ABCF

UPDATE

QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE ABCF

Fall 2005 "Any movement that does not support their political internees is a sham movement." - O. Lutalo Issue #43

OJORE LUTALO HARASSED

Also in this issue: Kikumura Faces Harassment
Ruchell Cinque Magee * Veronza Bowers Free?
¢ Alvaro’s Writ Denied « CUBAN 5: Case
Overturned * Leonard Transferred « Grand Jury
in CA » Health Reports » Wilkerson and Katrina
* Rob Los Ricos * Running Down the Walls 2006
* ABCF Warchest and Subsistence Reports | iiied by F8i

The origins of the Anarchist Black Cross
(ABC) date prior to the Russian Revolution
of 1905. It was an off-shoot of the Political

Red Cross, known inits carler stages as the
Anarchist Red Cross (ARC). It was formed
to organize aid for Anarchist and Social
Revolutionary Political_Prisoners and their
families. In the early 1920's, the ABC organ-
ized armed resistance against political raids
by the Cossack and Red armics.

In s early decades, the organization had
chapters throughout Europe and North
America. These chapters worked together to
provide assistance to prisoners only in
Russia. Soon other groups, such as the
Letish Anarchist Red Cross, emerged to pro-
vide aid in other areas beside Russia. Armed
with the ideas of mutual aid and solidariy

these groups worked trclessly to provide
support o those who have suffered because
of the politcal beliefs back home.

In 1919, the onganization’s name changed
to 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 working s Anarchist Black
Cross. The organization expanded its aid to
places like Greece, laly, and Spain.

In 1958, the organization collzpsed 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 still existed.

Tn the §0's, the ABC began 10 gain popu-
larity again in the US and Europe. Since then
the ABC's name has been keptalive by a
number of completely autonomous groups
scattered throughout the globe and has
‘arown to support a wide variety of prison

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
‘zroups have since merged in numerous net-
Works throughou the globe working on var-
fous prison issues. The Anarchist Black
Cross Federation (ABCF) has continued its
mission to focus on the aid and support of
Political Prisoners. We take the position that
PPPOW's demand our top priority. We
strive to continue with the same dedication
and solidarity to our fallen comrades as
those before us have shown.

The ABCF is:
PRISONER’S COMMITTEE

Introduction:
“Crucally important to maintaining the anarchist integrity of this organization

s the fact that Branch Groups and Support Groups are freely autonomous to OJORELUTALO | BILL DUNNE
take on whatever nitiatives they can to further the Unity of Purpose of the 59860/ Box 861 10916.080
ABCF. So long as these initiatives do not contradict any preexisting agree- Teenion, NJ0B625 Box 019001
ments (Tactical Unity) that have been made by the ABCF, it is not necessary SEKOU KAMBUI

113056/B0X 56 HANIF BEY

for all groups to approve of and/or agree with programs, projects or work of

SCC @12
other ABCF collectives.” [from the ABCF Constitution and Structure] Sen

ELMORE, AL 36025

295933 Box 759
Big Stone Gap, VA
20210

JAAN LAAMAN

Wiis14 [ Box 100

‘South Walpole, MA

02071

ABCF GROUPS

NJABC WINNIPEG ABC
PO Box 8532 3091 Abert St
Patorson, NJ 07508 Winnipeg. Maniioba,

moksonviLLe B 165, Canada
ABC

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

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

MONTREAL ABC
Prisoner of War (POW): Those combatants struggling against colonial and | | $080% 320382 PO. Box 42053
alien domination and racist regimes captured as prisoners are {o be accorded | | 322350392 SUCC, Manco
the status of prisoner of war and their reatment should be in accordance with Monleal GC
the provisions of the Geneva Conventions Relative to the Treatment of Ly A H2W 273 Canada
Prisoners of War of 12 August, 1949 (General Assembly resolution 3103) Phiadelonia, PA

9101

A Message from the ABCF

As many of our friends and allies will have noticed, the Anarchist Black Cross Federation has been a less visible presence
during the last few years than it once was. While our individual work in support of North American political prisoners and pris-
oners of war (PP/POWS) has continued, communication both internally and with other groups was neglected.

Now in our tenth year, we have committed o revitalizing our organization and to continuing our work together. In concrete
terms, that means that we are meeting regularly and releasing our newsletter, the Update. Our Warchest and Subsistence Fund
programs, which provide monthly material support to PP/POWs, are growing and will be reported on in detail in cach Update.

‘We believe in the future of the ABCE. We have been active longer than any other anarchist PP/POW support organization in
North America, and we will continue to'stand in solidarity with our political prisoners, and with each other. We deeply appre-
ciate the support and solidarity given to us by our PP/POWSs, and we are committed (o rebuilding the organization to the high
standard expected and deserved by them.

A serious prisoner justice movement is growing again. We aim to renew and to build new relationships with other PPPOW
supporters, and to strengthen our ties within our own communities. Our work is more important than ever, with increasing
repression being directed at activists. The ongoing Grand Jury trials in California, as well as the FBI's slanderous comments
about the ABCF carlier this year, both serve to remind us that our efforts will not go unchallenged by the state.

