ABCF UPDATE QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE ABCF Spring 2005 "Any movement that does not support their political internees is a sham movement.” - O. Lutalo Issue #42 Update Includes $1,0 000,000 Gary Freeman . » . ) 4 Turkish Hunger 3 | 4 | _/_,__ i F Strikers for mformunon leading g€ safe reNgn of . . . Veronza Bowers Joanne Cnesum:ard Bashir ;Iamee d AKA. Assata Shake \ . Wanted for Escaping on Novembegd§ :(\,m/» N o Lifo Assata Shakur Tormfogshe MurderofaNew, ey}\\,’wpfl\ . SPRIPTION " " 1, sborah Byron Chesimard Rich Picariello = vry e o st Fonel ok } 008 e Magdeburg 3 P08, Nework iy NV . g 56 Woiht a0l Joe-Joe Bowen | 4 % | kst . B | covin ModumBon ] ... Rosdr ko et vouds Oscar Lopez ) g bt rd sl o i s Rivera sBi# SA6408A o N ; s o Richard Williams 3 9 & e AMARMALT AMAARAVTO . Subject hos doumented her presence in Havana, Cuba through various media outes since the mid 1980'. Subject alters her Russell Shoats appearance wih various contemporary and ehic hirsyles. Subjec . may conceal focial faturesuilizing Aficn riba othing. Mumia £B1. Joint Terorism Task Force, Newark Division: . (973) 792-3000 . " New Jersey State Police, Fugitive Unit Sumha:a Acoli (609) 882.2000 Chapter Reports The origins of the Anarchist Black Cross (ABC) date prior 0 the Russian Revolution of 1905. It was an off-shoot of the Political Red Cross, known in is carler stages as the Anarchist Red Cross (ARC). It was formed 1o organize aid for Anarchist and Social Revolutionary Political Prisoners and their familis. In the early 1920's, the ABC organ- ized armed resistance against political raids by the Cossack and Red armies. Inits 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 a5 the Lettsh Anarchist Red Cross, emerged to provide aid in other areas beside Russia Armed with the ideas of mutual aid and sol - idarity, these groups worked tirelessly to provide support to those who have suffered because of the politcal beliefs back home. 10 1919, the organization’s name changed 1o the Anarchist Black Cross to avoid confu- sion with the International Red Cross. Through the 1920's until 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 chapters sl existed. Tn the 80's, the ABC began 1o gain pop- ularity again in the US and Europe. Since then the ABC's name has been kept alive by & number of completely autonomous groups scattered throughout the globe and bas 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 10 focus on the overall support and defense of Political Prisoners. Various groups have since merged in numerous net- works throughou the globe working on var- fous prisonissues. 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 PP/POW's demand our top priority. We srive to continue with the same dedication and solidarity to our fallen comrades as those before us have shown. Introduction: US. Prisons and Jails, Dec. '90] “Crucially important to maintaining the anarchist integrity of this organization s the fact that Branch Groups and Support Groups are fieely autonomous to take on whatever initiatives they can to further the Unity of Purpose of the ABCF. S0 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 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) Sending Submissions & Subscriptions to the ABCF Update ‘The Update is a publication of the Anarchist Black Cross Federation (ABCF). Its purpose is the promotion of the ABCF and the building of a support network for PP'S/POW’s. Work reports are eligible only from ABCF collectives and should con- sist of activities ABCF collectives are doing in support of the ABCF, PPPOW’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 encour- aged. Deadline for the Summer issue is August 27th 2005. All submissions should be sent to Los Angeles ABC. All work reports, letters, and news/notes to be printed, must be received on time and sent to Los Angeles ABC. Subscriptions are $15 per year, bulk subscriptions (20 copies each issue) are §: dollars per year. Prisoners subscription is twelve .37 cent stamps per year. For sub- scriptions, 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 OJORELUTALO ANTHONY “JALIL’ HERNANDEZ b Gor ac BRANCH GROUPS NORTHEAST JACKSONVILLE ABC-BG ABC-BG New dersey PO Box 350392 secion Jacksonvle, FL PO Box 8532 322350302 Paterson, NJ LS ANGELES 07508.8532 Los A Philadelphia section PO Box 11223 PO Box 42129 Whiter, CA Phiadolphia, PA 90603 19101 la@abet et CLEVELAND ABC-BG PO Box 2776 Cloveiand, OH 44127.0376 SUPPORT GROUPS WINNIPEG MONTREAL ABCSG ABC-SG 3091 Albert St PO_Box 42053 Winnipeg, suec Manoba, R3B 1G5, Jeanna Mance Canada Monireal OC HaW 273 Canada www.abef.net SSUE 42 5PRNG: NEWS FROM THE FRONT BLA POW Needs Help Toseph “Joe-Joe™ Bowen has spent most of his time in prison, in and out of control units, solitary_confinement, and_other means of isolation from the general prison population. He is presently writing and filing a federal writ to get himself out of solitary confinement. _This writ is very important because it will also set a prece- dent for a few other revolutionaries who are trying to get into general population as well.” Joe-Joe is the first one of the “sol. diers in this hole” to file a writ, if his writ is rejected, the others will siill have a chance. Joe-Joe is asking for assistance i help- ing t0 pay for the $250 cost of the writ. He can receive money orders made out to Joseph Bowen. If you do not wish 1o send money into the prison but would like to help our brother, you can send a personal check (payable to "Tim Fasnachi").. All cash/check contributions should be sent to Philadelphia ABCF: Joseph Bowen AM-4272 1 Kelley Dr. Coal Tawnship, Pa 17866-1021 Richard Picariello Harassed Former Political Prisoner. Richard Picariello, 55, is presently facing a court battle because of an arrest for leafleting and being present during 4 demonstration against Bush last spring. Picariello was once a_member of the Fred Hampton Unit of the People’s Army, a guerrilla organization that engaged in an o flnsive campaign in the Northeast. In 1978, Picariello was sent o prison for cam- paigns targeting Logan Airport, two National Guard trucks and a courthouse in Boston. Picaricllo was released in the 1990 Since his release from federal prison, he has been involved in various groups, and has arrests for minor offenses. On July 22, 1997 Richard Picariello was harassed, beaten up and arrested by MIT cops for trespassing on alleged MIT "private prop- erty”. I recent years, Picariello has allied with ANSWER (Act Now to Stop the War and End Racism). It was with his involve- ment with ANSWER activities where he was arrested once again. Boston activists claim the charges are a fabrication for the purpose of intimidating the activist com.- munity in Boston. Up to seven hearings in court have taken place without the prosecu- tion providing any reason for even bringing charges. The case Against Picarillo is still unre- solved, so we will keep everyone informed as the case proceeds. Italian ABC Members in Jail In May, there have been over 100 raids all across ltaly resulting in at least ten peo- ple being remanded into custody. The activists were detained for allegedly being involved in the letter-bombing campaign for which convicted ALF activist Segio Maria Stefani along with Marco Ferruzzi, Simone del Moro and David Santini have already been charged with. Some of those who were recently arrested are connected to the ltalian Anarchist Black Cross. The lialian ABC are aceused of circulating a press release, from the underground group EAlnformal, ‘which claimed responsibility for some of the bombings. The lalian authorities are declaring the newsletter bul- letin of the ltalian Anarchist Black Cross to be an illegal publication! Following the police raids the mailing list of lialian Anarchist Black Cross and web-site have been seized by the police. Oscar Lopez Rivera Moved On April 12ih, Puerto Rican Political Prisoner Oscar Lopez Rivera was moved from the Federal Correctional Institution in in Terre Haute, Indiana to the USS. Penitentiary in Terre Haute. According 1o a letter ProLibertad received from Oscar Lopez Rivera, the Penitentiary is larger than the Federal Correctional Institution; the Penitentiary is also behind walls. In his