and Mumia faces
execution, 10 a decision of Third Circuit to
cither order a new trial or to remand the
case to the Federal District Court o re-hear
the issues where it had previously ruled
without regard to Mumia's constitutional
rights.

‘While Mumia has won yet another vic-
tory on the 1oad toward his freedom, the
powers that be are far from conceding any
errors and remain intent on his execution.
Munia's freedom will be a product of both
his legal efforts and a mass political
movement exerting its will and making
the price of his exccution and continued
incarceration to high to pay. In
Philadelphia contact: International
Concerned Family and Friends of Mumia
Abu-Jamal at

215-476-8812. In San Francisco con-
tact: The Mobilization to Free Mumia Abu-
Jamal at 415-255-1080.

Eleven Arrested for ALF/ELF Actions

Federal prosecutors have indicted 11
people in a series of Earth Liberation Front
(ELF) and Animal Liberation Front (ALF)
actions. throughout the_west. The cleven
have been accused of 17 environmentally-
motivated _incidents in Washington,
Oregon, California, Wyoming " and
Colorado that occurred between 1996 and
2001

The indictment unsealed on Jan.
21 listed 65 charges, including arson, sabo-
tage and conspiracy to attack government
fucilties, research centers and private busi-
nesses. Some of the targets include meat-
packing company in Deschutes County,
OR; a ski center in Vail, CO, and a timber

company in Douglas County, OR. The
indictment also accused three of the sus-
pecs of being involved in the fircbombing
of the University of Washington's Urban
Horticulture Center in May 2001

The Defendants

Six of those indicted were arrested
on other foderal charges during various
raids throughout the U.S. on December 7th;
two others were arrested in late February.
Authorities are looking for the remaining
three defendants, who are believed to be
outside the United States

The six_defendants arrested in
December were Kendall Tankersley (for-

merly known as Sarah Harvey); Daniel
GerardMcGowan; Stanislas Gregory
Meyerhoff; Darren Todd Thurston; Chelsea
Gerlach; and Kevin Tubbs

The defendants arrested in February
were Jonathan Mark Christopher Paul, and
Suzanne “India” Savoie. The three’ still
remaining underground are Joseph Dibee:
Josephine Sunshine Overaker; and Rebecca
Rubin.

On Dec 22, 2005, William Rodgers, who
‘was named as an unindicted co-conspirator,
was found dead in his prison cell after
being detained by the police. Police claim
his death was a suicide. Rodgers was found
with a plastic bad placed over his head.

Snitches

The only evidence in the indictment
comes from the testimony of five “confi-
dential sources,” which includes 35 CDs of
recorded conversations and 40,000 pages of
transeripts, police reports and photographs.
Investigators say that they expect to be
‘making more arrests in the case soon.

‘Support has been withdrawn for three
following co-defendants, after it came out
at other defendant’s bail hearings that these
people have decided to cooperate with the
FBI by giving information on_other
activists, in exchange for the possibility of
reduced sentences: Kevin Tubbs, Stan
Meyerhoff, and Sarah Harvey.

“Also providing evidence s a woman by
the name of Jen Kolar in Seattle
Information provided by Kolar has lead to
the arrest of a least one of these activists. 1t
is the word of law enforcement speaking
under oath that has been the source of this
information on who is co-operating.

Sacramento Arrests

With the help of another snitch, the
police were able to arrest three more in
California for involvement in ELF actions.

Eric McDavid, Lauren Weiner, and

In Memory of

Zachary Jensen were arrested on Jan. 13 for

allegedly conspiring to blow up US Forest
Service buildings and cell phone towers on
behalf of the ELF. According to the crimi-
nal complaint,the group considered bomb-
ing the Nimbus Dam on the American
River near Sacramento, a cellular telephone
tower, a power station, banks, trucks,
mouniaintop-removal mine sites in West
Virginia and Communist Party ofices.

“The complaint went on to claim that the
three “scoped out” the US Forest Service's
Institute of Forest Genetics building in
Placerville, CA, on Jan. 10. The following
day they allegedly purchased ingredients
for a homemade bomb at an area Wal-Mart
store. Agents say that they recovered a
notebook from MecDavid that contained a
diagram of the Forest Service Institute and
pictures of pipe bombs.

Information in the complaint_comes
from a paid “confidential source (CS) who
is deeply imbedded within the subjects’
celL. The CS has worked for the FBI since
carly 2004. She has agreed to testify in
court” Supporters of those arrested identi-
fied the CS as a young woman named
‘Anna” who “wen( to Aubum” with the
defendans shortly before their arrests. The

document says that she has provided infor-
mation in at least 12 anarchist cases since
2004. She has traveled to and infiltrated
Various anarchist gatherings and protests
across the country including the Biodev
2005 demonstrations in Philadelphia, a
Crimethlne. convergence in Indiana and
the Feral Visions green anarchist gathering
in Madison County, NC.