‘The ABCF currently has five collectives: Jacksonville, New Jersey, Los Angeles, Montreal, Philadelphia

(Statement writien by Sara (Monireal ABCF) and agreed upon by the rest of the ABC Federations)

www.abcf.net

NEWS FROM THE FRONT

Chubbuck Transferred

Byron, AKA Oso Blanco, AKA Robin’
The Hood, who robbed _banks 1o support
the Zapatista Army for National Liberation
in Chiapas Mexico, has been transforred
from Leavenworth prison. His new address

Bryon Shane Chubbuck

07909051

US Penitentiary

PO Box 26030

Beaumont, TX

77720-6030

Olson’s Address Changes

‘Sara Olson, SLA Political Prisoner has a
new address. For those interested in writing
her, the new address is the following:

Sara Olson W-04197

506-10-04L

C.CWF. PO Box 1508

Chowehilla, CA 93610-1508

Tom Manning has Moved

Early October, UsS. political prisonr
Tom Manning was moved abruptly and
USP Haselton (West Virgnia)! Thers he
was irt placed “in the bullpen cuffed for
Said, "l his art Sff, books, tc. got 1
Wit him lters of solidrity and support

Thomas W. Manning

#10373.016

United States Penitentary - Hazelton

Box 2000

Bruceton Mill, West Virginia 26525

Now is the time for you to send ugent-
Iy needed funds for Tom Manning! The
Federal Bureau of Prisons requires that any.
donations (bank money orders or postal
money orders) sent to inmates MUST be
sent to the National LockBox location
address below.

Federal Bureau of Prisons

Thomas W. Manning

10373016

Post Office Box 474701

Des Moines, lowa 50947-0001

Lost and Found: Wilkerson
“After the devastation of
Hurricane Katrina, news
surfaced that Robert King
Wilkerson, former Ang
3 political prisoner was.
missing. Several days past-
ed without any details of

his status of location.

On Taesday, September 6th, Wilkerson
was found trapped at his home by friends
who went out to search for him. Reports
close to those who found Wilkerson claim
that he was found at home in good health,
feeding pigeons and left behind dogs. Ho
was waiting for the water to recede before
‘making any moves. Sadly, the lower level
of his home was flooded with a lot of his
property damaged.

Ruckus for Rob Los Ricos

Rob i due to be released late June 2006,
We're asking people across the country and
the world to make the weekend of
November 11-13, 2005 a day to support
Rob, t0 celebrate, and to raise needed sup-
port money for Rob.

November 11th is the anniversary of the
day four anarchists were hung in Chicago
in 187, despite their obvious innocence
and international outery for their release.
This holiday is generally commemorated
on May 1t all around the world. Rob wants
to reclaim this as an anarchist festival day.
And we're asking you to help make it hap-
pen!

Plan an event for Rob, to let him know
he's not forgotten, and to help raise needed
funds for when he is released from prison.
Not just punk shows, but think creatively!
Please send donations to:

Rob los Ricos

PO Box 83904

Portland OR 97283-0904.

Wite letters 1o Rob Los Ricos at:
Rob Thaxton

#12112716

MCCF

4005 Aumsville Hy.

Salem, OR 97301

NYPD Interviews Shoats

Brother Shoats was interviewed on
Toesday, October Gth, 2005 by 2 New
York City detectives. This was in regards
102 murder of 2 police officers occurring
in 1972, He did NOT discuss anything
with them at all. The only information he
gave to them was his nanie and his inmate
‘number. The interview went on for 2 hours
and Russell said nothing. The detectives
even tried to conclude that he was the
‘mastermind behind the entire scenario.

Russell is encouraging everyone to
refrain from speaking 1o anyone who dis-
cusses this matter. Should something g0
down, Brother Russell wants to ensure
that he has full support of the people and
the masses at-large. He says he has no idea
of any retribution occurring in the future
nor does he know of any future “events™
that will come out of thi.

Most of you already know what's been
going on in California. Well, it has made
its way to the cast coast. This is just a
heads up -and an FYI for everyone.

Running Down the Walls

sk run/walk

S
\5“&}

P

May 21, 2006

LA-ABCF is proud to announce the

return of Running Down the Walls

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

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

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

New Issue of 4strugglemeg
Issue #5 Out Now! Writings by
Political Prisoners and edited by
Bill Dunne. Available online at:
wwwdstrugglemag.org.

Aticles by Ron Del Raine, Antonio
Guerrero, Michael Affica,
Art by Rashid

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 to:

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

Kikumura Faces Harassment

Yu Kikumura, a Japanese National - US
Politcal Prisoner s imprisoned at ADX
Florence in Colorado. This is a super max-
imum-security federal control-unit prison.
He needs some dircct legal support (advice
andor representation).

Yu Kikumura was a member of the
Japanese Red Army. They acted in support
of the Palestinian struggle. In 1986 Yu
Kikumura was arrested in Amsterdam car-
rying a bomb in his luggage. He was later
deported to Japan bu released on a techni-
cality. He was artested on April 12, 1988 at
a rest stop on the New Jersey Turnpike by
a state trooper who thought he was acting
suspiciously. Kikumura was found carrying
three 18-inch pipe bombs loaded with gun-
powder. Kikumura was indicted on several
counts of interstate transportation of explo-
sive devices and passport violations. After
a bench trial, Kikumura was convicted on
November 29, 1988 He is curtently serv-
ing a sentence of 262 months.