last prison, Oscar could sce the trees, had access 1o the birds, and to a nice running track. In the new prison all the units are separated from each other in order to go from unit to another he has 1o go outside and walk from building to building. According to Oscar, on his first day there, he had to walk in'the rain o get to the commissary o eat; he arrived soak- ing wet. Oscar also commented that the new prison is like a military camp because they have to wear a Khaki uni- form and boots all of the time. Oscar has also commented that there is not enough space provided for artists to work. According to Oscar, there is plenty of space, but that the artists are relegated 1o a small area, where they are, “on top of cach other.” He is going 1o be sending us information soon about how we can support him and the other artists. If you want (o write to Oscar, please send him a letter or postcard to: Osear Lopez Rivera #87651-024 US. Penitentiary PO, Box 12015 Tere Haute, IN 47801 “Magdeburg 3': Second Trial On November 27, 2002 in Magdeburg, Germany, Marco Heinrichs and Daniél Winter were arrested and charged with "membership of terror- ist association”. Five months later, another individual, Carsten, was arrest. ed and indicted on the samé charges. The three were suspected of having committed several fire bombings in Magdeburg, including a fire bombing at the Daimler-Chrysler company on August 21, 2001, an attack against several vehicles of the communication company Telekom, as well as attacks against the office of the local prosecu- tors office and a car of the border police. These actions were carried out under several different names (Revolutionary Action Carlo Guiliani, Commando: Liberation of all political prisoners, and Commando. Global Resistance.) The trial against the three began in the summer of 2003, afier a year in prison. In December 2003, Marco was convicted to 2-5 years plus all the costs of the trial. Daniel received a 2 years sentence and Carsten was acquitted This year the revision trials against Marco and Daniel started. In February, Marco’s conviction was confirmed, he will have 10 go in prison for 2-5 years (minus the one year he already did). On April 5 2005, the new trial against Daniél started. New Issue of 4strugglemeg Issue #4 Out Now! Writings by Political Prisoners and edited by Jaan Laaman. Available online at: www.dstrugglemag.org. Aticles by Jaan Laaman, Bill Dunne, Mumia Abu-Jamal, Ali Khalid Abdullah, Jeff Luers. 4strugglemag can be read online at http://www.dstrugglemag org. Paper copies are available (four dollars, free to prisoners) by emailing montrealabef@gmail.com or writing: 4strugglemag PO. Box 42053 Suc. Jeanne Mance Montreal QC H2W 2T3 Canada Veronza Still Not Free! On March 21, 2005, a hearing examiner recommended, for the second time, that Neronza be granted Mandatory Parole after serving a full 30-year term in federal prison, in addition to0_nearly one year of llegal detention beyond his senterce. His new release date was st for May 8, 2005 As you may recall, in April 2004 Veronza's parole date’ was_ arbitrarily rescinded by the U.S. Parole Commission without a hearing. The Commission, how- ever, was forced by court order t0 hold a hearing within sixty days so that his parole eligibilty could be determined on ifs mer- its. At that hearing, as in the most recent hearing, the examiner recommended parole which was then scheduled for February 18ih. However, at the very last minute (lit- erally 15 minutes before he was to walk out of prison), the Commission rescinded Veronza's parole certificate pending a Reconsideration Hearing 1o take into account "new information.” The supposed “new information” had been submited by the Grand Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police via its regional office in Richmond, Virginia. The FOP claimed that family members of the officer killed had not been properly informed of the parole hearing and that, if set free, Veronza would be a threat o the lives ofall police officers. This was clearly not "new evidence;” but rather the FOP's spin on the perils of granting Veronza parole. At this_latest hearing, the examiner made the finding that there had been nei- ther frequent nor serious violations of prison rules, nor was there evidence to sup- port that Veronza would violate federal or local laws if granted parole. The claim of the FOP that, if released on parole, he would be a threat to society was found to be without merit. Based on these findings, the examiner made the ruling that Veronzi is entitled o Mandatory Parole beginning on May 8, 2005, It is important 1o remember that this decision would be effective if and only if the US. Parole Commission- 2 national body comprised of five Bush appointees (two of whom were appointed in the last few weeks)- accepts and adopts the conclu- sions of the examiner on these issues. Usually the findings of an examiner in these matters are reviewed by a single Commissioner. This will not occur with respect to the findings and recommenda- tion handed down in Veronza's recent hear. ing. Instead, the Commission has taken the extraordinary step of asserting what is called "original jurisdiction” over his case. This means that the hearing examiner's conclusion that Veronza is entitled 1o be released on Mandatory Parole must be reviewed by all five Parole Commissioners who will make the ulimate decision. 1t s agreed by all who are familiar with the workings of the U.S. Parole Commission that such actions are highly unusual and, indeed, unprecedented Bower's lead attomey, Mr. Alan Chaset, a nationally-prominent expert on federal sen- tencing issues with over thirty years of experience, has never seen this occur before. Update: The U.S. Parole Commission has recently announced Veronza's release date for June 21st, 2005. We ask people to keep in mind the previous date issued for his release. Let us hope for his freedom! Please visit Veronza's web site hitp:/iveronza.org Veronza Bowers in the 1970’s Statement to the Human Rights Conference on Torture by Sundiata Acoli Grectings IHRI Conference! First | want to congratulate the Keynote Speaker and Honarable Congresswoman, Sister Cynthia MeKinney, on her tri. umphant return to Congress. But more so | want to personally thank her as being the only Congressional official who had courage or concern enough to make a determined effort toward my release when i was rounded up on September 11, 2001, and held *incommunicado* from my fami. Iy, my attomeys and the entire outside world. Meanwhile prison officials tortur- ously interrogated me. looking for *any® connection on my part o the destruction of the WTC or the laer spread of anthrax thru the postal system. They openly threatencd. to hold me in total isolation for the rest of my life and their implied threat was to seck the death penalty So torture i nothing new to us. PP/POWS, nor to everyday people of color and others oppressed in the ghettoes, bar- ios, reservations, towns and cities thru out amerika. They don't call the Bronx's 44th Precinct, "Fort Apache,” for nothing; or because they serve "tea and cookies” there. They call it "Fort Apache” because they whip heads there, bust lips, knock out teeth, blacken eyes, break ribs and even rape and kill there .. and it goes on to one degree or another in every police station across country, big or small, Abu Ghraib is not an aberration. Most us. prisoners instanily recognized ameri- ka's fingerprints all over Ghraib; they match it prints in us. police stations, jals and prisons. The Ghraib perversions trace a straight ling back home to White amerika's psychotic obsessions with the genitals of Blacks it lynched. The same perverted grins seen at Ghraib can be found in the faces and photos of White lynch mobs in the u.s. swarmed around Black bodies hung from trees. s 2 perversion born in this country's racial-sexual degradation of its Black slaves and others of color since its beginning, and the lies told since then to cover it up. That same "cover-up" mindset also keeps most of the amerikan press silent about the many Iraqi women and children, young boys and girls, who were also raped, and probably still are being raped. at Abu Ghraib. Photographic proof exists and