‘The defendants are also being linked to
a police officer who suffered a fatal heart
attack during a confrontation at the
Philadelphia protests

FBI Special Agent Nasson Walker tes-
tified that the CS wore a hidden recorder
and that the FBI financed the source’s
fenting of a house where the four stayed
for a short time this month. The agent said
that the house was rigged with hidden
sound and video equipment and that the
€S has been paid about $75.000 plus
expenses over the past two years 1o infil-
trate the ELF and gather information.

Walker acknowledged that some of the
money used to buy bomb-making materi-
als came through the CS from the FBI. He
also acknowledged that the CS authored
part of the plans referenced in the note-
book.

Message from Jeff Luers

Earlier this week it was reported that William|
[Rodgers, accused of Earth & Animal Liberation

William Rodgers
1965 - 2005

Bill Rodgers, an Arizona environmental-
ist and bookstore owner died in his prison

celljust two weeks afler his arrest. Rodgers

was one of six activists picked up by the

FBI on December 7. They were all accused

of several actions in the Pacific Northwest

that had been linked to the Earth Liberation

Front.

Rodger was arrested after raid of the Catalyst Infoshop in Flagstaff, AZ. Agents
Spent aver seven hours in the store seizing various maerials in the process. Since his
arrest, he remained in custody.

Prison officials claimed they discovered Rodgers' body on December 22. They
determined his death as a suicide. A medical examiner say Rodgers died of asphyxi-

ation after a plastc bag was placed over his head. We find this death to be suspect at
best,

Rodgers was 40 years old. He was best known in Prescot, Arizona for running
the Catalyst infoshop. He has been described by his friends as a “gentle and peace-
ful” man. Most importantly, they claim he was innocent of the crimes he is accused
ofby the federal authorities.

Gur hearts go out to the friends and family of Bill. This situation s nothing short

of tragic. Unfortunately, Bill has followed in the footsteps of too many warriors who
have died under mysterious circumstances when in the custody of the authorities. We
hope that his friends and family finds justice and peace.

‘We ask people to support Bill's taemary by supporting the Catalyst Infoshop.
Make a donation to help this important community resource and information center
remain open. Checks or money orders made out to The Catalyst can also be sent to

The Catalyst Infoshop
109 N. McCormick St.
Prescatt, AZ 86301

[Front arsons, commitied suicide in his jail cell.
Iknow very litle other than that. However, I

find the circumstances suspicious and strongly

lencourage people to push for an investigation.

“The news is incredibly sad. I William did |
fact take his own life it is the fist time an
larth/animal liberation prisoner has done so.

Itis a devastating precedent

Lcannot begin to guess why. | can relate to the|
(desperation and readily admit thoughts of taking
jmy own life entered my head as 1 awaited trial. |
think it s likely a common experience when peo-
ple are facing a lot of time.

The fact that he followed through on the
thought breaks my heart. And my sympathy goes|
Jout to his family & friends.

Tam left wondering if there is something we|
lcould have done to stop him. Was this an entirely
lpersonal decision based on the prospect of doing a
Lot of time? Or was this an act of desperation from
someone who felt completely alone?

There are four people left who desperately|
lneed your support.' Daniel McGowan. Sarah
[Harvey, Kevin Tubbs, and Chelsea Gerlach. Write|
to them.

Support them. Let them know they are no|
alone. Let them know there are people who will
stand by them until they are released. Be there for
them.

Weite to:

Jeffiey Luers #13797671

Oregon State Prison

2605 State Street

Salem, Oregon 97310

A Shiner Becomes a Snitch

Addressing a packed press conference in Dublin on 16
December, Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams announced)
that Sinn Féin's Head of Administration at Stormont Denis)
Donaldson had admitted to working as a paid British agent
for 20 years. Donaldson made his confession after being vis
ited by the PSNI earlier in the week claiming his cover had
been blown and that he was to be exposed as an informer.

Addressing a packed press conference
in Dublin on 16 December, Sinn Féin
President Gerry Adams announced that
Sinn Féin's Head of Administration at
Stormont Denis Donaldson had admitted
10 working as a paid British agent for 20
years. Donaldson made his confession
after being visited by the PSNI carlier in
the week_claiming his cover had been
blown and that he was to be exposed as an
informer.

Donaldson subsequently met two Sinn
Féin officials at the pariy's Falls Road
offices where he admitted working as a
paid informer for the British state for the
past two decades.

I was very, very suspicious when the
events of 2003 unfolded, when we saw this
hugely orchestrated operation up at
Stormont because we knew that there was
o Sinn Féin spy ring in Stormont," Adams
told the media.

“"When 1 saw people getting arrested
and charged, | knew instinctively that
there was something wrong. More recent-
Iy, when this case collapsed, when the
British did not proceed, that suspicion
decpened,” said Adas.

“Adams said it was around this time that
Denis Donaldson was approached by the
PSNI and informed that his life was in
danger and that he was going 1o be outed
as 2 British agent. "This was within the
last three or four days.” said Adams

“Denis Donaldson went to the
Chairperson of our Six County Ciig
said 1o him 'the police were at my door,
they told me that my life s in danger’. Ho
was advised by our Chairperson to get in
touch with a solicitor,” said Adams.