There are two legal cases he is looking
for assistance on. One, described below, is
a challenge 1o the BOP's policy on corre-
spondence written in languages other than
English (they are currently refusing 10 give
him his mail - written in Japanese - saying
that they do not have the staff to screen the

mail). The second issue involves is good
time eredit for foderal prisoners - the BOP's
failure (o grant good time credit according
o their own policies and procedures.

On June 21, Yu wrote, "First, for three
months all my Japanese mail was held up
by the prison. In March the doctor in
Englewood FCI who had screened my
Japanese mail since 1994 quit the screen-
ing job. The SIS (Special Investigation
Service) that handles all mail screening for
prisoners said that they found another 6
BOP employees who are qualified to
screen Japanese material.However, none
of them want to screen my mail bicause
they are too busy.

“In Kikumura v. Tumer, the 7th Circuit
held that under the 15t Amendment that the
BOP has the affirmative duty to make rea-
sonable efforts to screen my Japanese mail.
‘The ruling was only for equitable relief. not
monetary relief because at that time there
was no case law to rule the same - for the
‘monetary damages claim we need case law
that clearly establishes that their conduct is
unconstitutional. We now have such a law,
which clearly establishes my rights t0
reccive my Japanese mail

“The issue in the case is simple: The
BOP refuses to screen my Japanese mail

l,t"

even though they have 7 BOP cmployees
who can screen it and despite the 7th
Circuit ruling.”

Please help locate someone who can do
some post-conviction legal work & make a
donation to him.

Contact Michelle Foy, $10-593-7823 or
mich8423@mindspring com, who is coor-
dinating sending funds & can answer ques-
tions about his current legal work/chal-
lenges.

1 you would like to write Yu dircctly:

Yu Kikumura, #09008-050,
PO. Box 8500-ADX,
Flotence, CO 81226,

Release Ruchell Cinque Magee:

Sole Survivor of the August 7, 1970 Courthouse Slave Rebellion!

Shortly after August 7, 1970, photos of
what's become known as the “Courthouse
Slave Rebellion,” hit the front pages of the
nation’s dailies showing four Black men
emengng from the Marin County Court
with guns and hostages. including 3 jud
prosecutor and three jurors - provoking
panic in some and pride in others

In the historical context of aggressive,
official violence against Black prisoners,
Magee appeared in court that fateful morn.
ing 1o testify for fellow prisoner, James
McClain, defending himself against_the
changof assaulting a guard in the wake of
the murder by racist San Quentin guards of
Fred Billingsley, beaten and tear gassed to
death in his cell carlier that year.

Magee was on the witness stand when
Jonathan Jackson (17), younger sibling of
Soledad Brother George Lester Jackson,
burst into the courtroom “courage in one
hand, assault sifle in the other,” and took
chanz The plan was to release McClain
and William ' Christmas, use hostages to
make it to a radio station t0 expose the vir-
ulent prison conditions, and demand the
immediate release of the three Soledad
Brothers facing capital charges in the death
ofa prison guard -- following the murder of

three Black prisoners at Soledad State
Prison. The Soledad Brothers were uli-
mately acquitted, Jackson posthumously.

What the rebels failed 10 anticipate was
the total disregard for human lif of the San
Quentin guards who arrived in time to rid-
dle the van with bullets before it could
leave the parking lot

In this barmage of gunfire, Christmas,
Jackson, McClain and Judge Harold Haley
were killed, the prosecutor was seriously
wounded (remams paralyzed), a_juror
slightly injured, and Magee was critically
wounded and lay unconscious.

Professor Angela Y. Davis was captured
and imprisoned for having purchased the
uns (legally) and was later acquitied of all
hanss in a separate trial.

The following statemenis were writien
by Ruchell Magee with some cditing by
yours truly

Twas charged with kidnap o rob for $10
in the Los Angeles prosecution, which
commenced March 1963. A lfe sentence
from L.A.still goes on 42 years later. The
Board turned 7 years to life, into life with-
out possibilty of parole. | was also charged
with kidnap out of Marin County
Courthouse, August 7,1970, in addition to

murder and conspiracy charges. 1 was
acquitted of the more serious kidnap charge
(PC 209), although the jury verdict was not
honored, but convicted o the simple kid-
nap charge (PC 207). You will find the
murder and conspiracy charges were dis-
missed

In an affidavit signed by the clected Jury
Foreman _in Magee's ~trial (#6866,
Superior Court of San Francisco County).
Bernard J. Suares stated on August 6, 2001,
“That at the end of the jury’s deliberations
(commenced on March 26, 1973 and termi-
nated April 3, 1973) all 12 jurors found Mr.
Magee not guilty of violaiing P.C. 209 (kid-
napping for the purpose of extortion)...|
have appealed 1o the Court and have pre-
sented proof of acquittal, which is being
concealed by the court in violation of the
Rico Act and Mr. Magee's Constitutional
right t0.a fair trial. | have been ignored for
more than 23 years and demand that I be
heard in a court of law.... declare under
penalty of perjury the foregoing is true and
correct to the best of my knowledge and
belief.”

