The origins of the Anarchist Black Cross (ABC) date prior o the Russian Revolution oF 1905. It was an off-shoo of the Political Red Cross, known in is earler stages as the Anarchist Red Cross (ARC). It was formed 10 organize aid for Anarchist and Social Revolutionary Political Prisoners and their families. n the early 1920, the ABC ongan- ized armed resistance against political raids by the Cossack and Red armies. In its early decades, the organization had chapters throughout Europe and North America. These chapters worked together o provide assistance to prisoners only. in Russia. Soon other groups, such a5 the Lettsh Anarchist Red Cross, emerged to provide aid in other arcas beside Russia Armed with the ideas of mutual aid andsol idarity, these groups worked tirclessly to provide support to those who have suffered because of the political beliefs back hom. In 1919, the organization’s name changed o the Anarchist Black Cross to avoid confu- sion with the_International Red Cross. Through the 1920°s unil 1958, the organiza- tion worked under various other names but provided the same level of support as the other groups warking as Anarchist Black Cross. The organization expanded its aid to places like Greece, 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's only a handful of ABC ehapters stil existed. T the 80, the ABC began o gain pop- ularity again in the US and Europe. Since then the ABC's name has been kept alive by a number of completely autonomous ‘eroups scattered throughout the globe and has grown 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. Various ‘roups have since merged in numerous net- Works throughou the globe working on var- ious prisonissues. The Anarchist Black Cross Federation (ABCF) has continued its mission to focus on the aid and support of Political Prisoners. We take the postion that PP/POW's demand our top. priority. We strive to continue with the same dedication and solidarity 1o our fallen comrades as those before us have shown. Introduction: “Crucially important to maintaining the anarchist integrity of this organization is the fact that Branch Groups and Support Groups are freely autonomous to take on whatever initatives they can to further the Unity of Purpose of the ABCE. 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: A person incarcerated for actions carried out in support of legitimate struggles for self determination or for opposing the illegal policies of the government and/or its political subdivisions. [Special International Tribunal on the Violation of Human Rights of PPPOW's in USS. Prisons and Jails, Dec. '90] Prisoner of War: Those combatants strugaling 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 {XXVIII}) Sending Submissions & Subscriptions to the ABCF Update The Update is a publication of the Anarchist Black Cross Federation (ABCF). Is pur- pose is the promotion of the ABCF and the building of a support network for PP'S/POW's. Wark reports are eligible only from ABCF collectives and should consist of activities ABCF collectives are doing in support of the ABCF, PP/POW’s, and rebuilding the movements they are from. Letters from PP/ POW’s, news or notes on PPPOW’s and related items are also acceptable and are greatly encouraged Deadline for the Fall issue is March 27th 2005. Al submissions should be sent to Los Angeles ABC. All work reports, letters, and news/notes o be printed, must be received on time and sent to Los Angeles ABC. Failure to do so will esult in thé aricles not being printed in that specific issue. Subscriptions are $15 per year, bulk subscriptions (20 copies each issue) are 525 dol- ars per year. Prisoners subscription is twelve 37 cent stamps per year. For subscriptions, send well hidden cash, checks/money orders made out to Matthew Hart, Los Angeles Anarchist Black Cross has the right to edit or alter any submission as Long as it does not change the content or meaning of the article or work report. If there are any issues regarding the editing or altering oF articles published in the ABCF Update, please contact the Los Angeles chapter regarding this issue. The ABCF i PRISONER’S COMMITTEE CJORELUTALD | ANTHOY AL plone LTS gmion 20 SRS, BTN e e auuano ) HERNANDEZ Ao Gor Fac o L AR e 5 veonza Bloorss B N . [ RAY LUC 33521-0819 LEvssen R e BRANCH GROUPS wommEAST | AcksowLLE Ao s Mol Poseme LN Paterson, N4 LOS ANGELES Ghen osm P secion £ 501122 P seoon 0 e 1 e, boase cueveLao Sy 2850, s S B0 e SUPPORT GROUPS — prw— e s oy e J e, 85t arie e, HaW 273 Canada R www.abcf.net NEWS FROM THE FRONT POW Granddaughter is Born Maya Torres was born on the Grito de Lares. Her proud_grandparents, Puerto Rican Political Prisoners Carlos Alberto Torres and Haydée Belirin, can’t be there to welcome her into the world. They can't 20 to the Miami nconatal intensive carc unit to support their daughter Clarissa, where her four pounds s ounce, one month premature baby is being treated for pneumonia. They can't help Clarissa as she Fecuperates from the Cesarean operation. They can’t babysit Maya's big sister, four and a half year old Alexandra (Munchic). They can't just pick up the phone and call their daughir, even to share long distance this moment of joy in the family’s lfe. They don’t know when they'Il be able to first meet_theirgranddaughter-—they’ll have to wait until both Clarissa and Maya are healthy enough to withstand the rigors of travel. While they wait, they can't get emailed digital photos of this néw member of their family. And speaking of waiting, grandma Haydée won't be out of prison until 2010; grandpa Carlos, 2024; both in prison since 1980. State Will Not Charge Austin Sherman Austin's attorney, William Paparian, received a voice mail message from Deputy District Attorney Jonathan Fairtlough that stated: “Itis my understanding that all aspects of the Sherman Martin Austin case have been rejected by the LA County DA's Office” Sherman’s case is NOT over..We are sill working on getting back the data We are confident that the future brings restiution for Sherman Austin. The U.S. GOVERNMENT demonized Sherman and used threats and coercion to convince him 0 sign a plea for a erime that he DID NOT COMMIT! Jalil Harassed Political Prisoner _Jalil Muntagim (Anthony Botiom) # 7IA4283 is being unnecessarily harassed by the prison authorities at Auburn Correctional Facility, N.Y. His mail has been held up over the past two months. This includes both his reg- ular mail and his lterature. Everyone is asked to phone_the Warden of Auburn CF, John Burge, (315) 2538401, complain and protest the harassment of this good brother. You are also asked to forward this information to your contacts as well, asking them also to call the Warden, telling him 1o cease and desist the unlawiul behavior of officers at his faclity. Court To Take Lori's Case “The Inter- American Court of Human Rights announced that Lori Berenson's case will be the sixth and final case to be reviewed during its three-week session in San Jose, Costa Rica, that commences on November 15th. Loris case will be dis- cussed on November 24th and 25th. A decision from the Court may be rendered at that time, 2 few days aftr (since the Court is in session until December 4th), or the Court may postpone a decision untl its next session. ‘The Inter-American Court will also be reviewing the case of Dr. Maria Teresa de la Cruz Flores on November 17th and 18th She has challenged Pen's revised ani-ter- rorism laws that were instituted during the curtent Toledo administration. Lori's case has challenged Peru's anti-terrorism laws that were developed in 1992-3 during the Fujimori-Montesinos administration. New G. Jackson Brigade Site Anew site has been created, dedicated 1o the revolutionary group once active in the Northest region. The site has various communiques from the group as long as contact information for those once active in the organization. For those interested in checking out the site, you can find it at hinp:/Avwgibip.org) Negron Needs Our Support! {estnal problems!! He needs o undergo 4 IFCOPraLibertad and write ~Antonio Camacho Negron Health Fund” in_ the FCO/PrlLibertad 402 W14Sth St New York, NY 10031 Update On Jeff Luers’ Appeal Jefts appeal is currently on hold. I June, the United States Supreme Court Gecided Blskely v. Washington. 