"I instructed two party members o see
Denis and ask him if there was any truth to
this allegation that he was an informer. He
was interviewed in Sinn Féin offices in
Belfast and admitied he worked for the
British as an agent. He was advised to get
a solicitor and dismissed from the party.”
said Adams.

Denis Donaldson (55) came from the
republican Short Strand area of East
Belfast and served time as a republican
prisoner in the 1970's. In 1983 he stood as

a Sinn Fein candidate for Belfast City
Council. In 1998 Donaldson was appoint.
ed Sinn Fein's Head of Administration at
Stormont

Stormontgate Exposed Further

Speaking to RTE on 17 December,
Denis Donaldson publicly admitted he
worked as British agent for more than 20
years. He confirmed he worked for RUC
and PSNI Special Branch as well as
Britsh.Intelligence as 3 paid. informer
Donaldson also admitted that claims of
sepublicans operating a spy ring at
Stormont were flse.

“I'was not invalved in any republican
spy ring in Stormont. The so-called
Stormonigate afair was a scam and fic-
tion, it never existed. it was created by
Special Branch,” said Donaldson.

"I deeply regret my activiies with
British Intelligence and RUC/PSNI
Special Branch. 1 apologize to anyone who
as suffered a5 a esult of my activities a3
well a5 to my former comrades and espe.
cially o my family who have become vie-
{ims i all of this,” Donaldson said

Speaking during an EU. summit in
Brustels Taviseach Bertie Abern expressed
his bewilderment, Abern said he had
always been "totally skeptcal” about the
Stormontgate afair

"It never added up." said Ahern
Commenting on the staged nature of the
Stormont r3id in 2003, the Taoiseach
recaled the bizarre imags of, “the storm
roopers charging up the stair with heavy
armory to collect a few fles”

“Last week when 1 asked Tony Blir
why did the tia of the three men charged
collapse, he coulda't understand it either
Te never been happy with . And it creat.
ed enomous grief for us because all the
institutions were brought down, it created
huge diffculie,” said Ahern

Stormontgate was " huge case” said
Ahern, it docsn'tget bigger than bringing
down democratically lected instittions.”

Hain Rules Out Inquiry
Irish Foreign Minister Dermot Ahern
called on the British government to make

public as much information as_possible
Tollowing a meeting with British Secretary
of State Peter Hain. "The public needs to
be told as much as possible.” said the lrish
Minister

Responding to a question in the House
of Commons, Blair admitted it would be
helpful if we were to give more informa-
tion but it can only be done if the consent
of the proper authorities is given," said
Bl

Meanwhile British Secretary of State,
Peter Hain ruled out any public inquiry
into the affair.

Commenting after meeting Peter Hain,
Sinn Féin's Martin McGuinness said it was
time for the British to answer questions
about their agents, and about their
approach to the peace process.

"We are calling on them 10 declare that
their war against republicans and the peace
process i finally over,” said McGuinness.

MeGuinness said there was a determi-
nation within Sinn Fein to move forward
beyond the controversy of the last few
days and challenge others to accept their
responsibilities in moving the peace
process forward.

"Republicans are obviously very disap-
pointed that someone like Denis
Donaldson would effectively betray his
community and betray republicanism in
the way he did," said McGuinness

"I am around the struggle long enough
to know that you always work on the basis
that opponents of the process will continue
o try to undermine those who are spear-
heading the struggle to bring about funda-
mental change in our society.”

"You would be very foolish to ignore
the possibility that the British have got
agents working throughout the entire
process. But equally I know that for every
informer or agent, there are thousands of
people who aren't" said McGuinness.

Media Speculation

McGuinness dismissed media specula-
tion about the level of British infiltation.
I it were rue, republicanism would have
been' defeated long. ago. The fact that
Republicanism remains a vibrant and

‘growing political force "clearly shows that
these peaple haven't the level of infilration
that they would like 1o have within the
leadership and generally throughout Sinn
Féin's onganization, said McGuinness.
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams said
clements within the British system have
been involved for many years in a planned

systematic campaign to_undermine the
peace process.

"The onus to stop this lies with the
Britsh government. I has to take whatever
steps are necessary (0 rein in the wreckers,
who are opposing British government poli.
ey. There has to be an end 1o political polic-

" said Adams.

"If we are really in a process in which
everyone is committed to purely peaceful
and democratic means then that must also
apply to the British system. If the war is
over for the British government then it has
to end the activities of clements in its own
system," said Adams. (Atticle written by
Laura Friel from the Jrish Northern Aid)

A Letter from Shoatz to Richard Williams

(This letter unfortunately didn't reach Richard in time before
s passing and was returned 10 me by the prison.)