In'a letter to Public Defender Richard
Such, dated May 2, 1975, Juror David
ESmith stated: “The State presented no

evidence to indicate that Mr. Magee knew
in advance that an escape attempt would be
made....Most of the jurors thought that
Magec was a person who felt strongly that
he had been wrongfully imprisoned, who
felt morally entitled to be free under the
Constiution and the laws of the land._.who
sensed 2 momentous possibility of immedi-
ate freedom and who grasped at it

Citing failure to comply with Penal
Code 11702 (Determinate Sentence Law)
requiring the Board of Prison Terms 10 set
a release date for prisoners not doing life
without the possibility of parole: On May
10,2000, one Mr. Albert M. Leddy released
a declaration, which read in part

“I was attomey at law, currently
retired.. Between 1983 to 1992, 1 served as
a commissioner and then as Chairman for
the Board of Prison Terms (BPT.) At one
point I became concemed enough about the
“no parole policy’ that 1 wrote a nine-page
brief about how we were not complying
with the laws. | gave a copy to each Board
member, pointing out that we could be
sued. Such a no-parole policy is contrary to
Penal Code § 3041 which requires that BPT
Shall normally set a parole date in most
cases.i.e. unless the prisoners is shown to
pose a threat to public safety.

“I has been clear to me that there is a
‘general conspiracy to prevent life prisoners.
from paroling, especially those whose
offenses include murder... If you can deny
a prisoner’s suitability solely on the basis.
ofthe erime, you can deny him forever. The
crime won't’ change. The parole law is
based on the idea that prisoners do change,
and become no danger to public safety...”

“There s no rational explanation for the
Board’s conduct, which is in violation of
Penal Code 11702 (Determinate Sentence
Law). In fact, some prisoners held illegal-
Iy have died inside unnoticed

Moreover, do you recall the case of Dr.
Bernard Fink? He was convicted of the tor-
ture murder of his wife who was decapitat-
ed and did less than 15 years. There are
many other cases of prisoners convicted of
horific crimes, who came 1o prison after
me, and have been released.

Magee poses no threat fo the public if
released. He is 66 years old, has no mental
problems, doesn't use drugs, smoke or
drink alcohol, or allow others to think for
him. He believes he would be a mentor in
the community to help young folks turn
away from negative behaviors that lead to
prison and senseless death.

In closing, | urge you to write to the

Oscar Lopez Rivera

by Jan Susler for the National Boricua Human Rights Network

April of this year marked the 25th
anniversary of the arest of eleven Puerto
Rican poliical prisoners. April also marked
the opening of an art exhibit featuring
paintings and ceramics created by two
remaining Puerto Rican political prisoners,
Oscar Lopez Rivera and Carlos Alberto
Torres... an exhibit scheduled to travel
throughout the United States and Latin
America. Not coincidentally, afier having
served 24 years of a 70 year sentence, April
also marked Oscar’s unsolicited transfer
from one maximum sccurity prison to
another... a prison where he ot only has
more difficulty maintaining his health and
his family and community ties, but where
painting is virtually impossible.

While prison officials would undoubl-
edly deny that Oscar’s transfer was puni-
tive, its consequences are undeniably puni-
tive. The new prison is not simply a disrup-
on of his routine, not a mere matter of the
inconvenience of the new requirements to
be always fully dressed in khaki uniform
and boots (US. military castoffs, all), or
weathering the clements —without benefit
of rain gear-—s he makes his way from the
cellblock to chow, or sleeping on the small
plastic mattress that makes noise with
every move. The new prison even further
restricts his already resiricted contact with
the outside world. Visits from friends and
family, never encouraged, are actively dis-
couraged at the new prison. In June, his

family was made 1o wait close to three
hours before granted entry, while 2 sole
officer ploddingly processed other visitors
through drug testing and paper pushing,
leaving only 4 few hours for the visit. And
they were lucky, as some families were
turned away completely, either for mistak-
en drug test results-— which has previously
happened with Oscar's family-—-or because
the officer took so frightfully long process-
ing other families, the visiting day ended
before he reached many of those waiting.
News media, which have interviewed
Oscar in virtually every prison in which he
has been held, is tumed away. For example,
Univision's May request to interview hin
was spumed, allegedly due to “security,”
although media was granted access to him
in the more maximum sccurity prisons in
years previous. Such a ban only increases
the risk to Oscar and others held there, as it
lulls prison authorities to act with impunity
and prevents public access to a public insti-
tution. Witness recent disclosures of the
military’s refusal to allow media or United
Nations access to saff or detainces at
Guantinamo, not only hiding from public
light their_ongoing lorture, but_ensuring
that it may continue with impunity. Ever
since the United States began (o use
Guantinamo as a “terrorist” detention
camp, United Nations human rights inves-
tigators have sought to visit Guantinamo
and obtain full access 1o the facilities and

Governor asking him to assign a special
Board for compliance with PC 1170.2
(DSL) that would bring relief to countless
prisoners suffering prolonged incarceration
in prisons throughout California

Forty two years is enough! Free
Ruchel Cinque Magee now! Free all polit-
ical prisoners!