The San Francisco Bayview newspaper has it. For those adulis who have legitimate need for such proof, the photos are available upon e-mail request for them at editor@sfbayview.com. Now for some of my personal experi- ences with torture. In 1969 NY cops kicked in my door for two other Panthers, Sekou Odinga and Kuwasi Balagoon, and without saying a word beat and stomped me unmercifully. Then they took me to the 32nd Precinct, Harlem, and threw me in the holding tank with Joan Bird, another Harlem Panther, whose lip was so busted and swollen, and eyes so blackened and swollen shut that | barely recognized her. She said that at one point during her beating they hung her out of the 3rd-floor window by the ankles, made sexul taunts and threatened to drop her if she didn't tell the whereabouts of Sekou and Kuwasi. They didn't find them and after holding us in jail for a month they released us. In 1970 during the New York Panther- 21 trial we defendants were assaulted numerous times while cuffed, by Riker's Island jail guards who transported us back and forth to court cach day. In 1973, after my arrest in the New Jersey Tumpike case, i was held in strict isolation at Middlesex County Jail, NJ. Because of my placement there, and even tho i was allowed no visitors except my lawyer, the jail implemented harsh visiting rules on al visitors which caused the pris- oners to protest by refusing to lock in their cells. New Jersey state troapers came in with shotguns, shot prisoners in the face and torso with bean-bags that broke noses, blackened eyes and bruised ribs, shot tear- as that choked, blinded and burned, and drove prisoners back into their cells. | was already under 24/7-lockdown so they sim- ply shot teargas into my cell, tumed the water off and heat on, in_ mid-summer, which left me and similar prisoners to wal- low in pain from the sweal-reactivated tear 2as which we had no means to wash off In 1976 at Trenton State Prison (TSP), NJ, I and other Management Control Unit (MCU) prisoners were subjected fo two- hours of gunfire by Jersey state troopers raking the Unit back and forth, trying to shoo into our cells. John Andafiwa Clark was killed by a double-ought shotgun blast 10 the chest and another prisoner, "Gunner,” who came out with his hands in the air was shot by an M- 14 rifle aimed at his head but tore thru his elbow instead. | and numerous other MCU prisoners were hit by shrapnel from bullets that ricocheted off the bars into our cells. In 1977, MCU guards suddenly began demands to probe the anus of random MCU prisoners during their normal strip-search of us cach time we were faken out or returned 1o our cells. And of course, we refused to submit willingly to such a degrading and asinine demand. All who resisted were jumped by the guards, beaten, westled to the floor and anus probed, then charsd with assault on the guards which carried an additional 7-year sentence upon conviction. To avoid further anus probes, for the next seven months we refused all family visits, attomey visits, doctor, dental visits or anything clse that required us to leave our cells. Prison officials then insti- tuted a policy of "random” mandatory cell- changes so that they could continue fo sub- ject selected prisoners to "random” beal- ings, abuse and forced anal probes under the guise of changing our cells. The situa- tion became so volatile and our families, attorneys and friends were so alarmed that a federal judge stepped in, forbade the prison to continue anal-probes, declared that a metal detector was just as effective as a search tool and that it be used instead of the anal probe and then summarily dis- missed all assault charges that had been fled against us MCU prisoners. In 1983, at USP Marion, 11, a foderal penitentiary, guards locked down the prison and went on a six-month rampage, roaming the prison and beating prisoners at will and randomly subjecting some to forced anal probes. During that period i was sent to “the hole” whose floor and walls were cov- ered with feces thrown by prisoners who had been beaten and anal probed. 1t was mid-summer, the heat was intense, the smell incredible, the windows were closed and i was confined sixty-days there without fresh air or relif. Later in the summer of '83 i was taken by bus in chains to_ testify ai Sekou Odinga's trial in New York where he and other comrades were charged with robbery of a Brinks armored truck and with liberat- ing Assata Shakur from prison. Afier i dressed-out for the bus ride, the auard put a black-box over my handeuffs which is sup- posedly for high security prisoners. Any prisoner who's ever worn it will tell you that after half-hour the box gnaws into your wrists and sets them on fire with pain. i had to endure the three-day bus ride with the black-box gnawing into my wrists all day. plus no smoking was permitted on the bus nor at any of its stopovers along the way, which in itself was also torture to me with a then thirty-year cigarette habit. At MCC-NY, the City’s federal jail, they put me in isolation wearing only a Tshirt, pants and shower shos, then tured the air- condition to near-freezing level so that | had no choice but to do push-ups day and night to keep warm. Afier three days of freezing and going without cigarettes, i tes- tified in Sekou's defense and was immedi- ately put back on the bus, cuffed in the black-box, for another agonizing three-day trip back to Marion, 1L In 1985, at USP Leavenworth, KS., as happened on several occasions during my sojourn in prison, i was caught-up as a innocent bystander during a major prison disturbance. In such situations bystanders and participans alike sufer the same abuse by the intervening guards. This time it hap- pened in the yard when a gang-war broke out between the Texas- Syndicate and the EMES: two Mexican sireet aganizations. In the ensuing melee, Rene, leader of the Syndicate, was stabbed to death and both groups sustained numerous stab wounds. Tower gunfire stopped the camage as ‘guards moved in to teargas and handcufl overyone, including me and other bystanders, facedown on the blistering summerasphalt, then lifted us by the cuffs and threw us in the dilapidated and con- demned "Building-63" without food o water until the whole thing was sorted out days later. “And last, in 2001, September 11th, at USP Allenwood, PA. i was rounded up, held *incommunicadd* and tortured four months with interrogations about the WTC and the spread of anthrax before being released back into prison population due to the efforts of Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney, my atiormeys and many other concerned peoples. Sundiata Acoli USP Allenwood White Deer, PA April 21, 2005 When the Prison Nation Goes Int’1 by Mumia Abu-Jamal Thanks for your kind invitation to join the 'Attica to Abu Ghraib' Conferences *Ona Move!* ‘When we think about the atrocities of Attica, and the sbominations at Abu Ghraib, we are sometimes caught search- ing for a common denominator. What could it be, we wonder, as we loo at the brutal state assault on both prisoners and staffat Attica, and the human rights viola- tions, and yes - torture - that marked American behavior at Abu Ghraib prison in Irag? “The commonaliies, however, are more than first meets the eye’ OF course, they are both prisons (but thaf's obvious). They both came to public consciousness through the actions of people who were prison guards. ‘And they both were, initally, defended by the State by a flood of lies. What matters really least, is that they occurred in different countrics. They both happened in the same empire. ‘What marked the differences between them is the eritical clement of fime, and even this quality does not speak well of things to come. For, as time is the differ- ence, yet it tells us how far things have fall- en; how the 30 years between Attica and Abu Ghraib have marked a coarsening of American character, and a bratishness of imperial defenders ‘Atica opened up an era of prison reform across much of the nation, and fucled the movement to atiempt to eradi- cate the most depraved clements of the nation's repressive prison systems. ‘Abu Ghraib was met by quasiofficial justifications, government abfuscation, and the incredible spectacle of right-wing