542 US s e s, LB 3 {3004 The case has ihé potential tosfect lines, incluing JeiTs. The Oregon Court {hat it has delayed ruling on these requests Oregon. The Oregon Court of Appeals and Supreme Court are expected (o begin st ing opinions in some representative cases (also called "leadeases"). Afier that, the Court of Appeals will decide 10 allow or deny additional briefing in cases like Jeff's, and his appeal will go forward from there. Letter From Bobby Dixon 1t's a shame that folks preach a lot sbout loving their neighbor, forgiving one anoth- er, and that everyone is created equal; the shame is that they don't practice what they preach. Racism abounds even in the prisons where felons have already been judged. Racism exists in leaps and bounds here. Lappeal and ery out to.all my BPP mem- bers in USA not fo allow our youth's lives o be in vain, to suffer in prison, or to die at the hands of the pigs. We must save our children! It's my request that Political Prisoners / Prisoners of War reach out to all of the youth in prison and the ouiside world. Remember, the young peaple and the children are our future. I'welcome all response from the people and all my comrades, sisters, and brothers. So please answer soon. Power to the people with one love, always in revolution of the mind. From comrade Bobby M. Dison BPP (Black Panther Paty) Bowen Needs Help Black Liberation Ay Political ter how small it would be appreciated Send i in the form of a US Posal Money Order to: Joseph Bowen AM-272 1 Kelley Dr. a 1866-1021 New Issue of 4strugglemag Issue #3 Out Now! Writings by Political Prisoners and edited by Jaan Laaman. Available online at: www.dstrugglemag.org. ‘The Winter 2005 issue includes: * Election Reaction, « Black History, « Jericho and Police State ‘We are also happy to introduce a new feature on our website: the dstrugglemag message board... (wwidstrugglemag.org/board) B Judge Rules Against Ciaran Ferry Denver, Colorado - On November 8, 2004, Judge Nottingham, sitting in the United States District Court of Colorado, has ruled against Ciaran Ferry pursuant 1o his petition for a Writ of Habeas Corpus case. After waiting for over a year and a half for Judge Nottingham o rule on the legality of Ciaran's treatment, the Judge ruled in favor of the Department of Homeland Security Ciaran had argued that the actions of the DHS in refusing him a hearing on his “green card" application was a denial of his constitutional right to due process, and that his detention was unlawful. Ciaran main- tains that, compared to hundreds of thou- sands of arriving aliens like himself, he has been treated in o capricious and arbitrary fashion. Most_importanty, Ciaran chal- lenged the DHS to prove, in a courtof law, iis assertion that he was a "danger to the safety and security of the United States.” The Court found that, as an entrant under the Visa Waiver Program ("VWP"), Ciaran had waived all constitutional rights to due process, regardless of how he was treated by the DHS, and that the DHS had no case 10 answer. Inits decision, the Court freely admitted that 1) Ciaran Ferry was "granted an carly release as part of the Good Friday Accord” 2) He lawfully "entered the United Statés on the Bureau of Inspections and Customs Enforcement's Visa Waiver Pilot Program” 3) He candidly disclosed on his "green card" application “that he was a member of the Irish Republican Army from 1992 1o 1993, and that he was imprisoned for polil- ical offenses relating to the conflict in Ircland." 4. ICE agents arrested Ciaran "without a warrant” and informed him that they were arresting him for "having oversiayed bis visa." 5) ICE placed Ciaran in the "Special Handling Unit" of the Federal Corrections Instiute - a facility "usually reserved for dangerous criminals and those most at risk for escape.” 6) The next day, on January 31, 2003, agents for the Federal Bureau of Investigation visited Ciaran at FCI and "failed to recite the Miranda warnings prior 10 their questioning of him, and they ques- tioned him despite the fact that they knew he was represented by counsel.” 7 FCI did not permit the Petitioner to use the phone for his first twenty-four hours in detention to call his attorney. ‘According (0 4 statement issued by one of Ciaran Ferry's Atiomeys, Eamonn Dorman, "the bottor line s that according to the fuling, Ciaran Ferry and all immigrants who enter under the Visa Waiver Program ("VWP"), have no_entitlement to_due process rights. This is in stark contrast to recent Supreme Court rulings granting such rights to enemy combatants in Guantanamo Bay ccording to Nottingham, anyone who entrs under the VWP relinguishes hisher "constitutional rights” including the right to due process and o a bond hearing, regard- less of whether or not the VWP entrant is married to a US citizen.” "In our argument, it s irrelevant that Ciaran had entered under the VWP scheme. Ciaran had clear and unfettered due process fights streaming from his status as the spouse of a US citizen. The heart and soul of our constitution provides that due process forbids the government from "arbi- trarily causing an alien who has entered the country to be taken into custody and deported withou giving him all opportuni- 1y to be heard upon the questions involving His right to be and remain in the United States. “This is the first time this issue has ever been raised in a US court”, said attomey Eamonn Dornan, "and this will have a resounding effect on every VWP alien, most of whom are from Western democra- cies, and their US citizen spouses." Jarl Anderson, Director of the Ciaran Ferry Legal Defense Fund, said, "This is negligence and cowardice on the part of Judge Nottingham and confirms that the rule of law has been replaced by the rule of fear. Ciaran Ferry could have thrown in the towel a long time ago, but instead sacrificed his liberties to establish the constitutional right of all immigrants, not just Irish, to due process. The justice system has failed him and is paving the way for exccutive sbuse of power and indi- vidual liberty. Nottingham is washing his hands of Ciaran Ferry like Pontius Pilot and wiping them on the Constitution.” Heaven Ferry stated, "We are deeply saddened by this turn of events. We've waited for over a year and a half for this decision only o find that Judge Notthingham was not prepared or even slightly inclined to_give my husband jus- tice. In all faimess, he could have made his ruling in April 2003. If this is indicative of the US Justice system, it pretty frighten- ing for all of us"" Ciaran's legal team will appeal this deci- sion and is approaching the Department of Homeland Security officials asking that Ciaran Ferry be released from Denver County Jail 1o live with his family while the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals decides his request to live in America.” Deanna Turner, Coordinator of the Irish Deportces of América Committee, visited Ciaran in jail 2 weeks ago, said, “We can only imagine what is going through Ciaran's mind at the thought of spending another Christmas illegally behind bars. His 3 year old daughter, Fiona, desperately wants her father to be with her when she opens up her Christmas presents and plays in the snow. The thought of just spending cherished time with his wife and family gets him through this awful ordeal.” America’s Guantanamo Gulag by Mumia Abu-Jamal On the island of Cuba, stands an out- post of American imperial power -- Guantanamo Naval Base. “There, hundreds of men, drawn from all over the world, are entombed in what one British court has called a “legal black hole." Michael Ratner, an American lawyer who has argued in the UL.S. Supreme Court for several people encaged there, has w ten that Guantanama is an American inter- rogation camp, similar to those erected by the Germans during World War 11, and out- lawed by the Geneva Conventions. In a recent book on the prison camp, Ratner wtote that Guantanamo is a place designed 1o be beyond the law: We have gone back 1o a pre-Magna Carta_medieval system, not a system of laws, but of executive fiat, where the king ~ or'in thiscase, the president -- simply decides, on any.particular day: "T'm going 10 throw you into some prison. You are not going to have access o a lawyer or any- body clse, or even know if there arc changs against you, or if you will ever be released from this *prison.” Guantanamo has become our Devil' Island, our Chateau 41t from The Count of Monte Cristo. [From Michael Ratner and Ellen Ray, *Guantanamo: What the World ~Should Know* (White River Junction, Vi Chelsea Green Publ., 2004), p. 6] If people were shacked by the recent events at the infamous Abu Ghraib prison in Baghdad, one need only look at R Guantanamo for its_inspiration. For, the leadership of Abu Ghraib was_exported from Guantanamo to Abu Ghraib with specific, sinister mission: to ‘Gitmoize' Abu Ghraib; that is, to treat the peaple detained there as they had been treated at Guantanamo. So, the torture of people; the nakedness of people; the brutal beatings of people; the humiliation of peaple -- all of these things were done to Muslim and Arab nationals at Guantanamo. But, according to Ratner, there was another, insidious method to their brutal madness. Those detained at Guantanamo; they were captured for the purpose of turn. ing them, using state terror o transform these people into snitches to be seeded back into Muslim_communities and countries, for the U.S. intelligence agencies. Ratner writes: “This is exactly what the British did with IRA prisoners. Just as is being done in Guantanamo, they refused o give out the names of deiainces for "security reasons” and kept them in detention for long periods of time. During that period, many of them were turned into undercover agents. for British intelligence. What