November 24th, 2005
Dear Richard,

Just this evening I leamed of your worsening health condi-
tion and even as I hope for a recovery, | await word of whatev-
er will come, knowing that it has béen an honor 1o have been
able to live and struggle in solidarity with an individual like

yourself.

Moreover, I pledge 0 you that I will do everything in my
power to assure that others also recognize and remember your

work, ideals you struggled for and your total commitment.
Finally, you must take heart in knowing you've produced a
son (Netdahe) who will carry on in your footsteps...and know

Maroon

Inhumane and Degrading

by Russell Shoatz

"In 1978, the European Court of
Human Rights confronted a similar tech -
nique employed by Britain in the carly

1970's against Irish detainees..the so-
called five technigues, scientifically devel -
oped interrogation practices...wall stand -
ing, hooding, sleep deprivation and with -
holding of food and drink”..it labeled i,

inhumane and degrading.” Pop Torture,
R.Kim

Over and over, the leaders of the U.S.,
swear they do not tolerate any forture of
inhumane and degrading treatment in "any"
USS controlled prisons.

Yet, right in the state of Pennsylvania,
prisoners at the State Correctional
Institution at_Greene (SCI-Greene) are
daily, being subjected to just that.

You may recall that SCl-Greene is
where Abu Ghraib torturer, Charles Grainer
worked in civilian life and where Mumia
Abu Jamal is being held. Well, SCI-
Greene, which should be called State
Concentration and Internment Ground,
since no correction (in a_ positive way)
takes place there, has a prison within a
prison, called the Restricted Housing Unit
(RH.U-Control Unit).A veritable hell on
carth! 1t is where most of the five tech.
niques are practiced, along with other "no
touch” torture and some physical brutality
for go0d measure

There's close 1o 500 men there

and most of them are subjected 10 sleep
deprivation, because their cell lights stay
on 24 hours a day. Also, there's the with-
holding of food, showers and cell water at
the whim of the guards. The withholding of
food and water is very hard on the prison-

ers because all cellsare fully enclosed, pre-
Venting any passing to the victins.

Yet, other "no touch” torture technigues
are evén harder to deal with. They revolve
around keeping prisoners on 23-hour lock-
down, hundreds of miles from their fami-
lies, for years and decades! The author has
been in prison for close to 34 years and has
been held on lockdown for 25 of those
years, 11 at SCI-Greene

Within the bathroom size cells, you're
allowed 3 sets of underclothes and socks,

“All prisoners are made
to undergo a full strip

and body cavity inspec -
tion, including examin -
ing your penis, testicles
and rectum, on going to
the yard, showers, vis -

its, hospital etc..”

shower shoes, jumpsuit, canvas slides and a
single "record box", to hold legal and other
papers and 10 soft cover books.

Now if you're "good", they'll allow you
10 buy a TV and radio, a5 well as a limited
amount of food items from the commissary.

Outside of that, you're "suppose” 1o get
one hour of outdoor exercise, in dog cage,
5 days per week, three 10 minute showers
and a one hour "no_contact” visit, every
seven days...f your family can afford to
travel for hundreds of miles on weekdays,
the only time you can sce them.

that your comrades will from here on out embrace him as "our
son” in your absence,

Ever onwards to victory!

Your comrade and brother,

Does years and Decades of Such

‘Treatment Sound Inhumane to You?

Furthermore, degrading strip and cell
searches are carried out daily! All prison-
ers are made to undergo a full strip and
body cavity inspection. including examin-
ing your penis, testicles and rectum, on
going to the yard, showers, visits, hospi-
al etc.., despite being handcuffed and
escorted by two guards, presenting no
physical threat_.except maybe spit-
ting...which will cause you to be hooded
and strapped to a rolling contraption, like
Hannibal Lechter.

The intense and degrading regular cell
searches are exercises in pure sadism,
where guards g0 out of their way o read,
comment on and provoke you, concerning
your personal mail, photos, books and
reading material, while afterwards, leav-
ing your cell looking like Hurricane
Katrina ran through it!

If that don't beat all, some of the more
sociopathic one will go as far as to even
leave you without any toilet paper, tooth-
brush, pens or comb. The author has
repeatedly complained about Officer's
Lynch and Peters, who have subjected
him to most of the above, only 1o be
“retaliated against” cach time. And worse
things are happening to other prisoners
here,

We need your help! We need for you to
circulate this message far and wide, as
well as, to ask people to call or write to
make the superiors of the SCI-Greene
staff, listed below, aware of this treatment
and demand they put a halt to it!

Continued from pg. 12

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Anarchists Arrested in Spain

Barcelona, Spain - Three anarchists, two
‘Spanish and one ltalian-born, were arrésted
by anti-terrorism police agents. The three
youths are facing charges in connection
with the December 15th firebombing of the
Department of Justice of Catalonia and
other attacks against CIRE, a prison labor
‘company. The bombing was done in support
of lialian-born anarchist prisoners, Alberto
Maria Bettini and Francesco Gioia. The two.
were among the seven demonstrators police
armested at 2 300 person strong June 25th
protestin solidarity with anarchist prisoners
in ialy. In Barcelona, following the arrests.
bombs exploded at the ltalian Cultural
Institute, killing a police dog and wounding
an officer, and a Fiat (ltalian) car dealer.
ship.