pun- dits likening the torture and human rights abuses there to 'college pranks. The humil. iation of naked Arab men was compared to the field displays of cheerleading squads! There is, of course, another monstrous difference: the architects of Abu Ghraib, and high-level defenders of torture, have been rewarded by higher, and more presti- gious posts in government! T a nusshell, torture pays! We have not_spoken of the pivotal American issue of race. Bashir Hameed On May 4th, Bashir Hameed under- went open-heart surgery after having being admitted to Albany Medical Center 5 days carlier. Bashir received a triple bypass because of 3 clogged arteries dis- covered by the doctors. Bashir Hammed is one of the “Queens Two™ Political Prisoners, past members of the Black Panther Party convicted of the murder of two police officers in Queens, NY in 1981. it took a full three trials to convict them, because juries wouldn't agree to find them guilty of murder in the first two trials. In the third trial, prosccution managed to exclude most of the Black jurors in order to win the case. Bashir's health has been an issue since carly January when he began suffering from chest pains. After complaining of health problems, he was reassigned from yard crew to the gymnasium. Since then. he began to receive constant harassment and badgering by guards for not reporting o the yard despite his reassignment. Bashir was then put on keeplock sta- tws, confined to cell for 23 hours, for allegedly disobeying a direct order to report (o the yard, and was also served with a misbehavior report. Despite sever- al attempts to address the issue with the superintendent, the harassment still con- tinued, Without prisoners actively advocating Black liberation, there would have been no Atiica The tortured, maimed, and humiliated prisoners at Abu Ghraib were targeted by the U.S. Army because they were seeking to intimidate and eliminate people who were trying to fight to free their country from forelgn occupiers. In other words, they were fighting for their own national libération. In an empire which picks pup- pets for other nations, this is not accept- able. It wasn't acceptable under the Roman Empire, the British Empire, nor its North American successor empire, the American Empire. To ihis latest global incarnation of the White Nation, Arabs are but sand niggers, to be beaten into submission and obedi- ence. It is the refusal to accept this status that is fueling what the U.S. media calls ‘the insugency. There is another element that arises from the evidence: American cruelty. Big Black, the late veteran of Attica, told sto- ries of the torture and beatings that he endured, as he was naked, and held under unpoint. It is an cerie precursor of the treatment of Arab prisoners at Abu Ghraib. Nor s it mere coincidence that some of the most brutal, most vicious actors at Abu Ghraib were US. Reserves, who, in their civilian lives, were prison guards. How else could they learn it? One of the most infamous was from SCl-Greene, i Southwestern Pennsylvania, named Charles Graner. Recenly his ex-wife came forward to tell of the terrors to which she was exposed daily: She said Graner promised to cut her into litle pieces. and that no one would ever find her body. Welcome to LS. ‘corrections' as the Prison Nation goes Gilobal, Receives Open-Heart Surgery Bashir's health complications still continued and since carly January Bashir had to go 1o the Albany Medical Center on two occasions for stress tests. He was advised by the facility doctor not to lift over 10 Ibs. On April 29, the York family (Bashir’s relative) received a call from Sullivan Correctional Facility where fellow inmates informed them he had been taken to the hospital. Bashir was admitted duc to cardiae problems. When the family called to inguire, they were told that he was at the prison and could reccive visits the next day. When Ms. York and her daughter arrived at the prison on Saturday the prison officials would not relcase any information and the family was not allowed to sce Bashir. After staying at_the prison all day atiempting to get information, the family was told that Bashir was being taken to the hospital, but the prison officials would not say which one. Thankfully, a local person told the family of two local hospitals where they might take Bashir After contacting the hospital, the family was informed that Bashir was there, but no further information was given until another of Bashir's relatives, who works in the medical field, was able to talk to the guard posted outside of Bashir's room. The guard informed her that Bashir was conscious and aware of the conversa- tion he was having. It was only then that they found out he was there for chest pains. On Sunday the family again drove up 1o Albany Medical Center where they were allowed to visit for 15 minutes. The family was informed that Bashir would be having open-heart surgery. The procedure took about seven hours. Bashir returned to Sullivan on May 9th after being released from Albany Medical Facility. It is reported that he was doing well. Despite carlier incidents, Bashir's family was able to get his medical records. Please Send your regards to Bashir at the followingAddress: Bashir Hameed (#824631 Sullivan Correctional Faci PO Box 116 Fallsburg, New York 12722:0116 Assata the Target of the Bush Adminstration by Verbal Walker JoAnne Chesimard, widely known as Assata Shakur, has a 1 million bounty on her head for hér capture issued by the gov- ernment. This comes 30 years afier she escaped 2 maximum-security jail and found political sanctuary in Cuba. For those not familiar with Tupac's godmoth- er's past, Shakur was a member of the Black Panther Party and was involved in a highly controversial shootout in New Jersey that left two dead and two incarcer- ated, The announcement ironically comes on the 32nd anniversary of the incident. Artsts such as Paris, Chuck D and Common have made songs supporting Shakur and her noble cause. The fateful incident involved supposed routine pullover of Assata, Zayd Shakur and Sundiata Acoli’s vehiclé for a broken taillight. Temperatures escalated and various versions of the story have been told but in the end Zayd Shakur and Trooper Wemer Foerster were left dead while Officer Harper and Assata were injured. Authorifies sate that Shakur mur- dered Foerster executioner style even though she herself was severely wounded being shot twice. She ended up convicted and spent 6 years in the maximum-security wing of the Clinton Correctional Facility for Women in New Jersey. She escaped in 1979 and found asylum in Cuba. Many believe that she was set up for her involvement in the Black Panther Party and became one of many political prisoners The 57 year old still maintains her inno- "She is now 120 pounds of money,” State Police Superintendent Rick Fuenies said to the NJ Str-Ledger. "[This new ini- tiative] s going to exert pressures that weren't in place nationally and internation- ally before. And we're going to follow up to make sure everybody is aware of this both inside and outside of Cuba." Hands Off Assata Campaign What Is The Hands Off Assata Campaign? The Hands OIF Assata Campign is @ Vials Who. are outraged by the heiht- ined snempis by the- Congress of the Urited Satcsand he St of Now Jersey Lo lgally Torce reum of Assata Shakur rom b 0 the United Ses We are shocked by the action of New Whihan, who has issied & $1000.000 Dounty ward on head of Assaa Shakur 2 "o o fortne® fo Kicnap and kil tion of Cuba: W are shoeked by the Siviies of the United Staies House of Represenatives, which in Sepember 19958 xradiion sy hetween Cabaand the Urited St soch a requet is outide the e call “on-the Congress of the United Sttes to hald publc heaings on the past Inilligence Progtam known as COINTEL- FRO. And fnaly we e calling on the United Sttes end it hosily towards the Gows i the Ifand and ending the US Assata Shakur: Radical, Woman, Exile, Mother ASSATA SHAKUR is an_ Afican- activist, 2 poet, a_mother and a grand- mother. She has lived in Cuba since the early 1980s. During the heady days of the 19605 and 19705, she found herself a vic- tim of both racial profiling and political targeting. Afler being spotted on the New