is going on in Guantanamo 1s not just about interroga- tion, not just about keeping allegedly dan- ‘gerous peaple off the batilfield, but about Fecruiting Muslim informants o g0 around the Islamic world, to g0 back to their coun- tries of origin and gt information back to the United States, essentially to spy for the United States. [p. 48] Americans are laking innocent men, putting them in cages, treating them like beasts, *for years*, knowinly, for the pur- pose of using them against their home com- ‘munities and countrics “This i the face of American democracy that will be reflected in the eyes of hun- dreds, and then thousands, and perhaps mil- lions of Muslims. This i the reason that the so-called "War on Terror' i a fraud; it is war, but a war against reason. It is a mad war, designed by madmen, based on false evidence, and one which threatens to, once again, splash back against the nation that spawed it in global blowback. ‘We have scen blowback before. It is the erim and bitter lesson that should have pre- Vailed in the gritty smoke of Sept. 11ih. Young men, many of them trained by the CIA, and paid by the Saudis, to vanquish the then-'evil empire’ of the Soviets in Afghanistan, succeeded in driving Russians from their lands, and flush with victory, tumed_their sights to those that trained them. They had driven one superpower to its knees; why not another? ‘Guantanamo, to quote British judges in the *Abassi* case, has become, despite recent US Supreme Court decision, a "legal black hole." .And like black holes. it threatens to swallow everything around it. Copright 2004 Munia Abu-Jamal Michael Moore Apologizes for Mumia Remark by Jeff Mackler Authoridirector Michael Moore stopped at Philadelphias Temple University in late October to address a crowd of several thousand students while on tour, stumping for “lesser-evil,” pro-war John Kerry. Moore opened by inviting to the stage and paying homage to the mother of the first National Guardsman killed in a US. war since 1945. The overwhelmingly antiwar crowd responded with applause as the honoree graciously and proudly sig- naled her appreciation. She was followed by a Marine who had recently returned ffom Irag. The disillusioned soldier report- ed on the horrors perpetuated by the U.S. military on the lragi people. He too was enthusiastically welcomed. Soon ater a final introductory speaker, the applause again subsided and a strong. Voice was heard from the crowd, “What about Mumia Abu-Jamal?” The question was presented by a young supporter of the International Concerned Family and Friends of Muniia Abu-Jamal, (ICFFMAJ) “The reference was to Moore’s statement in his 2003 book, "Dude, Where's My Country?" On page 183 Moore falsely and without substantiation asserts in a section entitled "How to talk 1o your conservative brotherin-law’ that Mumia "did_indecd Kl the cop, " referring (0 the 1981 murder of Police Officer Dantel Faulkner. Mumia’s frame-up for Faulkner's mur- der by corrupt_Philadelphia police and prosecutors has been repudiated by agani- Zatons ranging from Amnesty International and US. rade unions to the European Parliament and the presidents of France and South Africa. Hundreds of thousands have marched for his freedom around the world. Moore has since apologized for what he now considers to be & mistaken and errant remark. He did so several months ago, mildly, on Amy Goodman’s Pacific Radio talk show, "Democracy Now!" He followed cortectly by reffaining from repeating the lic in the paperback edition of his book. However, supporters of Mumia Abu- Jamal, the innocent Pennsylvania death-row inmate, political prisoner, and award-win- ning journalit, believe tha, given Moore’s prominence, the damage done to Mumia’s fight for his life and freedom resulting from the false charge in his best-selling book far ounweigh the positive action he took in his less publicized retraction. “The Mumia supporter who questioned Moore was followed by other Mumia activists, who marched down the auditori- um's center aisle with 2 huge poster of Mumia. Moore immediately responded with an open and frank apology. He told the andience that he was mistaken and his remark was without foundation. He said that Mumia had not received a fai trial. Moore challenged those present. to respond by stating that he was certain that they were in agreement. His request was reccived from a rather sumprised crowd with a strong round of applause that drowned out the handful of catcallers, who shouted that Mumia was a “cop killer" ‘The meeting was preceded by the wide distribution of a leaflet authored by the ICFEMAJ, scoring Moore and explaining the details of the case. The leaflet, signed by several members of the newly-formed National Task Force to Free Mumia Abu- Jamal, requested that Moore meet with Mumia and his attorney Robert R. Bryan at Waynesburgprison, where Mumia has been incarcerated for the past 22 years. The successful intervention was pre- pared by ICFFMAJ leader Pam Africa, the ceniral organizer of Mumia’s national ‘and interational defense effort. Africa was seated in the front and center row of the meeting hall next to Moore’s honored guest, prepared to challenge Moore had he failed o retract his false charge against Mumia. Message From Jaan Laaman "o all my frends and all concemmed people who have helped me. recently when I was thrown ino sepregation at Walpole state prison because an ani- war'and Social justice rally was held ouside the prison on August 15t Hi, Tam glad to et you know that on October 15t 1 was finaly released from scgregation into genral population aftr hine weeks of being held on a bogus investgation sbout the DNC rally that was held utside Walpolestate prison on ‘Rugust 156, 1 was let out of segregation ‘without any charges. There is 1o ques- tion that all your letirs and phonscalls o this prison asking sbout me, were mportant and helpful. | want 0 person- ally thank everyone for being concerned Sbout me and helping me. I this present oment of war and injusticethere s so much for us o do. | am going 1o keep on strugeling and | hope tht you do oo. ‘Revolutionarylove and hope, October 5th 2004 R Veronza Bowers Will Soon Be Free Dear Friends, Ljust got off the phone with Veronza and am very pleased to inform you that the recommendation for Mandatory Parole made at his December 21t hear- ing was approved by the United States. Parole Commission in Washington, D.C. Veronza will be released from federal prison no later than February 21, 2005 afier serving more than 30 years of incarceration. Alan Chaset, the lead attorney on our teams, is working hard to secure an earlier reléase date once the administrative details and paper work are completed. 1 will keep you posted. While this is wonderful news, past experience has taught me that cireum- stances can change very quickly and unexpectedly when dealing the USPC and Bureau of Prisons bureaucracies. As you may recall, last time Veronza was due to be released, his parole was rescinded less than 18 hours prior to emerging from prison gates as his daughter and thre sisters waited outside to greet him. While Kayo and I plan to be at the prison this time, I will not cel- ebrate until the hug I have for him is delivered. Veronza asked me to thank all of you from the bottom of his heart for your help and unyielding support. He will write personal letter tonight which 1 will pass on to you when it s received. If you have any words for Veronza, please send them to me and I will deliver them in person In closing, | would like to say that my experience as a friend and advocate for Veronza over the past 17 years has taught me_much. Here is one man's story-or nightmare, if you will-that forces me to think about the more than two million Americans presently locked CONTINUE ON PAGE 11 Richard Has Been Transferred Friends, Revolutionary greetings from the friends and family of politi- cal prisoner Richard Williams! This is Netdahe writing with a medical and transfer status up-date on dad. We're happy 10 say. there are no new serious problems or developments with his heart since the latest up-date. Afier experiencing and reporting pains. late this summer though, Richard had a testicle and its stem removed carler this month. A biopsy revealed that he has semi- noma, or a partial invasion of cells by cancer. He is in need of further treatment to make sure that the cancer is gone, but he is lucky in the sense that the cancer seems isolated, has not invaded his lymph nodes and that, as cancers go, it i fairly easy 10 treat Richard is feeling well and is in high spirits. The question now is. whether the B.O.P. sees that he gets the needed treatmen. As some may have heard, it is planned that Richard be trans- ferred out of U S.P. Lompoc to US.P. Victorville; Richard is not being singled out in this regard. Since finding the cancer, prison doctors have recommended three-month transfer to a prison medical facility in Rochester, Minnesota for treatment, = That means a best-case scenario s a transfer to Rochester, then