Police claimed that the three individuals
amested were prison activists who have
been supporting the release of the arrested
demonstrators. Both Alberto and Francesco
are aceused of belonging o 1I Silvestre, a
eroup that publishes the radical environ-
mental anarchist magazine Terra Selvaggia.

FREQUENT!

The publishers, many of whom are under
house arrest, are accused of promoting sab-
otage and participating in direct action
Francesco Gioia was recently extradited 10
ltaly to face charges of promoting sabolas
and participating in direet action and addi-
tional charges for escaping house arrest.

Police have not ye released the names
of the three anarchists who were arrested
most recently in Spain, the oldest of whom
s 25. One of three was later released. No
incendiary devices were confiscated by
police during the arrests.

Anarchists Attack in Greece

Athens, Greece - Anarchists are believed
o be responsible for yet another firebomb
attack that destroyed a ceniral Athens bank
on January 30h, 2006, Greek anarchist
‘eroups have claimed responsibiliy for more
than a half-dozen arson and bomb attacks
against various targets in the past month,

Police attempting to caich the bombers
have tried to draw a connection between
anarchists and 2 gang of bank robbers
known as the “Thieves in Black.” This
group has been accused of expropriating
funds from a branch of the National Bank
in central Athens.

Acronyms/ Terms

'ABCF: Anarchist Black Cross Federation - anti-authoriarian _ fed-
eration of ABC groups who support and defend PPPOW's.

(See page 1)

The connection between the anarchists
and the “Thieves in Black” is allegedly
found in Viannis Dimitrakis, an admitted
bank robber and accused member of the
gang. The Greek government claim the
have proof Dimitrakis is connected with
the anarchist movement. However,
Dimitrakis has refused to give investigators
any information about his accomplices or
their motives and political affilation,
Police believe the bank-expropriations
are part of the anarchist attacks against
symbols of the state and capitalism. Despite
their claims, there is 1o proof, as of yet, that
there is a connection between the two.

Scrocco Held in Amsterdam

On January 16, anarchist Rose Ann
Serocca was arrested in Amsterdam after
being on the run for nearly 15-years.

Rose Ann Scrocco was sentenced to 30
years in jail as part of the "Marini Trial", in
Which anarchists were accused of belong-
ing 0 a fictitious armed organization in
lialy. According to ltalian_ authorities,
Serocca was in the list of the 30 most dan.
‘erous absconders and was wanted since
1991 for kidnapping, subversive associa-
tion, homicide and armed band.

PRIPOW's: Political Prisoners and/or Prisoners of War.

ABC-B
than a SG.

ranch Group - ABCF group with more responsibilities

upport Group - ABCF group with less responsibilities

erican Indian Movement - above ground revolutionary
organization of Native Americans.

Anarchism; Free or libertarian socialism. Anarchists are opposed
10 government, the state, and capitalism. Therefore, simply speak-
ing, anarchism is a no government form of socialism. Types of
anarchists include: Anarcho-Conmunist, Anarcho-Syndicalist,
Autonomist, Colleetivst, Individualists, and Mutualists.

BLA: Black Liberation Army - revolutionary Black clandestine
formation formed 1o defend the Black community and the BPP,
inactive sinc the "80.

BPE: Black Panther Party - above ground Black revolutionary
‘group seking Black political power, isbanded in the mid-'70s.
FALN: english translarion: Armed Forces of National Liberation -
revolutionary clandestine group fighting for Puerto Rican inde-
pendence.

EC: Federation Council - decision making body of the ABCE.
MOVE: Not an acronym, the name of an organization based in
Philadelphis who are committed o the teachings of John Africa. Their
belief s in “life.

BC: Prisoner's Commiltee - rotating body of 5 PPIPOW's on the
ABCF's FC.

Self-Defense: The legal act of protecting one’s life or the ife
‘another with the idea/purpose of self determination and independ-
ence. Armed self-defense is rlative to the ABCF, specifically in the
USS., in that as the organization grows, 50 100 grows the need to
protect ourselves from the armed aggressor of the state,right wing,
and other ideological opponents. (Firearms training 2s preparation
for self-defense are legal actvities within the confines of the U.S.)
Af Determination; The right by virtue of which all people’s are
entitld freely to determine their political status and to pursue their
economic, social, and cultural development. All peoples may, for
their own ends, freely dispose of their natural wealth and resources
without prejudice 10 any obligations arising out of intemational
economic cooperation, based upon the principle of mutual benefit
and international law. In no case may a people be deprived of its
own means of subsistence.
‘SDS: Students for a Democratic Society - Lef student group found-
edin the '60s.
The Update: This is a bi-monthly publication of the ABC.
WUO: Weather Underground Organization - first the
Weathermen, later known as the WUO, evolved out of the SDS as

an underground formation of primarily white anti-imperialist rev-
olutionaries from the student movement,

(The Anarchist Black Cross Federation (ABCE) produces the
Revolutionary Political Dictionary with these and other espanded
definitions of political erms. Available from Jacksomville ABC for 1
and o 37 cents stamps.)