You may write dircctly to Ruchell as
follows:

Ruchell Cinque Magee #A92051
3C 02127, Box 3471
Corcoran, Ca. 93212

prison population, but the U.S. has never
allowed such access. The military refused
1o give the New York Times permission to
interview physicians at Guantinamo about
their having aided interrogators in conduct-
ing and refining coercive interrogations of
detainees, including providing advice on
how to inerease stress levels and exploit
fears, with a purpose of helping interroga-
tors break the detains.

Painting, one of the few outlets of cre-
ative expression available to him at the pre-
vious penitentiary was simply not available
when he arrived. Officials “lost” the major-
ity of his painting supplics in the move to
the new prison, but those can be replaced,
albeit at great expense. The problem lies in
the supposed lack of space. The problem is
that, in the huge new prison, fashioned of
lange buildings, officials have refused o
designate adequate space for this positive
activity, creating in its place frustration.
Having seen the tiny space available, he
writes, “The area designated for us to paint
is about the size of acell, without any ven-
ilation, sink or proper lighting, There are
four easels standing and there's no more
room. There are about ten prisoners who
paint. So right now I don't know if I'm
going 10 be able to continue painting.”

Exercise, another of the fow outlets
available in’ the previous penitentiary, has
likewise been limited. Al age 62, Oscar has
managed to remain healthy, encrgetic, and

Veronza Update: Not Free!

This is the latest update on the continuing
struggle for the release of Veronza Bowers, Jr.
from federal prison.

June 21,2005, was the day Veronza
Bowers was 1o be released from federal prison
on mandatory parole after more than 31 years
of incarceration. This date was based on a
Vote of the five-member U.S. Parole
Commission in Washington, D.C., the highest
governing body in our nation's parole system.
We just learned that, once again, at the very
ast moment, Veronza's release has been can-
celled.

This action was
based on a petition
filed by US. Attorney

General Alberto
Gonzales requesting
that the National
Appeals Board
"reconsider” their

decision_granting him
parole. The USPC has,
thereby, "retarded”
Veronzds release (no
pun intended) "for a
period not to_ exceed
60 days". This order
for reconsideration by
the Attorney General was made at the behest
of a law enforcement group called the
Fratemal Order of Police (FOP). Our legal
team strongly feels that this unprecedented
action on the part of the USPC is totaly ille-
gal and based on no credible evidence what-
Soever. It violates the Commission's own
guidelines and procedural regulations. The
Fule of law that should guide the Commission
in this case has clearly been undermined by,
political pressure exerted at the highest levels,
of the current administration.

The truth of the matter s that Veronza has
served his full sentence under law plus 18
months of illegal detention. He has been a
model prisoner with the highest possible,
Bureau of Prison rating and recommended for

Alvaro’s Writ

Wit of Certiorari denied at U.S. Supreme
Court. The Courts decision to uphold the
racist repression of this community leader
comes as a blow 10 all of us, but we will con-
tinue to fight for his human rights and eventu-
al release.

From our bro Twitch's statement: "..We
want all of you who have been a part of this
struggle for our sisters & brothers in isolation
and solitary confinement, to know the
Committee to Free Alvaro Luna Hernandez
will still proceed with. the media work in
progress, and is committed 1o seeing those
Projects through; but will need help financial-
Ly from you as well as your media-expertise to
engage the public's support in the campaign.”

parole several times, only to have his release
rescinded, literally, at the last minute. He
received 4 very favorable review and recom-
mendation for release based on rigorous psy.
chological and_personlity testing adminis-
tered by a highly-repuiable_independent
agency. His petitions for parole have been
strongly supported by a number of prison offi-
cials and administrators who worked closely
with him over the years and ca't say enough
about his role s a mentor and role model to
younger inmates. His efforts to be released
have also been supported in writing by a for-

mer member of the
USPC, head of the
NY Parole
Commission and a
member of the LS.
Congress. Over the.
last three decades, he
has worked hard 1o
improve himself in
all ways possible
personally, socially
and_ spiritually. Yet,
he_continues t lan”
guish in_prison, be
Subjected to_ threats.
and _ intimidation,
demeaned by the news media and falsely
accused by the very group that claims to be
the guardian of law and order in our society
Today is a sad day for America and for the
spirit of democracy in our land,

Needless to say, this i not the last word on
the matter. Veronza sends his love and sincere
appreciation 1o all for the faith and support
you have shown. He asked me to tell you that
this, more than anything, sustains him and
gives him hope.

Write to Veronza at:

Veronza Bowers, Jr.
#35316-136

ECC, Medium C-1
PO. Box 1032

Denied

Alvaro Luna Hemandez,
TDC) CID#25573:
Alfed D. Hughes Unit,
Route-2, Box 4400,
Texas 76597

Gatesville,

Black August

by Marilyn Buck
Kiilu Nyasha drew this portzait
of Assata Shakur and Marilyn Buck,
one of Assata’s liberators. The or
inal drawing decorates M;
prison cell in Dublin, Calif
Would you hang on a ClifF’s edge
sword-sharp, slashing fingers while
Jackboot screws stomp heels on
peeled-flesh bones and laugh
“let go! die, damn you, die!
ould you hang on 20 years, 30
years?
20 years, 30 years and more
brave Black brothers buried in
US koncentration kamps

and more and more they resist:
Black August
Nat Tumer insurtection chief
exccuted: Black August
Jonathan, George dead in bat-
te’s light: Black August
Fred Hampton, Black Panthers,
African Brotherhood murdered:
Black August
Kuwasi Balagoon, Nuh Abdul
Quyyam captured warriors dead:
Black August
Harriet Tubman, Sojourner
Truth, Ella Baker, Ida B. Wells,
Qucen Mother Moore - their
last breaths drawn fighting death:
Black August
Black August: watchword.
for Black liberation for human
liberation
sword to sever the shackles
light to lead children of every.
nation to safety
Black August remembrance
resist the amerikkan nightmare