back 1o nario” and the B.O.P. are mutually exclu- sive, 50 we shall see. We'll keep the pres- surc on and keep people informed. Dad was brought to an outside hospital for the sumery, and was informed that he has stage 2 Diabetes —apparently kept secret by the prison’s medical apparatus. But now we know, and can fight for treatment of that as well. Again, Richard is a war- rior and feels strong as he mends. Before signing off we want to send our love and suppori, and encourage you (o send the same, to Lynne Stewart and her defense commitee as they struggle to keep her free from Ashcrofistyle injustice. The government watching us is a given. We watch back, to make more difficult the State’s job of twisting reason, truth ‘and justice unrecogniz- able. Support Lynne and her co-defendants, stay strong and strug- gl on: Venceremos! Lompoc, before being moved to Victorville. A “best case sce- A Vetdahe Letter From Richard Williams Dear Friends, T'wanted to thank everyone for your car- ing and support. I've received lots of mail here plus some forwards from Lompoc. I've got the picture of my nephews and the med- ical info from Diane and Matef. Thank you for the cards and words that you sent Bty L and the news and info | got from Julia L. I got so much mail all at one time, it is impossible for me to answer all of the let- ters- so this statement will have to do for T was taken out of Lompoc at 3 am, Monday, 11/8, for my flight here, which was about what I expected. The night before Lleft I was told I'd be aliowed 1o shower, eat, and bring my property to R+D at 7:30, Monday. This was done intentionally so that the 2:30 roust would take me by surprise. | spent the next § hours in a small Lear Jet, unable to move or relieve myself. But | wasn't beaten up so it was a relatively uneventful trip. As to my health, I contracted Hepatiis A fow months ago in Lompoc. It has awaken the dormant Hep C I've had for 27 years. So Lam having some problems with that. My Diabetes will be casily controlled by diet and exercise, as my blood sugar is only slightly elevated. No Insulin is needed. The cancer | hadhave is apparently no more erious than | was led to believe at Lompoc. Extensive tests are being done to make surc there are no more active cancer cells, as there are no active tumors. This place is very new and modern and clean. The health care workers here, for the most part,are sin- cere and caring. The food is good and the staffis fairly courteous. There are a lot of sick and dying people here. Physically, I'm feeling very well and feel no affects from the cancer. The prognosis for a good resolu- tion of my problem is excellent T'am glad to be on the east coast, I'll miss Diane, Matef, Kano and Seku who would come 1o see me every month in Lompoc, and also my son Richard who I got 10 sce shortly before 1 Left. For now I'll take advantage of the close proximity of my extended family here to visit. | can't ell you how happy | was to hear that Ray Luc was released on parole and to read the words that he wrote to s all. Again much thanks to Netdah and Brook for getting this info out to you. Know that my body and spirit Femain strong and I send my love to you al. Venceremos! Richard Williams #10377-016 FMC Buter PO Box 1600 Butner, NC 27509-1600 R Words from Ray... Both these statements were sent to the ABCF from Ray Luc Levassuer after he was released from prison. Ray was in prison for his involve - ment in the United Freedom Front and spent twenty years in prison for his actions against U.S. Imperialism. We wish him luck with his new found freedom. Dear friends, On August 6ih | was transferred from the USS. penitentiary at Atlania 10 a pre-release center in Portland, Maine. On November 4th 1 was released from the foderal bureau of prisons custody. After 20 years confine- ment I've finally come horme. Tam deeply grateful 10 all of you who have supported me during this excruciating ordeal. Some of you have been around since the first day of my capture in 1984, Others became involved during the court rials attempting to criminalize. actions taken in support of struggles from Central America to South America. Some of you came through during the lockdown years at Marion and ADX - prisons continually vio- lating the spirit and law of human rights Others joined in during the quest for parole. Be it cards, leters, phone calls, books, literature, funds, political event, providing various kinds of support — cach of you contributed in some way to my sur- vival, ensbling me to reach the dawn of new life. My release after 20 years of imprison- ment for political offenses demansirates. that political prisoners can be brought home. Do not forget those left behind. Mumia is still on death row. The MOVE prisoners have endured over 25 years of unjust imprisonment, Mutulu Shakr, Oscar Lopez, Marilyn Buck and many others are weighed down inordinately long sentences. A new generation of political_prisoners need support ~ from younger activists like Jeff “free’ Luers to immigrants detained in the extended post 911 repression. I make special mention of my codefen- dants — Tom Manning, Richard Williams, and Jaan Lamaan. OF the 8 of us charged with United Freedom Front actions, they are the only 3 stil remaining in prison. That's “freedom.” as in what these com- rades fought for on behalf of others. They deserve respect and support. All our polit- cal prisoners need to be brought home, ‘One does not pass through 2 decades in America’s maximum-security cells without feeling i’ effects. The voices still everber- ate from those 1 knew that died in prison. ‘The sun is shining but shadows around me. bear decades of physical and emotional pain. | can remember the hunger strikes and beatings, the sickening sounds of violence and the creeping silence of box car cells. | know the medical neglect suffered by some of our prisoners. | remember a world apart within which the spirit of political prisoners remains unbroken, and the circle of lfe sur- vives the house of the dead. America’s political prisoners are among the most prin- cipled people its ever been my honor to know. Iwas never a victim, | am a survivor of wars fought for and against U.S. imperial- ism. I believe that our political prisoners stand on the side of history that will vindi- cate our actions to alleviate the suffering of those most used and abused by a system that prioritizes profit over human needs. However, | am an anti-imperialist whose miliary role has ended. Tam now home with my wife Jamila and close to my family, including daughters, grandchildren, and mother. From my heart Tthank you al, for what you gave helped in some way to make this return home poss ble. Love and respect Ray Luc Levasseur Gathered together the cvening of August S were the most politically con- Scious brothers in the compound - who fast, study and push themselves physically to honor those who have made significant sacrifices on the road to Black Liberation. Black August. The cvent was within hours of my release and I was asked to speak. What words might there be from one who's done two decades in the gulag by way of Marion and ADX? Big Black had died days carlier,so | began by saying there can be no talk of Black August without honoring and carrying forward the spirit of Frank Big Black Smith. The brother cpitomized the strength and courage that ran through the Atica rebellion. He survived torture and indignities no one should ever be subjected to. From the camage of Attica he emerged with a commitment to bring the light of truth to bear on the fact Attca was a water- shed moment on the road 10 frecdom. And he emerged with a compassion that led him to fight tirelessly over decades on behalf of the Attica survivors and their_familics. Black would bring my kids o visit me in prison because he listened to his heart and knew the needs of the down-pressed. He should continue to be honored, Black August and beyond. Brothers asked me what advice | might share with them after 20 years of box car cells, the Marion shuffle, holes in every Joint I been in, et I know what worked for me, but one size does not ft all | share the bedrock of it. You must keep the faith, Have faith in the creator and the circle of life. Keep in your family - however way your fanuly is defined. Keep faith in your- Self. Don't lt your spirit devoured by cyn- icism. And try to keep your strength and conditioning at a high level. The following morning Mutul and I broke bread togeth- er shorly before 1 1ot - leaving him, being the most painful part of moving on. A fow hours later | walked out from behind forty foot walls - unshackled for the frst time in 20 years. A dozen steps and | was in my sweel woman’s arms. She who had never lost faith in me. Before sunset we were a thousand miles away. At a family reunion several weeks later were gathered the youngest - great granddaugher (2) to the oldest - great grandmother (83) - and the released captive — the first time ever we'd all been together in the same place. An'old friend not seen in thirty years