Former Black Panthers Considered Terrorists

-Group wants torture used against American citizens to cease

Undaunted by what they call “uncansti-
tutional” methods used under the guise of
the Patriot Act, three former Black
Panthers are touring the country o bring
awareness to their recent interrogation by
anti-terrorist law enforcement

Former Black Panthers members John
Bowman, Hank Jones and Ray Boudreaux
held a forum, Dec. 8, at the Washington,
D.C. office of Trans-Africa. They have in
common the suffering they endured in
1971 under_interrogation concerning a
police shooting in San Francisco.

‘They were indicted by a grand jury, but
the court rendered a decision stating the
methods used to obiain information were
unlawful and the Panthers members were
freed from jail.

“Thirty-four years later Bowman, Jones
and Boudreaux along with many Black
Panthers members once again faced their
interrogators from the *70s who are now
serving as agents with the Anti-Terrorist
Task Force, a special division formed
under the Homeland Security agency to
apprehend suspected terrorists.

“I was quite surprised when I opened
the door to see the same two detectives
involved in beating me (34 years earlier]
standing there. It brought back memories
that I will never forget,” said Bowman, the
former Panther organizer. “This is very
difficult for me to discuss in public.”

According to Bowman, in 1973 he was
stripped naked and beaten with blunt
objects, wrapped with blankets sosked in
boiling hot water, shocked with electric
probes in his “anus and other private
parts,” punched, kicked and slammed into
walls by investigators. The process lasted
unil investigators got the murder confes-
sions they wanted.

“These stories are not available in the
public domain. These stories are hidden in
the framework of the American justice
system. We want to put this in the fore-
front of the public dialogue and let people
hear the truth about what is happening,”
said actor and human rights activist Danny
Glover, who was on hand 10 stress the
importance of exposing the covert tactics
being used by the Bush administration to
interrogate and arrest law-abiding citizens
by labeling them as “terrorists.”

“We must talk about the current
attempt o reopen these cases against those
members of the Black Panther Party who
were tortured more than 30 years ago,”
said Glover, who also serves as chairman
of the board, Trans-Africa Forum.

The detectives, Frank McCoy and
Edward Erdelatz, retired members of the

San Francisco Police Department, now
Special agents with the Federal
Prosecutor's Office. Anti-Terrorist Task
Force have repeatedly interrupted the lives.
of many former Panthers 1o gain notoriety
with the Bush administration by tageting
individuals labeled as “terrorists” who
were never convicted of wrongdoing,
“Once upon a time, they called me a
terrorist, t00,” explained Boudreaux. “To
expedite something in the system, they put
a “terror tag on it and it gets done. Terror
means money. These people [overnment]
have a budget and they are working it
Bowman said when he watched the
World Trade Center towers come down in
New York on September 11, somehow he
knew the government might approach him
as a suspect after listening to the language
being used to describe the investigation.

“They were freedom fight -
ers against police brutality
in the community, but they
were branded terrorists.
These men were charged
for a crime, which they did

not commit.”

“This is a broad general investigation
going on under the current COINTEL-
PRO (Counter Intelligence of the FBI)
grown up into the USA Patriot Act, an
extension of what was going on back
then. The same violations of our human
and constitutional rights, totally unjust -
done in secret and quietly. We've chosen
not 1o be quiet about this.” said Jones.
“They are destroying democracy with
this Patriot Act. It's not just confined to
us. It's other activist organizations as
well.”

Jones pointed out that under *70s FBI
Director J. Edgar Hoover all civil rights
organizations were under major surveil-
lance. The Black Panther Party was con-
sidered by Hoover as the “greatest threat
of national security to the nation.”

Trans Africa President Bill Fletcher
expressed the forum’s concerned about
the erosion of civil rights. “It is ironic
that instead of having a press conference
in which apologies are being offered to
the individuals who were tortured and
the many other victims of COINTEL-
PRO, instead we are 10 call attention to
the prosecution of people who were free-
dom fighters and continue to be.”

Bowman, Jones, and Boudreaux

Acoalition of well-known intellectuals
has also joined the Forum and the defense
commitice to enlighten the public about
the covert actvities being used by agents
authorized by the Patriot Act

“We condemn the persecution tran-
spiring against these individuals. We
wish 1o bring it 1o light when the word
“terrorism™ is in the air." said Ron
Daniels, executive director of _the
Center for Constitutional Rights. “The
anti-war movement and the civil rights
movement had effectively checked the
national security state in relationship to
surveillance. Many of the forces partic-
ularly on the exireme right had been
bristling and eager for an opportunity to
impose new measures. The Patriot Act
had already been on the drawing board.
The terrorist attacks provided an oppor-
tunity for them to impose them.
Danicls adds that “Before former
Attorney General Asheroft left, he
issued o broad ranging edict that all the
cases that involved any incident where a
police officer had been killed and the
case had been closed be re-opened...And
if these men and women can be indicte
or harassed. it sends a chilling effect,
said, Daniels

Professor Charles Ogletree, founder
and exccutive director of Charles
Hamilton Houston Institute for Race and
Justice at Harvard law School, said the
community should protect the rights of
these individuals with their lives.