Poet and perialist political
prisoner Marilyn Buck wrotethis
poem for Black August 2000.
Marilyn began her _anti-racist
activism as a teen in Texas, fought
for self-determination for ali people.
and aligned herself with the Black
Liberation Movement. Since 1985,
she has been serving an 80-year sen.
tence for helping to liberaie Assata
Shakur from prison. Assata lives in

in Cuba, Marilyn in federal
‘on in Dublin, Calif, Write or vist
her at this address: Marilyn Buck,
00482285, FCI Dublin, Unit B,
5701 Eighth St., Camp Parks, Dublin
CA94368.

CUBAN 5: Case Overturned, New Trial!

In a monumental decision on the case of
the five Cubans who were convicted in a
2001 Miami tril, the 11th Circuit Court of
‘Appeals overturned the convictions of the
men known as the Cuban Five, and ordered
anew trial

‘Attorney Leonard Weinglass character-
ized the 93-page decision as “one of the
most extensive opinions on venue and the
issue of fair tral ever made. It is the first
time that an appeals court has overtumed a
federal tial based on venue in the history of
the United States.”

‘The five men, Gerardo Hernindez,
Antonio Guerrero, Ramon Labafino, René
Gonzilez, and Femando Gonzilez, were
sentenced in the seven-month trial to 15
years to double ife, sentences which are
now revoked. They will remain detained in
the curtent prisons during the first 20-day
period of appeals open to federal prosecu-
tors.

Gloria La Riva, coordinator of the

1 Committee fo Free the Cuban Five,

his s a huge victory! W are ecstat.
ic about this decision. It confirms that the
five Cubans are completely innocent, we
know they always were.

“We are hopeful that the federal govern-
ment won't seek a new trial. The judges'
decision is unanimous, and a resounding
defeat of the U.S.-backed Miami terrorist

network that persccuted the Five.”

Paul McKenna, attorney for Gerardo
Hemindez, who was sentenced (0 two life
terms, said, “It is an extraordinary decision,
but our work is not over. Uil the final res-
olution of their case and freedom, I will
seek the release of my client on bail. as will
the other attorneys.”

“The National Committee is calling for
the immediate release of the Five,

“They are also demanding that Secretary
of State Condoleezza Rice and Attomey
General Alberto Gonziles allow the wives
of two of the men, Olga Salanueva, wife of
René Gonzilez, and Adriana Pérez, wife of
Gerardo Hemindez, to be admitted into the
United States to visit their husbands. The
1w wives have been prohibited entry since
the Five’s arest in 1998,

A national campaign supporting the
wives” right to visitation is on the website:
whew frecthefive.org

A telephone press conference was held
with four of the Cuban Five's attomeys on
Tuesday. A digital recording of the confer-
ence can be heard by telephone until 1:00
pm, Wednesday. August 10, with the attor-
neys Leonard Weinglass, Richard Klugh,
Paul McKenna, and Phil Horowitz, and La
Riva. For the access numbers o the press
conference or direct interviews with the
attomeys or National Committee, call: 415-

502€08¢

821-6545.

La Riva said, “We will keep struggling
unil the Five heroes are freed and home
with their families and the Cuban peaple.
“This is the biggest victory we could imag-

In a recent statement from the familics of
the Cuban Five,they stated:

“In the name of the five Cubans unjustly
imprisoned in the United States and their
families, we want to share with all our
friends in solidarity with us, the happiness
that we feel on receiving the verdict from
the court in Atlanta and the justice it brings.
after a long and anguished wait. Our sincere.
appreciation for all the support and uncon-
ditional backing for the cause. It was only.
possible with the constant work of ll of you
that had a bearing on the spreading of the
truth so that the American people and the
world now knows about violations that were
committed against them. The joyfulness
‘cannot put a brake on our actions, now more.
than ever we need the unity and the strength
of everybody to make sure that the victory
will become a reality as soon as possible.

With all our respect and gratitude,

Magali Liort, Irma Sehweret, Mirtha
Rodriguez, Carmen Nordelo, Rosa Aurora
Freijanes, Olga Salanueva, Adriana Perez,
Elizabeth Palmeiro, Antonio Guerrer
(son), Irma Gonzalez (daughter)

Leonard Has Been Transferred

August 15, 2005

Aho My Relations,

On August 15, 2005 1 was wransferred
to USP Lewisburg in Pennsylvania. Life
has been extra difficult for me since |
was transferred from Leavenwarth. This
system is designed to make one feel very
powerless, and what they are doing with
me now is definitely aimed to erode my
body and spirit_even more. My loved
ones, and all of you, my friends and
allies who continu to support me, keep
me sane and hopefl