said secing me unexpectedly freed on the evening news was like waiching someone rise from the dead. I prefer 1o think of it as an_affimation of lfe. A testament that political prisoners can and will be freed. | told Mutulu his day wil also come. Keep the faith. Death is part of life and we've lost good comrades — Zayd, Mityari, Nuh, Merle. And we've also seen brothers and sisters released; Rafael, Lolita, Geronimo, Dhoruba, Alicia, Laura - all unbroken spi its who kept their essential humanity and passion to break the chains of oppression. Take heart with my release. There are thos who oppose my release and wish me dead in prison, but I prevailed. | came home, | believe that all our political prisoners are coming home. 1 believe so because | believe in the righteousness of our cause and the struggle brings results. Keep haul- ing up the mourning it's the best way to live. Ray Luc Levasseur August 2004 R Cottrell Found Guilty on 8 of 9 Counts in SUV Attacks On November 19, 2004 a jury found a Caltech graduate student, William Cottrell, guilty in cight of nine counts for the ELF attacks on four San Gabricl Valley automobile dealerships. Cottrell was found not guilty of using a destructive device to commit arson, which had 35.life sentence possibility. ‘The other counts carry 5-year terms. Cottrell admitted to spray-paintingEarth Liberation Front slogans on SUVs during the August 2003 spree, but said he was unaware that the two people with him, Tyler Johnson and Michic Oc intended to throw Molotov cockiails. “The fires did about $2.5 million in damage. ‘Oc and Johnson are now being sought by the authorities Cottrells lawyers atiributed his odd behav- rin testifying 10 Aspens's syndrome, a social disorder characterized by inappropriate responses to questions and 4 tendency o take things too literally. “The defense had hoped to argue that the syn- drome made Cottrell an casy dupe and prevent- ed him from extricating himself from the spree after Johnson started setting fires. But Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Gary Klausner ruled the condition is irrelevan. Lessons From the Snitching of Billy Cottrell by Jeff Luers November 17, 2004 will be remem- bered as another sad day for the Earth Liberation Front and the’ radical activist community. On trial for the ELF action of torching SUVs in Southern California, William *Billy® Cottrell took the witness stand in his defense. Accused of more than $2.3 million dollars of property damage, I can imagine the fear Billy felt facing decades in prison. Many activists, past and present, reme- ber that feeling all too well. For some it was our finest moment, if also most painful, a5 we stood before the state proud and unvavering. Perhaps, the truest test of our warrior spirit can be found in the courtroom. Undoubtedly. our movement's defining moment will be how steadfast we stand when facing the full repression of the state. “After Billy's arrest, we wrote me. His naiveté at the situation he was in shocked me. We discussed what he was facing and I'warned him 1o avoid doing media before trial. Billy shared his fears and heartache with me 25 well as his gratitude for all the support he was receiving from people. In his last letter, Billy told me how much of an inspiration other warriors and | had been to him. As Billy took the stand that day. 1 can’t help but wonder if the sick feeling in his stomach was fear of imprisonment or if it was nausea at his betrayal. Billy testified that is friend lit the fre against his wishes. He stated that he was coerced into going along with them because he owed one per- son $200. Despite all of his bravado to his sup- porters, the media and me, Billy tucked his tail and pissed down his leg. Sadly. this is not the first instance of betrayal. To date, the majority of ELF and ELF-siyle actions to go before the courts have had a defendant turn traitor. This fact devastates my heart, as it should every activist and revolutionary. Illegal direct action is a dangerous path. The action itself is only a small part of the equation. Physical resistance once embarked upon is not a path casily aban- doned. IF it is a path you choose, you should be expecting 1o serve prison fime or worse. If you cannot face the possibili- ty of prison or you know you cannot accept the consequences with integrity and honor, do not pick up the matchbook. “The problem is one of our creating. This movement glori - fies and romanticizes hardcore action. Crying out for salvation from would be heroes; writing Stories and singing songs of Jaceless individuals who sab the dogers, raid the labs and who burned down Vail.” The blame, however, does not solely lic with the weakness of individuals under pressure. The proble is one of our creat- Ing. This movement glorifies and romanti- cizes hardcore action. Crying out for sal. vation from would be heroes: writing sto- ries and singing songs of faceless individ- uals who sab the dozers, raid the labs and who burned down Vail. Honoring our warriors is good. But, the illusion fades when you are siting in & jail cell. The once scemingly powerful movement bolstered by its own self-praise no longer appears so strong. The romanti- cized ideal of action and change remains, Yet, no revolutionary energy is direeted ai freding our comrades. “That is our failure as a movement. If we expect our warriors to stand strong in front of the judge and jury with heads high and eyes burning with defiance, we must become realistic about what it means 1o be a revolutionary movement. We have to support those who have sacrificed their freedom with radical actions equal or mightier than their own, For our movement to become more than a counter-culture, we have to stop mystifying direct action. We have to rec- ognize direct action for what it is-a neces. sity. The support of the movement to its captured warriors must go beyond admira- tion and respect. It must extend into action and agitation for their release. We must never abandon our own. By any means necessary, we must see them fre. Otherwise, we can expect more people to bow before the power of the state. How do we go from romanticizing action 1o taking it? How do we go from accepting loss to preventing it? These are the obstacles in our path. If we cannot overcome them, then we are not irying hard enough. There are always going to be Billy Cottrells. There just doesn't have to be more of them then there are true wariors ‘There is a hero in all of us-one just wait- ing to be given a voice. Find the courage to follow your heart and the pride to hold your head high and stand your ground. Because with that, this movement will go from a facade to 3 force, A INTE TIONAL N. W French Arrest Anarchists For Babysitting! It seems that the French Justice sys- tem will never cease to amaze. In the latest effort to ‘crack down' on terrorism, the French authorities have detained two activists and libertarians who are members of the (French) Anarchistic Union. According to 'La Coordination Anti- Repressive de Bretagne' (CARB) on Tuesday, November 30th, 2004, Thyde Rosell ‘and Jean-Marc Raynaud, were arrested by the Division Nationale Anti- “Border Fox' Dessie O'Hare is expected 1o be released permanenly from jail next year. He is curently out on temporary elease and is due 1o return to Castlerea Jail tomorrow. But the move is being seen as another step in the Government's plan o set him free as a qualifying prisoner under the Good Friday Agreement. O'Hare was sentenced to 40 years for leading the INLA gang which Kidnapped Dublin dentist John O'Grady in 1987 and he was @ prime suspect for an estimated 27 murders in a bloody 30-year carcer in ter- One of the most wanted men on the istand was given permission to leave Castlerea for five days last Wednesday. Itis the second time this year he has Terroriste ( D.NAT). Apparently their crime is that they provided shelter and support 1o a 3 year old (who is now aged §) whose parents are involved with the Basque Nationalist movement. The child is the son of Mikel Albizu and his partner, Soledad Iparraguirre Geneche, who are allegedly activists of the ETA organization and were arrested on October 3rd of this year. CARB have called for the release of Thyde Rosell and Jean-Marc Raynaud been out on temporary release. In July he was allowed out for a few days. Last November he was granted his first taste of freedom for 16 years when he was allowed out for a weekend stay at Glencree Reconciliation Centre, although he was later reprimanded for posing for photo- araphs in the grounds. Earlierlastyear, O'Hare was also carpe- ed by the prison authorities afer he gave an interview 10 a newspaper. O'Hare's prospects of freedom were boosted by the High Court ruling that he qualified under the Good Friday carly release scheme and he has been waiting patiently while his case is being reviewed by the Release of Prisoners Commission. The 48-year-old former terrorist gang leader, from Keady, Co Armagh, was trans. and criticized the DNAT In February of this year the Celtic League called on the Council of Europe to ensure that Special Police units were properly accountable and suggested that in the rush to counter a perceived greater threat from terrorism the rights of the individual were being trampled. In cracking down on people sheltering children the Special Police in France have plunged to an all time low. methods of the A Fox Soon to be Released ferred from Portlaoise Jail in late 2002 to the Grove bungalow complex at Castlerea. His fate over the next 12 months is lke- Iy to be party determined by the outcome of the current North talks with the British and Irish governments, and the North parties. 