“These gentlemen, Ray Boudreaux,
Hank Jones and others have been victims
of the most vicious forms of American
terrorism and torture,” said Ogletree. “It
takes a village to protect its elders. We
tell them today, through our presence
here and through our commitment that
we will provide a protective blanket over
them. They will not come in this village
and take these elders, except over our
dead bodies.”

Founded in 1966 by Bobby Scale and
Huey P. Newton in Oakland, Calif, the
Black Panther Party grew to at least
5,000 members with chapters in more
than half the country.

Continued from pg. 4

He did it in his time, when time was of the
essence. When he knew he had the strength and
endurance for a_protracted and extraordinarily

difiul truggle, That time has now past.
The brot

confinement. They never crushed his spirit

Brother, | do not say goodbye, for there are no
words for this in the language we know best. Until
next time—among oak leaves, the feathers of a

hawk, nururing new e from a coral reef
love you, Ray Lu

er [ know, who withstood 50,000 volt
stun gun assaults and the rigors of solitary con-
finement, has fallen. This brother of such infec-
tiously good humor, so respectiul of elders, and
without a cynical bone in his body, is dead. He
chose to pass on in as dignified a way as possi-
ble given the inherently abusive conditions of his

ic Levasseur, December 8, 2005

Continued from pg. 9

Please callor wrie f0 For more info. contact:

Russell Shoats/ #AF-3855
175 Progress Dr.
Wayesbur Pa 15370

Goveror Edward Rendell
225 Main Capitol Bldz.
Harrisbur, Pa 17120

Human Rehts Coalition

Secretary ey Beard 1213 Race St
PA Dept_of Conections Philadelphia, Pa 19107
2520 Lisbum R Us4rd 74T

P0 Box 598
Camp Hill, Pa 17001 Citizens for Accountability
PO Box 9476

Michacl P. Wolanin Philadelphia, Pa 19139

Director of the Office
of Professional Responsibility
1| PO Box 08

Camp Hill, Pa 17001

Philly ABCF
PO Box 42129
Philadelphia, PA 19101

The Subsistence Program

The Anarchist Subsistence Program sceks to
provide material aid to those PPPOW's who come
from our own anarchist/anti-authoritarian commu-
nity.

Presently, we are aware of less than ten Class
War' PPPOW's in North America who identify
themselves as part of the anarchist or antiauthoritar-
fan community. From information provided to us by
these political prisoners, we realize that Ojore
Lutalo is in more financial need than most. Because
of this and because Ojore has provided an immeas-
urable amount of time, guidance and focus to the
collectives that make up the ABC, the organization
has made Ojore the focus of our firt subsistence
Support campaign.

The two functions of this support campaign
include a monthly check and forty .39 cent postage

stamps per month. Supporters of the Anarchist
Subsistence Program send whatever funds they can
o Philadelphia ABC (who faciltates the program)
who in tum sends the total amount from all sup-
porters to Ojore monthly. All U.S. supporters also
take s sending the stamps directly to
Philadelphia ABC.

Listed here are the monthly check documenta-
tion and rotation of groups sending stamps. If you
want to support this important program and help us
expand the number of Anarchist Subsistence
Program campaigns we run, contact Philadelphia
ABC. Make checks or monéy orders out only to:
TIM FASNACHT. Funds should be sent in the last
week of the month before the month the funds will
be used (i.e; send March funds in the 3rd week of
February).

Stamp Schedule
April- Philadelphia
May- Jacksonville
June- Los Angeles
April- Philadelphia

Send a check or money order to
Philadelphia ABCF made out to Tim
Fasnacht for forty 39 cent stamps in the

last week of the month before the month
you are responsible for.

Philadelphia ABCF
P.0 Box 42129
Philadelphia, PA 19101

97' 98' 99' 00' 01 02' 03' 04' 05'
JAX 20 60 60 60 60 105 120 140 150
NE 100 113 80 85
N 40 120 120 65 25 70
LANC 40 145 145 200 115
BING/CO 10 110 105 75 70
KENT 88 203 205 223
WINN 40 85 110 130 144 100 110 10
LA 50 96 66 85 30
CLEAV 120 205 90 25
HOUSTON a0 5
BRICK.NJ 35
MONCTON 5 60 25 5
AARON 5
MNTRL. 50 25 20
KETE FOY 5
MM 15
ARI/WPG 10
OTHER 5

160 668 843 920 938 461 488 365 380

“Thanks much for the support you've been

organizing, I really appreciate it. After not
having any or very little support for so
long, it now seems like (people) have all of
a sudden realized that I am live.”