Jersey turnpike on May 2, 1973, because she is black, it was discovered that she and her tsvo companions were known members of the Black Panther Party and the Black Liberation Army. Like Martin Luther King, Jr.Malcolm X, Leonard Pelier and many members of the Civil Rights and American Indian Movements, Assata and her com- panions had been watched., their phones tapped, their families monitored, their orgnizations infiltated, and widespread disinformation campaigns waged against them. They were, like many activists of their day, targets of the FBI's Counter Intelligence Program (COINTELPRO). In fact, Assata was wanted, not for anything she had actually done, but for a variety of crimes that government and state oficials were trying 10 pin on her. THUS, ON THAT DAY IN MAY, Assata was a marked woman. And aftef police stopped them, a shoot out occurred. When the smoke cleared, one police officer and one of Assata's com- panions, Zayd Shakus, lay dead. Assata, shot in the back and dragged from the car, lay wounded. Only belatedly taken to the hospital, Assata was then chained o her bed, tortured and questioned while injured. In fact, she never received ade- quate medical atiention even though she had a broken clavicle and a paralyzed arm. Nonetheless, she was quickly jailed, pros- ccuted and incarcerated over the next few years for the series of trumped up cases. She was sentenced to life + 33 years in prison. In 1979, and after nearly six years behind bars, she escaped from Clinton Correctional Facility for Women in New Jersey and some time later emerged in Cuba where she applied for and received political asylum. DURING THE 1990, rightist_politi- cians and police bodics - ihis time in con- junction with conservative members of the Cuban-American community - reinvig- orated their attempls o pursue Assata Shakur. Linking "fear of crime” thetoric with anti-Cuban sentiment, New Jersey ‘governor Christine Todd-Whitman issucd 2 bounty which is now up to $1,000,000, on the head of Assata Shakur. She even went as far as to announce her bounty on Radio Mart, the US government radio station which beams anti-Castro propagan- da into the Caribbean. To do such a thing put Assata in danger because it is fanta- mount to encouraging any opportunists o Kidnap and/or kil her for pay. In addition, in 1998, Congressmen Franks and Menendes from New Jersey and Ros- Lehtinen and Diaz-Balart of Florida intro- duced and got passed House Resolution 254 which calls for the Cuban government 1o extradite Assata Shakur as a condition to normalizing US-Cuba _relations. Interestingly, while Assata and Cuba are portrayed as “criminal”, a terorist bomb- ing campaign - thought to be sponsored by ultracrightist forces in the United States - has been launched against Cuba, killing and injuring Cuban citizens and foreign tourists alike, For moreinformation, conta HOA Campaign/Global Exchange P.0. Box 438731, Chicago, IL 60643 or hoa@afrocubaweb.com INTERNATIONAL NEWS Turkish Political Prisoners Fight On! A spokesperson for the Derry Commitiee_of Solidarity with Hunger Strikers in Turkey has relcased a statement condemning further attacks on-political prisoners currently being held in Turkey's infamous prison regimes, equating them with similar failed Thatcherite tactics used against Irish political prisoners of war in the carly cighies. “Our committée was established several years ago to highlight the struggle of the Turkish political prisoners in Derry at a time when republican socialists and repub- licans celebrated the 20th anniversary of the 1981 prison struggles. It was also a time when similar commitices set up throughout Ireland in an effort 1o highlight the seriousness of ongoing political devel- opments in Turkey. "It is almost five years now since Turkish political prisoners took up the fight against a campaign waged by the state to isolate them and destroy their ability to continue political organization and educa- tion when they are incarcerated. The strug- ele itself has now claimed the lives of 145 political prisoners, with many others seri- ously injured by physical brutality or irre- Versibly damaged by hunger strikes. “The Turkish regime is now attempting 10 pass new laws that would compel politi- cal prisoners to wear a special uniform. Not 100 long ago both INLA and IRA POWs fought a similar battle with the British stae. “That was a fight which claimed the lives of ten Irish political prisoners of war on hunger strikes, with many others murdered and injured on our sireets protesting in sol- idarity with them. The same familiar Thatcherite tactics of criminalization failed then as it will now in Turkey. Surely seri- ous historical lessons such 35 this must be leamed? "Turkish political prisoners quite rightly sce this a5 an attempt to further humiliate and criminalize them further. We are aware that their ‘death fast’ is not over and that they will resist all attempts which that regime creates to isolate them. It is our duty and the duty of every Irish republican and socialistto show their support and sol- idarity with them at this time as we remem. ber the struggle and sacrifice of our dead. Their struggle is our struggle!” (Derry Solidarity with Hunger Strikers in Turkey PO Box 1981, Derry, BT48 8GX Iréland New Group Formed to Defend Freeman A new group called the Friends and Family of Gary Freeman has emerged to rally support for former Black Panther, Gary Freeman (aka Joseph Pannell). The group has organized sev- eral vigils on the steps of the US Consulate and the courthouse where Freeman has a hearing on May 25th- 26th. The organization formed in February in order to bring Gary Freeman's situation to the attention of the public. Freeman was arrested last July 29 in an armed takedown outside the Toronto Reference Library, 35 years after an incident in Chicago involving a white police officer. That year, 1969, ten- sions in the African-American commu. nity reached such a high point of fear given the frequent police shootings of black youth (at least 11 young men were killed and many others seriously wounded) that a Committee to End the Murder of Black People was formed. Indicted in 1969 by an all-white jury, Freeman spent two years in pre- wial custody. After finally being released on bail, he decided to come to Canada, fearing, with much justifica- tion, that he would not face a fair trial in a Chicago courtroom. Married to a Canadian, together they have raised a son and three daughters to be respected young adults. A mentor and friend to the young and old, Gary has always promoied social justice and viewed every human being as worthy of respect. After 35 years, with mishandled evi- dence and missing witnesses, an other- wise clear case of seif-defense becomes a question of his word against that of a police officer. Since August 2004, denied bail, he waits in prison for extradition to the USA. "Gary has spent three years in cus- tody. which under Canadian sentencing law, is the equivalent of nine years behind bars," says Natercia Coelho, who has been married to Freeman since 1982, “If Gary is sent to Chicago, we will lose not only our wonderful father and husband, but also a valuable mem- ber of the community who serves as a mentor to lots of young people. Even while he's been in jail he hasn't wasted his time: he's been an inspiration to a ot of younger guys to try and turn their lives around. We want him home with Despite a willingness to submit to strict - conditions including house arrest, electronic monitoring and recognizance with substantial suretics, ) pending his extradition hearing, he has been denied bail. On April 28th, Gary Freeman was moved from the Central North Correctional _ Centre in Penctanguishene to the Toronto (Don) Jail We will keep peaple informed as the case progresses. For more information on the campaign, please contact the Friends and Family of Gary Freeman Friends and Family of Gary Freeman H-110 Frederick Street Toronto, ON MSA 4A9 www. fréemandrum. org | cierer worsrcronss [ Jacksonville Report - Jax ABCF Over the summer, | went to Puerto Rico /and helped a former Puerto Rican POW put together one of her bi-annual fundraisers for the remaining Puerto Rican Political Prisoners and Prisoners of War. The