8 Years Isolation - an Interim Evaluation by German Political Prisoner, Thomas Meyer-Falk In October, 1996, following a bank rob- bery, I was provisionally arrested by the police and placed in isolation custody in Stuttgart-Stammhheim [prison]. On- the basis of several judgements | should com. plete nearly 17 yaars (1o be exact 16 years 9 months and 3 weeks) of custodial sentences and upon their completion (in 2013) not be. let free at all, but taken into preventive cus- tody (details of what preventive cusiody [deussch: Sicherungsvewahrung] is www freedom for thomas de). That means | can be incarcerated indefinitely according to the will of the Justice Department Tam a so-called redskin (R AS H. = Red and Anarchist Skinhead) and 4 person of plain words, wherefore the above-men- tioned further convictions. Thus, to court, the description of a fellow judge as "pic- turebook example of a facistoid judge” was worth seven years imprisonment. Even ask- ing as 0 physical health was punished, as a murder threat supposedly lay hidden in it Neither before the courts nor in prison have | recognized it as necessary to pretend false regrets, rather more do I represent my personal and political views unchanged and consistently. Which also includes under no cireumstances 'co-operating’ with the Justice Department. A fow years ago 1 was informed by the prison that a substantial relaxation of solitary confinement condi- tions would only come into question should 1 frst enter a trust - establishing dialogue with the prison administration and secondly “forswear violence", in particular, promise neither o incite fellow inmates nor to plan a sebellion or breakou. In the mean time | have sat in jail under conditions of solitary confinement for almost eight years (only in 1998, as 1 was for a short while deported to Bavaria, were the conditions briefly relaxed), that means 24 hours aday alone (with the one exception that I see prison officers, when meals or ‘mail are brought). In recent years the daily hour in the jail yard, actually mean to be spent alone s wel, has been relaxed in that another inmate in solitary can come into the yard, Behind that les less the humanity of the justice system than a practical con- straint: there are (oo many prisoners in iso- lation and were they all to get their yard- hour, the jail would have to lay on individ- ual yards to allow them all thei exercise. {'would not like to express myself about everyday harassment here, details can be gathered from my homepage. How is it for me, after almost eight years? I am most bothered by the inability to act, which is dictated by circumstances. Insicad of being able to join the struggle out there, in these times of upheaval and increasing repression, 1 it behind bars. But, however, what | gather from outside from letters, radio and newspapers strengthens me in not giving up confronting the ruling system, In that surely also lies a potential danger B of eventual embitterment, or of losing touch with realiy; the more thankful am 1 then, though it i not always casy if | am brought back by crificism to the basis of facts. In the solidarity of friends and sympathizers. prac- ticed through lettes, | experience daily that I am not alone, not forgotten. As [ am in correspondence with a few prisoners I can say that they se it just o ‘These letters from ousside are quite, quite important! I attentively follow political develop- ments at national and interational levels and it is continually frustrating not to be able to get involved, for example not to even be able to go on a demonstration or to become engaged to some other extent. Much of my everyday experience in prison (spying, searches, permanent observation) s being progressively introduced "outside” as well and 1 ask myself whether, when | return t0 freedom (when that will be i first- ly an open question ), I won't exchange one prison for a much greater one. It seems to me all the more important to offer resistance, 1o defend autonomy, to uncover repressive structures in_politis, Justice system and business, to call them by their names -~ and to sel our resistance against them, by fighting for a free and just world ! Lam an early riser, mostly I am already awake at 4 in the morning and pace in the half-dark of the cell, it is never quite dark due 1o the scarchlights that illuminate the prison grounds, thus | wander up and down nthe twilight. Through the bars of the win- dow I see here and there the moon or twin- Kling venus, smell through the open win- dow the cool of the night. Freedom surely consists not only of the passibility of being able, at more or less any time, to freely and unhindered be somewhere else, but also in not allowing ones intellect and imagination o be locked avay. “This inner freedom not even the justice system can take from you! ‘Thomas Meyer-Falk clo JVA 23117, Schanbornstrabe 32 76646 Bruchsal Germany Anarchist Arrested After Shootout Anarchists arrested after shootout with German police, followed by repression against German anti-prison activists Q1/8104) On the 28th of June near Aachen in the area of the German/Dutch border, police stopped a car with four people, including Spanish anarchist fugitive Gabriel Pombo da Silva. The car attempied to escape, and shots were exchanged between the police and the fleeing car. All four were eventual- Iy arrested, and are now accused of plan- ning bank robberies, as well as the charges relating to their escape attempt. They have now been dispersed to_prisons around Germany. They are Gabriel Pombo da Silva, Begona Pombo Da Silva, Fernindez Delgado and Bart De Geeter . They can receive letters sent via the prosecutors office: (Name of prisoner) Clo Staatsnwaltschaft Aachen, AZ 40115284104, Stifstrasse 39-43, 52062 Aachen, Germany “Then, on the momning of the 4th, August 2004, around Sam, Aachen police and the Saxony LKA (crime investigation) searched the shared flat of two anti-prison activists in Dresden. The search, authorized by the local court in Aachen, Started with the door being kicked in. Computers and mobile phones were confiscated, as well as private cortespondence with prisoners. The raid happened with the excuse that both are “suspected of conspiring to comit armed robbery” with prisoners in Aachen. Both activists have been warking against the iso- lation of prisoners for years, by engaging in cortespondence with “prisoners and. their relatives, as well as regularly visiting peo- ple in prison to maintain the social contact with prisoners and address the imposed iso- lation. Another focus of their work involves questioning the necessity of pris- ‘Amongst their usual anti-repression work the two women in Dresden were try- ing to find solicitors for those imprisoned in Aachen. They were also corresponding with them and trying to arrange visits. As result of this and a map of Dresden with police stations and weapon shops marked on it found during the arrests, the State prosecution in Aachen construed a robbery in the Dresden area jointly planned by the prisoners and the Dresden activists. With this, the commitment to people in prison is slandered as a criminal action. The reason- ing for the investigation is as follows: “There exist cnough concrete clues to assume that those charged and arrested in Aachen could not have found out about the focal situation in Dresden themselves, but that they must have received support from ather peaple. According to police informa- tion, one of those imprisoned in Aachen as well as the women in Dresden can be con- sidered_members of the lefl-extremist scene. Both [women in Dresden] sought out the State prosccution in Aachen imme- diately after the arrests requesting visiting permission for the prisoners.” One of those involved comments on the searches as follows: “We must question a Saciety that uses prisons and sees them as a legitimate means of repression, to make people functional citizens, and 15 a conse- quence criminalizes legal ant-repression work” Those affected will use legal means to challenge the police actions and make an issue of ths. Rote Hilfe, Dresden group Chilean Anarchist Shot by Police On October 13, 2004, a group of encapuchados (masked- up rebels) attacked a motorcycle police contingent with fire- bombs outside of the University of Chile in Santiago. The cops opened fire on the rebels, using live rounds, and hitting an anarchist, who has been identified