~ Sekou Odmga (New Afnkan Pnsoner of War)

| Name:

| Street Address:

| City/State/Zip:

| ONE TIME DONATION [ ] MONTHLY SUPPORTER ]
| Monthly supporters, please check one of the follow

| P committo 6 mos [] 1l committo 1 year

Ph

SUPPORT THE ABCF WARCHEST

‘The ABCF has initiated a program designed to send monthly checks to
PP/POW’s who have been receiving insufficient, little, or no financial support
during their imprisonment. PP/POW’s requesting funds complete an applica-
tion of financial questions. When the ABCF has collected sufficient funds to
send out another monthly check, the application are reviewed by a rotating %
body of PP/POW’s called the Prisoner Committee, who make a judgement on g ‘fi‘
which applicant is in the most financial need. There is also an emergency fund

designed to immediately send checks to those PP/POW’s in need of one time 1
o emergeney assistance.

Founded in 1994, the Warchest has provided consistent and reliable financial aid, serving a much neglected comradley
function. Since its inception the ABCF has raised nearly $43,000 with just this one program. Al funds raised go
directly to the political prisoners the program is designed for. Despite our success, our comrades are still i dire needs
of funds. Endorse this program by giving any monthly or one time donation to increase the number of prisoners being
supported monthly. A financial report is published that documents all money received and the prisoner it was sent to
The prisoners addresses are also printed so that endorsers may write and hold us accountable.

Send cash,checks or mos made to TIM FASNACHT to:
Philly ABCF e P.O Box 42129 e Philadelphia, PA 19101 ¢ timABCF@aol.com

WARCHEST REPORT 2006 FUNDS OUT 2005 JAN FEB
—_—— SEKOU KAMBUI 410 30 30
_FUNDSIN 2005 Jan Feb RUSSELL SHOATZ 300 30 30
LAABCF 2560 0 0O JOSEPH BOWEN 300 30 30
MTLABCF 150 0 0O HANIFF BEY 300 30 30
PHL ABCF 395 55 55 HERMAN BELL 300 30 30
JAXABCF 140 120 0O RICHARD WILLIAMS 300 0 0
NJ ABCF 200 20 20 SEKOU ODINGA 300 30 30
CLEV ABCF 350 0 RUCHELL MAGEE 300 30 30
BONNIE/NJ 10 0 0 ALVARO HERNANDEZ 60 30 30
MIKE/N) 20 0 0 VERONZA BOWERS 50 0 0
JUP/CLEV 15 0 o0 TOTAL 2620 240 240
JEAP 140 0 0

FUNDS IN FUNDS OUT
FUND/PHIL 24 0 0O 1994 351 1994 120
CHRIS/NJ 20 0 0 1995 3860 1995 2796
JIM M/PHIL 60 0 0 1996 4143 1996 4308
KMA/KANSAS 10 0 0 1999 5814 1999 5101
DAN/MAINE 10 0 0 2000 3514 2000 4544
Progaganm 0 113 0 2001 5290 2001 4637

2002 2873 2002 4320
M 2003 1785 2003 1300
Llindsey 100 0 O 2004 UNACC* 2004 UNACC*
TOTAL 4439 349 75 2005 4439 2005 2620

2006 424 2006 480
REMAINING: $1912.56 TOTAL 43680 TOTAL 41316

(“Funds unaccounted for due to unreported funds from Jacksonville ABCF)

“Your ABCF Guide to PP/POW Support is great, PERIOD!"
- New Afikan POW Sundiata Acoli

“You can see many of our concerns addressed in this pam -
phiet.”
- former Puerto Rican POW Carmen Valentin

“Itis extremely well thought out and put together.”
- Anti-Imperialist PP Tom Manning

What's the ABC? What's the ABCF? Who are Political Prisoners,

Prisoners of War? Where are they? Why make a eriteria? What do you

mean by “documentation” and how do I get it? What kinds of support

do Political Prisoners need? How should I go about my work? What

‘can PPIPOW's get in prison? What do I need 1o know if I wanted 1o

visit? Can 1 bring them food packages? What about clothes? What do
by ‘principled support’? How do I get involved?

This is a practical guide compiled by Political Prisoners and

Prisoners of War themsclves based on concrete history and work

experience. 1t will help answer all of the above questions and
‘more. The ABCF guide to PP/POW includes definitions that were
democratically upon at an international tribunal, specific
procedures for obtaining documentation on PP/POW's, informa-
tion on visiting, phone contact, food clothing packages, and the
working policies of the ABCF in our work to support
PP/POW's. Send $1 and two stamps to

ABCF-Jax PO BOX 350392 Jacksonville, FL 32235-0392

LA-ABCF

Branch Group

PO Box 11223
Whittier, CA 90603

“This work is not done for glory, but because we believe in mutual aid.”