event went off well and raised in excess of what Jwas hoped for. | was happy to be there and lhelp in whatever way possible. I wil return to Puerto Rico in another couple months to lhelp out with another fund and awareness- raising event for Political Prisoners and Prisoners of War. One of the guys who works with Jax |ABCF has been doing a lot of traveling to Warchest Café We started to do 2 monthly forum on PP/POW's at the local Anarchist commu- nity space called the A-Space. With the help of A-Space Collective member Clarissa (who is an_excellent flier designer) and Theresa Shoatz, we used the first forum to highlight the recent medical situation on BLA POW Russell Maroon Shoats. Maroon's _daughter, ‘Theresa, gave an overview of Maroon’s recent diagnosis of prostate cancer and how people can help. “This month's forum will highlight the history and current sitwation of BLA POW Joseph “Joe-Joe™ Bowen. Featured speaker will be Khalid Abdur’ Rasheed from the New Afikan Liberation Front. Al forums give audience members o brief overview of what the ABCF is about and how the Warchest supports. PP's/POW's. We also have plenty of li- erature and pamphlets on hand for peo- ple to pick up. It our hope to make the Warchest Café an on going event here in West Philly and to give people the info needed to support PP's/POW's. Russell Maroon Shoats Maroon was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer, as mentioned above. Maroon told us that a few years ago he was given a PSA test and scored 2 “4" which he was told at that time it wasn't anything to worry about; at that time he didn't have enough information to understand what the results meant Trusting the medical staff, he assumed everything was ok. Last month, after another test, his score was significantly higher-— with all probability that he did indeed have prostate cancer. The med- ical staf at SCI Greene told him that they would have to present him with @ treatment plan in the near future paticipate in the various demonstrations occurring up and down the cast coast. Ho's primarily assisting with street medic serv- ices, along the way making what contact he is able to, telling people about ABCF, the work we fry to accomplish, and informing others about our self-defense acivism. In hopes of expanding the self-defense activism we have been involved with, he has also been developing hand-to-hand curriculum. We have not yet had the oppor- tunity to share this class with others, but we. hope to see that change some time in the near future. Philadelphia Report -Philly ABCF Maroon's family immediately put out a petition that calls for the prison to pro- Vide proper medical treatment and to call for his transfer to a prison closer to his family in Philadelphia (not only to make visiting casier—right now it's a 12 hour round trip to SCI Greene— but also to keep a closer eye on his treat- ment). Maraon's family has been relentless in the collecting of petitions on the streets of West Philly, and supporters have assisted in creating an online peti- tion and sending out information around the country and the world about Maroon’s condition. In a recent letter from Maroon, he tells us that the doctor at SCI Greene has been spending more time with him and Maroon credits the pressure generated from the petitions. If people want a petition to circulate in_their community please contact Philly ABCF at our P.O. Box or email us af PHILLYABCF@WEBTV.NET to get the online link for the petition. We heed to make sure our comrade recéives the best care possible. Joseph “Joe-Joe” Bowen with BLA POW Joe-Joe Bowen. As peo- tary Since the carly $0°s after a failed Dot few years constructing the writ he's about to complete the legal writ filing it recently the courts raised the costs from $150 to $250. ABCF mem- months. If you would like to donate About a year ago, I wied to consolidate other self-defense activists | had come in contact with across the country in a very informal network. 1 have not spent the time. I needed to really make anything happen, but it is something I would like to continug. to work on, We've also continued to host self defense classes no less than twice per year on average. With the first coming up short- Iy, and another in the making, 2005 appears t0'be no different than the last 7 years. So long as there are people interested in our classes, we will continue 10 offer them. funds, please send them to the Philly ABCF P.0. Box. Please make checks or money orders payable to “Tim Fasnacht.” As mentioned above, Tim was able o visit Joe-Joe last month. Joe-Joe is a top of the line soldier who younger prisoners refer to as the “old Man." Many politicized social prisoners have written to us and mention Joe-Joe with high praise and respect for his teach- ing skills, and positive example he has set in the struggle. It's heartening to see mare people, as they learn about Joe-Joe—who has been all but forgot- ten in the words of Maroon—lend their support to him in his struggle to get out of the hole. Philly ABCF has a packet of info on Joe-Joe: write us to get a copy. Ojore Lutalo act and visks with Gjore: We sil callea “1n My Own Words™ for Sile cxcellent interview with Gjore. and Warchest Philly ABCF recently took over the administration of the Warchest ‘After a near collapse of it's function- ing, the Warehest is back up and run- ning again although at a lower level of support. All signs are positive for iis continuation and growth to previ- ous levels in the coming years. Much thanks must be given (o Los Angeles ABCE who have raised $1700 in a mere 3 months. Montreal Report -sourea scr Salut camarades, Maybe it has something to do with the snow melting, but lately we feel a lot of energy in the movement to free political prisoners! Sara had a swell visit with LA-ABCF in March and also spoke at the annual Popular Culture Association confer- ence about our work, making new connections with prisoner support activists from all over the world. ‘We just released Issue 4 of dstrugglemag, our zine of pri oner writings edited by Ohio 7 PP Jaan Laaman. Our spring edi- tion features articles on May 19, the Palestinian struggle, anti- war organizing, and lots more. Contributors include Bill Dunne, Mumia Abu-Jamal, Ali Khalid Abdullah and Jeff “Free” Luers. As always Karen did a great job on the layout. Copies are FREE for prisoners, so let us know of anyone who would like to be added to our mailing list. You can check out the online version at www.4strugglemag.ors and join the dialogue on our new discussion board. Ask us about getting copies to sell as fundraisers! We continue to raise awareness of the struggles of local immigrant and refugee communities: security certificate detainee Adil Charkaoui, Algerian refugee Mohamed Cher, Palestinian refugee Osania Saleh and over a hundred stateless Palestinians fighting deportation from Canada. To learn more about how you can help, go to www.montrealabef.org. In April we helped organize the Montreal event of the Sumoud tour of Palestinian ex-political prisoners and support- ers. In addition to the speakers, we were lucky enough to have recorded solidarity statements from North American PPs Jaan Laaman, David Gilbert and Marilyn Buck. Our guests were very moved by these statements, and we are working on getting them translated into Arabic, so that they can be played on a radio station that reaches Palestinian PPs! Thanks to our newest member, Michelle, for her hard work in the editing booth. Los Angeles Report - Los Angeles ABCF New Members We want to welcome two new members into the Federation: Sam and Marisa, Sam works with the LA Free Clinic and has brought her passion for health aware- days with the LA crew, including meeting up with some of us in San Diego. April not only brought the blue skies back into this region, but Mathias from NJ- ABCF as well. Two of us were able to was ‘The sixth annual Montreal Anarchist Bookfair is coming up on May 20-22, and this year we're excited to be presenting a ‘major warkshop together with members of Philly ABCF and Chicago ABC. We'll also be tabling with David Gilbert's excel- lent new book, No Surrender, and the 2005 Freedom for Political Prisoners and Prisoners of War Calendar. For more info about