by the corporate media as Gustavo Fuentes. His anarchist comrades immediately rushed to the scene and confronted the officials still there. It was discovered that an ambulance was delayed. and Gustavo was left bleeding for an unnecessary period of time. The anar- chists have not been able to determine which hospital Gustavo is being kept in, as he has been declared "lost”. The University has also washed its hands of the confrontation, declaring that Gustavo is not a student, and most students are "non-violent" Gustava's anarchist comrades are planning a solidarity march, and have said that "the streets will burn" Chile's universities are a regular staging ground for insur- rectionary anarchists and other rebels, because police do not usually enter university grounds, according to social taboo. For the past few days, anarchists have taken part in Mapuche resistance against the "Day of the Race”, the Latin American version of "Columbus Day". A large Mapuche march took place on October 11, in Santiago, and encapucha- dos Tought with police at the UFRO university in Temuco, Chile, on October 12, in another act against the celebration of Chile's colonization. Solidarity with the Mapuche struggle for the land and the liberation of Mapuche prisoners is a cru- cial element of the anarchist movement in Chile R Censorship by DOC in North Carolina by Eddie Hatcher This communique serves to alert all publishing and public interest organiza- tions that the new North Carolina Department of Correction (DOC) and prison systems across the South have implemented the most appressive poli to date wherein practically every pro- uressive, lefi-leaning publication and many mainstream publications have been banned from entering the prisons To date, those publications which have been banned are: Maxim, FHM Green Anarchy, Burning Spear, all ABC [Anarchist Black Cross] publica- tions, all MOVE publications, and all anarchist publications. To date, publications which are rejected at a frequent rate, but as yet not banned_ completely are: Rolling Stone, AIDS/HIV publications, prison rights publications. The current move by the North Carolina DOC and prison systems across the South is designed to gradu- ally prohibit all publications that even occasionally speak to prison issues, include prison commentary, and offer prisoner support or directives to those who offer support. Moreover, the underlying goal of these systems is to eventually prohibit and outlaw completely all publications, as reading materials serve to enlighten and educate prisoners. This move by the prison system became very intense immediately after the implementation of Homeland Security and the Patriot Act. If an effort is not made very soon o challenge these policies that are being imposed on prisoners, we will eventu- ally be prohibited from receiving any progressive publications and more likely, the prison systems will enact rules which specify the few main- stream publications _prisoners can choose from. And this short list will not include any progressive publica- tions. We understand that for the last two years practically every organization bas been heavily involved in the issues surrounding Iraq and the war. And it bas been during this period that the stategovernment, under the directive of the Justice Department, has had free reign to implement these widespread, oppressive acts against us. While no one was watching, we have been sub- jected to everything from new rules and policies intended to lock us down, to brutalities which are a breach of bumanity. These state systems have now become so oppressively powerful that a movement must meet these atrocities head-on, or we will be in constant con- ditions far worse than any Iraqi prison. We sincerely ask for your help. Eddie Hatcher #0173499 PO Box 2405 Marion, NC FREQUENTLY USED Acronyms/ Terms ABCF: Anarchist Black Cross Federation - anti-authoritarian federation of ABC groups who support and defend PP/POW's. ranch Group - ABCF group with mre responsibili- s than a SG. upport Group - ABCF group with less responsibilities than a B AIM: American Indian Movement - sbove g1 organization of Native Americans. ree or libertarian socialism. Anarchists are opposed 1o government, the state, and capitalism. Therefore, simply speak- ing, anarchism is a no government form of socialism. Types of anarchists include: Anarcho-Communist, Anarcho-Syndicalist, Autonomist, Collectivist, Individualists, and Mutualists. BLA: Black Liberation Army - revolutionary Black clandestine formation formed to defend the Black community and the BPP, dormant since the 80s. BPP: Black Panther Party - above ground Black revolutionary ‘aroup secking Black political power, disbanded in the mid-'70s. FALN: english translation: Armed Forces of National Liberation revolutionary clandestine group fighting for Puerto Rican inde- und revolutionary pendence. MOVE; Not an acronym, the name of an organization based in Philadelphia who are commited to the teachings of John Afica Thei belcf s in life." PC: Prisoner’s Committee - roating body of S PPPOW's on the PRIPOW's: Political Prisoners and/or Prisoners of War. (See page 1) efense: The legal act of protecting one’s life or the life of ‘another with the idea/purpose of self determination and independ- ence. Armed sel-defense is relative to the ABCE, specifically in the USS.,in that as the organization grows, 50 100 grows the need o protect ourselves from the armed aggressor of the state, right wing, and other ideological opponents. (Firearms training as preparation for self-defense are legal activitis within the confines of the U.S.) ‘Self Determinations 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, frecly dispose of their natural wealth and resources without prejudice 1o any obligations arising out of inter- national economic cooperation, based upon the principle of mutu- al benefit and international law. In no case may 3 people be deprived of its own means of subsistence. SDS: Students for & Democratic Society - left student group Tounded in the "60. The Update: This s a bi-monthly publication of the ABCF. 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 revolutionaries from the student movemen. (The ABCF produces the Revolutionary Political Dictionary with these and oiher expanded definitions of poltical erms. Asailable from Jacksonville ABC for S1 and two 34 cents stamps.) CONTINUE FROM PAGE 5 up by our government-six million, if we include those on parole and probation. Multiply these numbers by the families. friends and loved ones touched by their incarceration. While many undoubtedly deserve to be there, I find it very dis. turbing to read, with increasing frequen- cy. about those who have been falsely convicted or wrongly executed due to the color of their skin, social class or politi- cal and religious beliefs. In light of this, our success in winning Veronza's free. dom is but a small, symbolic victory. To my mind, its greatest significance lics in showing us the power of a citizenry that this willing 1o’ endure and stand up, against all odds, for the principles that underlic the U.S. Constitution guaranice- ing justice and human rights for all Al the best, Monty Update: Bowers release has been postponed until a March 21, 2005 hear- ing. Once again justice has not been served for PP/POW's in the U S. The Anarchist Subsistence Program The Anarchist Subsistence Program, in contrast to the Warchest program that provides nonpartisan support for revolution- ary Political Prisoners and Prisoners of War, seeks 1o provide material aid to those PP/POW’s who come from our own anar- chist/anti-authoritarian community. Presently, we are aware of less than ten “Class War' PPIPOW's in North America who identify them- selves as part of the anarchistor anti- authoritarian 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 immeasurable amount of time, guid- ance and focus to the collectives that make up the ABCF, the organization has made Ojore the focus of our frst subsistence support campaig. per check. ber P money campaign include a monthly check and forty 37 cent postage stamps month. Anarchist send whatever funds they can to Philadelphia ABC (who facilitates the program) who in turn sends the total amount from all supporters to Ojore monthly. All U.S. supporters. also take tns sending the stamps dircctly to Philadelphia ABC. Lisied here are the monthly of groups sending stamps. If you want to support this important pro- ram, and help us expand the num- of Anarchist Program campaigas we run, contact hiladelphia ABC. Make checks or FASNACHT. Funds should be sent in the last week of the month before the month the funds will be used (ie; send March funds in the 3rd PP/POW Supporters of the Subsistence Program documentation and rotation Subsistence orders out only to: TIM The two functions of this support weck of February). y 7 [ 98 [0 [0 Stamp Rotation Jax 20|60 | 6060 NE Schedule [T EPT R Lanc [ 40 145 | 145200 115 February Bing/CO | 10110105 | 75 | 70 Kent 55 [205 [205 225 Winn {40 