bob fletcher

Activists Face Grand Jury January 25; Protests Planned in 43 Cities -- Tuesday, January 25 will be the day that nine Palestine solidarity activists are asked to appear before a grand jury in Chicago.  In response, the Committee to Stop FBI Repression has organized protests in 43 U.S. cities and several overseas embassies, reports Fight Back! News.  The local activists still facing subpoenas are Sarah Martin, Tracy Molm and Anh Pham.

Today, October 25, was supposed to be the beginning of the trial of the RNC 8.  Originally facing terrorism charges under the first (and so far only) known use of the Minnesota PATRIOT Act, the eight anti-RNC organizers then faced four charges each before pressure on county attorney Susan Gaertner sent the terror enhancements packing.  In the end, Gaertner dropped charges against three of the eight completely, and in doing so found it easier to secure a final plea agreement on a lesser charge.

See also: Blinded by "The Law" by Steve Clemens | Infographic: History of RNC 8 Case

from the RNC 8 and RNC 8 Defense Committee

Last Friday's national "terrorism" raids against antiwar activists continue to dominate conversation in the Twin Cities social justice community. On Monday, over 200 people rallied outside the FBI building at Marquette and Washington in downtown Minneapolis (see photos from TC Daily Planet), and Thursday evening will be the formative meeting at Walker Church for a solidarity committee to defend those investigated for alleged "material support of terrorism."

From the RNC 8 Defense Committee: The RNC 8 received some surprising news Thursday afternoon - charges against Luce Guillen-Givins, Monica Bicking and Eryn Trimmer have been dropped!

The fact that charges have been dismissed against these three members of what Ramsey County has for two years labeled a “criminal enterprise” exposes the political motivations behind this case.  Although today’s news is an amazing development, charges against four of the eight defendants still remain and must continue to be fought with renewed strength.