Festival of Anarchy and bookfair events, visit anar- chistbookfair.takiic.org. In the coming months, we will be contributing to Prison Radio programming on CKUT (www.ckut.ca), and we hope to have a major benefit show in July. Stay in touch! Yours in solidarity, Montreal ABCF Acts 1 and 2. Attica 2 Abu Ghraib was an "Organizing Conference on Human j2hts, Torture, and Resistance.” Our day flled with panels, video presenta- ness into the collective. With health being a major part of the struggle for the freedom and dignity of our brothers and sisters inside, we hope Sam can add this important element to the ABCF. Marisa is not a stranger to_ the ABC movement, since she has come right out of Melboume (Australia) ABC and into the LA chapter. Marisa brings with her the knowledge of radio and recording as well as a background of support for the indige- nous struggle in Australia, We hope these folks will have no problem calling the Federation horme. Visits During the last few months. we have received visits from several ABCF groups. Earlier this year, Jon from Winnipeg came into LA, but due to time restraints, only one member of the LA chapter was sble to meet up with him. In March, however, Sara from Montreal was able to spend & few spend a couple of days with Mathias. allowing him to experience the beautiful deserts and beaches of Southern California. With all vsits came the discussion of the present state of the Federation and its future. All of us have accepted the fact that the ABCF has experienced a major lull, but there is an excitement in the air abou! the present rebuilding of the organization and the Warchest April Events April was a busy month for LA-ABCF We Tave boen warking closely with the LA JERICHO Conlition, of which we ire Gelegaion'ot LAABCF and JERICHO folks o the Aviea fo. Aba Ghraib Conference 1 Berkley, CA, attended 4 Seminational mestng for JERICHO, pro- ing ‘COINTELPRO to "USA PATRIOT tions, working group sessions, speakers and performance. The themes were “Criminlization of Resistance’ - 4 focus on PP'S/POW's and an Anti-Torture Campaign, “Repression of Dissent’ - a PATRIOT Act Repeal Campaign, and *US. Sponsored _Terrorism' Anti- as (NJ) and Lane (L-A.) Militarism Campaign. The following day, we met at the Freedom Atchives office in San Francisco for a JERICHO meeting. This was com- prised of folks from Los Angeles, the Bay Area, South Carolina and Eugene, Oregon We discussed our work within JERICHO, ideas for better communication between chapters, organizing for an International Day of Solidarity for PPs & POW's, and the future of JERICHO. That same week, we co-sponsored an Estacion Libre speaking tour entitled "From Panthers to Zapatismo” along with Critical Resistance LA and Youth Justice Coalition. Estacion Libre is a grassroots network that works to strengthen ties between people of color i the S, and the Zapatista communities of _Chiapas, Mexico. The speakers were ex-PP and BLA member Ashanti Alston and the co-Tounder of Estacion Libre, Karl Jagbandhansingh. This event was held at the Southern California Library for Social Studies and Research in South Central, LA, In the end of April Jericho/ LA-ABCF organized a_ panel discussion entitled INTELPRO to the USA Patriot Act” We held this forum at the Quaker/Friends Meeting House, also in South Central, LA. We wanted to focus on the strugele to free PP'S/POW's and conneet that to our current. day cfforts against repression, white Supremacy, counterinsurgency, var and injustice. We started the event with excerpts from the film All Power (o the People. Afler the film, Michael Novick (LA-JERICHO/Anti-Racist_Action/People Against Racist Terror) spoke about COIN- TELPRO and is affect on various struggles from the 60s onward. Sherman Austin (author of Raisethefist.com and former PP) spoke in length about his case. Our last speaker, Marisa of LA-ABCF spoke about PATRIOT Acts 1 & 2. We finished the evening with a question & answer discus- In May, Marisa attended the “Set the Captives Free” conference, where she spoke on a panel with Alicia Rodriguez, Lynne Stewart, Rafael Cancel Miranda on the issue of Homeland Security. The con- ference was scheduled to run over one day. Saturday, May, 21 2005. It celebrated African’ Liberation Day and included a diverse community:Afican-American community activists, former political pris- oners and Native American culture, While in Boston, Marisa visited anti- imperialist political prisoner Jaan Laaman. The visits were non-contact meetings, with Jaan locked into a little room, and Marisa on the other side of the glass in the general prison. When she was processed, she had to take off my shoes and open her mouth in case there were drugs and knife blades in there. As a female she had to cover all her body including her arms. LA-ABCF will be organizing more events and workshops with LA JERICHO Caalition around COINTELPRO, PATRI- OT Act, and PPSPOW’s. We are also entering the planning stages for the December 3rd International Day of Solidarity for PP's & POW's Matt, Lane (LA) & Mathias (NJ) FREQUENTLY USED Acronyms/ Terms ABCF: Anarchist Black Cross Federation - anti-authoriarian _ fed- Cration of ABC groups who support and defend PPPOW's. AB ranch Group - ABCF group with more responsibilities than a SG. upport Group - ABCF group with less responsibilities than a BG. AIM: American 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, Collectivst, Individualists, and Mutualists. BLA: Black Liberation Army - revolutionary Black clandestine formation formed to defend the Black community and the BPP, inactive since the '80. BPP: Black Panther Party - above ground Black revolutionary ‘uroup seeking Black political power, disbanded in the mid-"70s EALN; english translation: 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 eachings of John Africa. Their belief s in “life. BC: Prisoner's Commiltee - rotating body of 5 PPPOW's on the ABCF's FC. PRIPOW's: Political Prisoners andor Prisoners of War. (See page 1) efense: The legal act of protecting one’s lfe or the life of ‘another with the idea/purpose of self determination and independ- ence. Armed self-defense is rlative to the ABCF, specifically in the U.S.. in that as the organization grows, so too 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.) Self Determination: The right by virtue of which all people’s are eniitld 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 to any obligations arising out of interational 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. WUQ; Weather Underground Organization - first the Weathermen, later known as the WUO, evolved out of the SDS as mation of primarily white anti-imperialist rev- an underground fo olutionaries from the student movement, (The Anarchist Black Cross Federation (ABCF) produces the Revolutionary Political Dictionary with these and other expanded definitions of political terms. Available from Jacksonville ABC for S1 and o 37 cents stamps.) Join the Jericho M .' tion book o the AIDS ep; organizations Wishing (o cos are asked to im: Supported by politi is collecting donations to purchase school supplies (pen, pen that will be inseribed “Compliments of Political Prisoners in the united states of america.” The supplies will be shiy sub-Subharan Afrika for distribution to school children who lost their parents lovement’s Campaign for Aids Orphans in Afrika $9 s the country, the Jericho Movement & composi- edwmlmedmmnlhe’ idemic that is sweeping across the continent, Individuals and ponsor, endorse or contribute fo this campaign mediately contact Jericho Movement « P.O. Box 3410084 + Jamaica, New York + 11434-3401 « (718) 949-3937 The Subsistence Program The Anarchist Subsistence Program, " in contrast 1o the Warchest program that provides nonpartisan support for revolution- ary Political Prisoners and Prisoners of War, seeks 10 provide material aid to those PP/POW's who come from our own anar- ehist/ani-authoritarian community. Presently, we are aware of less than ten “Class War’ PPPOW's in North America who identify them- selves as part of the anarchist or 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 first subsistence support campaig. The two functions of this support campaign include a monthly check