They say that it is in times of crisis
that one can really sce who your real
allies are. Those of you who have con-
tacted the Terre Haute Prison and the
Bureau of Prisons on my behalf, keep me
in your prayers, and are supporting my
Defense Committee, have made an enor.
mous difference in my situation. |

bumbly thank cach and every one of you,
and firmly believe that your actions mosi
certainly saved my life and prevented me
from living in an institution that is well
known for its extremely high crime and
violence. Also, health problems continue
to plague me and the conditions I was
subjected to exacerbated them. 1 know
deep within my heart, that if there had
not been such an outpouring of support,
concern and overall outery regarding my
arbitrary detention, | would have proba-
bly stayed in solitary confinement for an
indefinite length of time, or worse |
would not have survived in the general
prisoner population. Although 1 have
been forced to endure many hardships, |
will never surrender, even'if all that is
left of me is my spirit. Your love and
support inspire me to overcome every-
thing,

1 hope that here at Lewisburg [ will be
able to resume living in the general pop-
ulation, practicing the traditional ways
and continuing with my artwork. My
defense team is preparing to go through
Some major milestones. They need your
support_ more than ever 1o re-cstablish
our office and prepare for_upcoming
reviews and legal battles. Since Russ
Redner, Paula Ostrovsky, and Toni
Zeidan do not want to accept any salaries
or remuneration of any kind, all of your
donations will go directly to the office
transfer and upcoming campaign.

I again want to express my sincere
appreciation and tell you once more that
without you I am not sure | could have

survived this last month. Every day |
think about and pray for a time when |
will be among you, shoulder o shoulder,
fighting for justice for my people and
our Mother Earth,

In the Spirit of Crazy Horse

Leonard Peltier

Please contact USP Lewisburg to
make sure Leonard regains all his hard
carned prisoner righis, especially his
religious rights, visitations, _regular
phone calls and ability to paint. Be polite
and courteous, but let them know that
lot of us all over the world are concerned
about Leonard's wellbeing.
Warden

Grand Jury In California

David Agranoffand Dange Kelley have
been sent back to jail for refusing 10 coop-
erate with the grand jury being held in San
Dicgo.

Nine community organizers from
throughout San Diego and other parts of
California have been subpoenad to appear
before a federal grand jury. Presumably, the
subpoenas are in relation to a federal inves-
tgation of the 2003 burning of a La Jolla
apartment_complex, which the Earth
Liberation Front claimed responsibility for,
and which the FB has admittedly little evi.
dence or credible leads.

‘Ten additional activists, ranging from
animal and environmenial activists 10 inde-
pendent media members and progressives,
were also subpoenacd to appear before 3
federal grand jury in the Bay arca. This
‘arand jury is being viewed as an attempt to
frighten activists and disable the animal
rights and other movements.

On July 12th, David Agranoff and
Danae Kelley were originally arrested for
civil contempt for refusing 1o cooperate
with the grand jury. Immediately following
their arrest, David and Danae’s attomeys
filed an appeal to the 9th circuit. The Sth
cireuit ruled against them and both were
subsequently forced back into court. They
were rearrested for civil contempt and are
curtently in prison. Neither are suspects in
any crime, yet they are being punished for
asserting {heir constitutional rights. David
‘and Danae have made it clear that under no
cireumstance will they cooperate with this
witch-huni!

As a final slap-in-the-face, afler watch-
ing his wife get dragged away in cuffs,
Danae’s husband, Justin, was himself sub”
poenaed to the grand jury.

One of the San Diego activists, Michacl
Cardenas, who was called before the Grand
Jury to testify, provided some information
that he felt the Grand Jury was already
aware of. Cardenas stated, “1 didn’t give
them any names of anyone they haven't
already subpoenaed or raided, except for a

friend of mine who I sold my video camera
to...'m sure that since | am going 10 offer
up the video tape they're not going to

harass her.”

He claims he does not think that any
information he provided will hurt anyone.
In an atempt to explain his actions
Cardenas stated the following in his state-
ment

“I am not happy to have compromised
my values and to have cooperated with the
Grand Jury. The truth is that at this point in
my life, I spend so much of my time on
activism that I'm very cconomically vul-
nerable. Afier only a few weeks in custody,
T would be out of money, and after proba-
bly a month or two I would be bankrupt and
have ruined my credit for life. Maybe that's
a problem that is common among activits.
1 just can't feel good about doing that just
because 1 on principle don’t want o say
that | don't know anything. 1 also feel that
its just not tactical for me to hand myself
over to custody. I'd much rather go to jail
for doing a lock down or other direct action
1o actually create the change I'm working
for. With all the resistance going on this
summer against the border and against the

USP LEWISBURG
2400 ROBERT F. MILLER DRIVE
LEWISBURG, PA 17837

Phone: 570- 5231251
Fax: 570- 5227745
E-mail address: LEW/EXECASSIS-
TANT@BOP.GOV

Also please continue_writing 1o
Leonard but be mindful of his situation
and respectful of his personal affairs

Leonard Peltier # 89637-132
USP LEWISBURG:

P.0. BOX 1000
LEWISBURG, PA 17837

MinuteMen, I just might need the financial

In the Bay area, one activist tesified
while another had pled the Fifth
Amendment. The person who chose to tes-
tify was unwilling to disclose what ques-
tions he was asked and what information he
volunteered. Because he has demonstrated
a willingness to cooperate, he has opened
himself up to more subpoenas and further
‘government inquisitions in the future.