Jg5 {110 [130 [ 144 [ 100 110110 Jacksonville 3 RN 3 [Cleve 7201 205] 604 25 March [Houston 40| 5 Brick, NJ 35 Cleveland Moncion [ 5| 60 25 | 5 " ron 5 April lJosh S it o[z Los Angeles Kete Foy| 5 jofer {5 i‘;!;:::;‘;;’::g’;”m:’:::: [Total | 160| 773| 788 | 810 1028 581 | 488 [365| Tim Fasnacht for forty 37 cent "All Inquires to: stamps in the last week of the Philadelphia ABCF month before the month you are| P.O Box 42129 responsible for. Philadelphia, PA 19101 ] No Surrender and the Losses of 10/20/81 by David Gilbert The warm reception for my book is most welcome. | hope the tile hasn't caused any misunderstanding. "No Surrender” comes from the Nazim Hikmet poem about prison, which opens the book, on never giving up one’s principles, spirit, and zest for life. | did not at all mean to refer to.a military concept or in any way to lorify the shoot-out that led to my incar- Ceration. I feel tersible about the deaths, the wounds, the fractured lives and families that resuled from that action. I've said this (and talked more specifically sbout the errors 1 made) in the few interviews I've done over the years, but perhaps my regrets and apologies haven't been heard clearly because of all I've also had to say about the colossal violence of the social system and the brutal attacks on the Black Liberation Movement. However, my rela- tionship to the deaths on 10/21/81 is very direct, 5o | need to address those losses very dircctly. Such a statement s especial- Iy needed because during trial, feeling Very embattled and defending armed strug- gleas an abstract principle. | failed to pub- licly express regrets about the individuals who had been killed and wounded 1 feel terrible about the loss of lfe and the pain and suffering for the families of the two officers and guard who were killed. 1 am not mentioning them by name out of respect for the wishes of the fami- lies.] Whatever the historical context for us, these three men just happened 1o be on duty that day. So it must have been an especially biter loss for their familics. In another sad repercussion three days later, longtime Black liberation activist Miayari Sundiata was killed by police. All we must never lose our fecling for cach and every human being. The only reason to become an activistis love, love for the pre- ciousness of life and for the rainbow colors of human potential. Those same values. mandate that we take the greatest care and responsibility in how we fight for social change. 1 proudly stand by my broad history of struggle and by solidarity with the Black liberation movement; my actions on 1021/81 were wrong, and | deeply apolo- gize fortheir role in the tragic loss of lives. S iy was oy s ey Tl We apologize for the spelling and/or grammatical errors of UPDATE issue number 40. By mistake, we sent the unedited version to our printer. If you are looking for someone to blame, his name is Lane Farnham. Write him here at LA-ABCF and tell him what you think (he he)! -UPDATE Staff Join the Jericho Movement’s Education Support Campaign for Aids Orphans in Afrika ‘Supported by political prisoners across the country, the Jericho Movement is collecting donations to purchase school supplies (pen, pencils & composition books) that will be inscribed “Compliments of Political Prisoners in the united states of america.” The supplies will be shipped to selected sites in the sub-Subharan Afrika for distribu- tion to school children who lost their parents to the AIDS epidemic that is sweeping across the continent. *Keeping orphans at school is crucial s critical for the future. It can provide education that can work as a safety net in the childs life. Schooling can also help to break the cycle of poverty. A study in Kenya found that 52% of the children orphaned by AIDS were not in school compared to a 2% of the non-orphans. Therefore, itis important that great efforts are made to keep orphaned children at school..” Individuals and organizations wishing to cosponsor, endorse or con- tribute to this campaign are asked to immediately contact Baba Herman Ferguson (iyaluua@aol.com )and Sis. Efia Nwangaza (mxgrm@aol.com), Jericho Movement, National Office, P.O. Box 3410084, Jamaica, New York 11434-3401, 718-949-3937. 3 9 2 5 " NO PHOTO 2 l (39 5 ‘ELER “The ABCF has intited a program designed to send monthly checks o those PPIPOW's who have been receiving insufficicnt, e, or no financial support during thei imprisonment, PP/POW's requesting funds complete an application of financial questions. When the ABCF has collected suffcient funds to send out another monthly check, the spplication ar reviewed by a rtating body of PP/POW's called the Prisoner Committee, who makes a judgement on which applicant s in the most financial need. There i also an cmer- gency fund designed to immediately send checks to those PP/POW's in need of one time or emergency assis- tance, Founded in 1994, the Warchest has provided consisten and reliable financial id, scrving a much neg- lected comradley function. As Sekou Odinga (a POW currently rceiving a monthly check) writes, “Thanks much for the support you've been organizing, I really appreciate it. After not having any or very litle support for so long, it now scems lke (people) have all of a sudden realized that I am live.” Endorse this program by giving any monthly or one time donation o increase the number of prisoners being supported monthly. A financial report is published that documents all money received and the prisoner it was sent o “The prisoners addresses are alo printed s0 that endorsers may write and hold us accountable. Names Send cash,checks or mos Street Addre e to TIM FASNACHT to: City/State/Zip: Philly ABC ONE TIME DONATION [ ] MONTHLY SUPPORTER[ ] 1-|m{:|‘:1 "‘I".‘ - l\.;’»m Monthly supporters, please check one of the following: philhabetwehtnet Vil commit 0.6 months [ 'l commit 0 | year [~ AmouncS toll free (877)-67: ‘What is the Warchest? The ABCF has initiated a program designed to send monthly checl Prisoners of War who have been receiving insufficient, little, or no financial s ment. PP/POWs requesting funds complete an application of financial questior lected sufficient funds to send out another monthly check, the applications are reviewed by a rotating body of PP/POW’s called the Prisoners Committee, who makes a judgement on which applicant is in the most financial need. There s also an Emergency Fund designed (o immediately send checks io those PPIPOW's in need of one time or emergency assistance. Founded in 1994, the Warchest has provided consistent and reliable financial aid serving a much neglected comradely function. As Sekou Odinga (a POW currently receiving 2 monthly check) writes, "Thanks much for the support you've been organizing, I really appreiate i, After not having any or very litle support for so long, it now scems fike (people) have all of a sudden realized that I am alive." Endorse this program by giving any monthly or one time dona- fion to ingrease the nusaber of prisoners being supported montnly. Blow i the financial report which doc- uments all money received and the prisoners it was sent to. [Name: Addres: [ One time donation (] monthly supporter If you'll be a monthly supporter, please check one of the following: 0 I'll commit to 6 months I I'll commit to 1 year ‘Amount $ Send concealed cash, checks, or m.o.s. made out to Tim Fasnacht to: PHILADELPHIA ABCF-BG P.O Box 42129 Philadelphia, PA 19101 or donate online at www.abef.net R “Your ABCF Guide to PP/POW Support is great, PERIOD!" - New Afrikan POW Sundiata Acoli “You can see many of our concerns addressed in this pam - phlet.” - former Puerto Rican POW Carmen Valentin “lItis extremely well thought out and put together.” - Anti-Imperialist PP Tom Manning Wihat's the ABC? Whar's the ABCF? Who are Political Prisoners Prisoners of War? Where are they? Why make a criteria? What do we mean by “documentation”and how do 1 get i? What kinds of support do Political Prisoners need? How should I go about my work? What ‘can PPIPOW's get in prison? What do need 1o know if wasn' to visit? Can I bring them food packages? What about clothes? What do you mean ‘principled support”? How do 1 get involved? A practical guide compiled with the help of Political Prisoners and Prisoners of War themselves based on concrete history and work experience. It will help answer all of the above questions and more. The ABCF guide to PP/POW includes definitions that were democrat upon at an international tribunal, specific procedures for obtaining documentation on PPPOW's, informa- tion on visiting, phone contact, food/clothing packages. an updated list of U.S. PP/POW'S, and the working policies of the ABCF in our work to support PP/POW's. Sen stamps to: and two 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.” IN THIS ISSUE: Updates on Ciaran Ferry - Veronza Bowers’ possible release date - America’s Guantanamo Gulag - Michael Moore apologizes for remarks against Mumia, Billy Cottrell - Words from Ray Luc Levasseur - Richard Williams has been transferred - And more