and forty .37 cent postage stamps. per month. Supporters of the Anarchist Subsistence Program 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 wms sending the stamps. directly to Philadelphia ABC Listed here are the monihly check documentation and rotation of groups sending stamps. If you want to support this important pro- eram and help us expand the num- ber of Anarchist Subsistence Program campaigns we run, contact Philadelphia ABC. Make checks o money 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 Gie; send March funds in the 3rd week of February) Stamp Rotation Schedule June Jacksonville July Cleveland August Los Angeles Tim Fasnacht for forty 37 cent stamps in the last week of the responsible for. Send a check or money order to Philadelphia ABCF made out to imonth before the month you are 57 [ o6 [99 [00 ] o1 s Da T 20760 | 6060 [ 60 NE N[0 [120 [ 120] 65 [ 25 Lanc [ 40 145 | 145200 115 Bing/CO | 10] 1101105 | 75 | 70 Kent 55 [205 205 [ 225 [Winn {40 g5 110 [130 [ 144 | 700 [ T70]70 LA 50 o6 [ 66 | [85]i0]10[i0 [Clove T20]208] 60 |25 Fousion w5 Brick, NJ| 35 Moncion| 5| 601 25 | 5 [Aaron 5 losh §. ot E3ES 0] Kete Fo 5 lother {5 [Total {160 665643 | 920 | 836|461 (488 [365 40| 453535 | 35 ‘All Inguires Philadelphia ABCF P.0 Box 42129 Philadelphia, PA 19101 4 /Health Reports « Richard Williams has become severely il due to Hepatitis C. Though he has atiempted to con- trol it via diet, he has still had complications. We ask people to send Richard get well cards. Richard Williams 10377-016 P.O. Box 999 Old Oxford Hwy 75 Butner, NC 27509-1000 + Russell Maroon Shoats has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. There are concerns about the poor medical treatment he can expect from the prison med- ical staff. A petition has been released asking the Pennsylvania Gov. and DOC to allow an outside doctor to examine him. We ask people to please sign on to the petition, which can be found on: hitp://www.petitiononline.com/sho atzipetition.html. We also ask peope to send letters to Shoats to lit his spirits. Russell Shoats AF-3855 175 Progress Dr. Waynesburg, Pa 15370 - Bill Dunne was sent to the SHU (Security Housing Unit) for sever- al weeks after complaining about an abscess in his tooth. Although he has been released from the SHU, has yet to receive treatment for his tooth. No action has yet to be requested on Bill Dunne’s behalf. Bill can be reached at: Bill Dunne 10916-086 Box 019001 -, Atwater, CA 95301 Health: Mind, Body, and Soul Hello! My name is Sam Sunshine, and I am a health educator, outreach worker and an HIV counselor at the Los Angeles Free Clinic. Our clinic has been pro- viding free medical, dental, legal and mental health services in Los Angeles since 1967 Recently, LA-ABCF has been working with campaigns to support medical atten- tion to political prisoners. Prisons often lack any medical services—or focus on treatment rather than prevention. | want UPDATE to be a place of dialogue about this, providing people in prisons needed health information in order to take care of themselves and support people around them. But I also want it 1o be a resource for those of us outside to learn about these battles that are going on, and to begin providing comprehensive advocacy and support for emotional, mental and phys- ical wellness of prisoners. If there are particular questions or topics that need to be discussed, please write tous. Twill answer any questions that we receive, and some Q&A's will be post- ed on the newsletter unless otherwise requested. 1 look forward to this new addi- tion o the UPDATE, In the mean time, this issue will focus on foods and lifestyle changes that we all can make to promote a strong immune system: Garlic Zine (beef, turkey, beans) Bioflavenoids (fruits and vegetables) Selenium (chicken, whole grains, tuna, garlic, egg yolks, sunflower secds) Omega-3 fatty acids (nuts, tuna) Washing your hands thoroughly and often with soap, particularly before eating and afier using the bathroom Only cat meat that has been cooked thoroughly Get at least eight hours of sleep every day Maintain a healthy weight Exercise 30 minutes most days of the week Eat less sugar—one can of soda can reduce the ability of white blood cells to Kill germs by 40% for up to 5 hours Not smoking —smoking weakens the immune system The following table lists various classes of antioxidants and other phytochemi- cals, some of their rich food sources, and how they are believed o work to pre- vent and fight cancer: Food Source Possibe Actionts) Lycopene Noooerpencs™| Parde: camo, ool cblng,cocumbers. | A6 proscivs sy vy 8 O L 2 < > oY “The ABCF has iniiated a program designed to send montbly checks into those PPPOW’s who have been veceiving insufficient, litle, or no financial support during their imprisonment. PPIPOW’s requesting funds complete an application of financial questions. When the ABCF has collected sufficient funds o send out ‘another monthiy check, the application are reviewed by a roating body of PPPOW's called the Prisoner ‘Committe, who make a judgement on which applicant is in the most financial nced. There is also an cmer- gency fund designed to immediately send checks to those PPPOW's in need of one time or emergency assis- tance. Founded in 1994, the Warchest has provided consistent and reliable financial aid, serving a much neg- lected comradley function. As Sekou Odinga (a POW curently receiving a monthly check) wites, “Thanks much for the support you've been organizing, I rea . After not having any o very little support for so long, it now seems like (people) have all of a sudden realized that 1 am live.” Endorse this program by giving any monthiy or one time donation to increase the number of prisoners being supporied monthly. A financial report is published that documents all money received and the prisoner it was sent o “The prisoners addresses are also printed so thatendorsers may write and hold us accountable. Name Street Address City/State/Zip: ONE TIME DONATION[ ] MONTHLY SUPPORTER [] Monthly supporters, please check one of the following: Tll commit to 6 months [ ] I'll commit to 1 year [ ] Amounts Send cash,checks or mos ade to TIM E HT to: Philly ABCI P.0 Box 42129 Philadelphia, PA 19101 iyabef@webtv.net (377)6 What is the Warchest? The ABCF has initiated a program designed to send monthly checks to those Political Prisoners and Prisoners of War who have been receiving cient, litle, or o financial support during their imprison- ment. PP/POW’s requesting funds complete an application of financial questions. When the ABCF has col- 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 is also an Emergency Fund designed to immediately send checks to those PP/POW'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 a monthly check) writes, "Thanks much for the support you've been organizing, I really apprlate it. After not having any or very litle support for s ong, it now seems ke [people] have all of a sudden realized that I am alive." Endorse this program by giving any monthly or one time dona- {ion to increase the number of prisoners being supported monthly. Below 1 the financial report which doc- uments all money received and the prisoners it was sent to, WARCHEST REPORT FOR 2005 Name: FUNDS IN MARCH APRIL MAY 'Address: LA ABCF 870 90 750 MTL ABCF 40 70 0 PHL ABCF 30 30 30 JAX ABCF 0 25 25 NJ ABCF 20 20 20 EZE/N) 360 0 © £ One time donation BONNIE/NJ 10 0 0 [J monthly supporter MIKE/NJ 20 0 0 JUP/CLEV 15 0 0 If you would like to be a JEAP 0 40 0 monthly supporter, please FUND/PHIL 0 0 9 check one of the following: TOTAL 1365 284 834 O Il commit to 6 months FUNDS OUT MARCH __ APRIL __ MAY | O T'll commit to 1 year SEKOU KAMBUI 30 30 30 Amount $ RUSSELL SHOATS 30 30 30 JOSEPH BOWEN 30 30 30 Send concealed cash, HANIFF SHABAZZ BEY 30 30 30 checks, or m.o.s. made out HERMAN BELL 30 30 30 toTim Fasnacht at: RICHARD WILLIAMS 30 30 30 PHILADELPHIA SEKOU ODINGA 30 30 30 ABCF-BG RUCHELL MAGEE 30 30 30 P.O Box 42129 Total 240 240 240 Philadelphia, PA 19101 TOTAL FUNDS IN: $2483 TOTAL FUNDS OUT: $720 or donate online at TOTAL FUNDS REMAINING: $1763 www.abef.net ) “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 you mean 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.”