Former Political Prisoner, Rob
Middangh, was also one of those subpoe-
naed before the Grand Jury but was
informed by the FBI at the last moment that
he was not needed. Middaugh was actually
imprisoned during the time of the incidents
the Grand Jury claims to be investigating.

David and Danac's addresses are the
following:

David Agranoff 94343198

MCC San Diego

Metropolitan Correctional Center

808 Union Street

San Diego, CA 92101

Danae Kelly 04342-198
GEO

20W.C s

San Dicgo, CA, 92101

David can receive books but they must
paperback and sent direetly from the pub-
lisher. Amazon.com is the casiest and most
reliable way to do this. Just remember to
address the books exacly as you would let-
ters (as shown above). At this point, Danae
is asking that no books be sent, but she
would greatly appreciate letters!

Funds are stll needed to ensure that
Danae and David can purchase vegan food,
phone cards and writing materials. Please
consider donating into their commissarics
‘Any amount helps! All funds must be sent
in money order or money gram form, with
their names and booking numbers on the
money order/gram itself. Donations cannot
be dropped off at the facilities.

QOjore Lutalo Facing Serious Repression

by Tim Fasnacht

Ojore Lutalo is under aitack for being supported as a Political
Prisoner. Recent charges against Ojore are dircctly related to the
support given to him by ABCF and other political prisoner support
eroups.

On August 1st, 2005, Ojore received 3 new charges.

Summary of charges from Disciplinary repors:

1..704-Perpetrating 2 fraud-Based upon the results of a con-
tinuing investigation, it has been determined that inmate Lutalo
did direetly participate in the production of a videotaped inter-
View. Further it has been determined that this interview was made
under fraudulent pretenses and that inmate Lutalo was directly
involved in the commission of thi fraud.

2...705-Commencing or operating a business for profit without
approval- Based on the results of a continuing investigation, it has
been determined that inmate Lutalo has engaged in various unau-
thorized activities and business dealings. As a result $2,098.15 has
been identified s being obained through unauthorized means,
namely through the sales of a videotaped interview.

1tis requested that Lutalo's word processor and supplies be
seized, as they are instruments of the act

3. 706-Solitciting funds and non-cash coniributions- Based
upon the results of a continuing investigation, it has been deter-
mined that inmate Lutalo has solicited and subsequently received
both cash and non-cash (stamps) contributions. These solicited
funds have been used to fund unauthorized activities undertzken
by this inmate.

‘This investigation and charges are emanating from the New
Jersey State Prison's SID unit (special investigation division). The
disciplinary reports are signed by R. Dolce from the SID Unit

Ojore says that the previous twa charges he was found guilty
of back on July 11th, associating with outside security threat
‘eroups and planning attacks on staff got him a year in Ad-Seg and
a year of good time lost.

Tronically all these charges were lodged right before he was
due t0 g0 10 the parole board on June 161h, 2005

“The funds they are talking about along with the stamps are
mostly from the ABCF's Anarchist Subsistence Fund that has
sent Ojore 40 stamps and small cash donations every month
since 1996, This program was initiated at the ABCF's 1996
Philly conference. Ojore had no part in initiating or solicit-
ing such support. The ABCF after contacting identified anar-
chistanti authoritarian PP's/POW's, determined that Ojore
was most in need of such material support. The video inter-
view obviously was approved by the prison and has been pri-

Long-time Black Act
by Former Political Prisoner, Claude Marks

Over the last several weeks, five Black

ts and Grand Jury Re!

marily used as an educational tool by Ojore for people writ-
ing to him. As of today | have sold a grand total of 3 videos!

All funds were used to help pay postage for the free videos
sent to people at Ojore’s request and for duplication of addi-
tional videotapes. AK Press also sells the video in its catalog
and has sent no money directly to Ojore. We have sent af
davit's stating so for Ojore's defense. Two weeks ago |
leamed that Mike Hajduk, and myself who produced the
video have been banned by the warden at New Jersey State
Prison.

We're assuming it's in relation 1o these charges.

Ojore is seeking an attorney’s help in fighting these bogus
charges. His main concern is getting his good time restored,
which will allow him to get out before his May th, 2009 Max
release date. Anyone who can donate or organize benefits
should get in touch with me at 215-387-6270 or 717-917-1165
or by email at: phillyabef@webty.net.

Any support wil be appreciated!

Write to Ojore at.

OjoreN. Lutalo
PO 861-59860
SBI#901548

‘Trenton, NJ 086250861

ters Harassed and Jailed

cause fals to state a valid court order.The

activists have been resisting a California
State Grand Jury investigating incidents
aver 30 years old. Three of them are cur-
rently in'custody for refusing to cooperate
with the governmen investization.

This afternoon (Wednesday), the
California State Supreme Court found that
the procedures followed to hold one of
them, Ray Boudreaux, on contempt
chages, were defective. The Supreme
Court has ordered that he be brought to
court Thursday moming. 1 is possible that

the other two activists will also be brought
to court and that they may all be released.
However it is expected that they will be
ordered to retum on September 27th at
which point they could be held in con-
tempt again and re-jailed

The California Supreme Court ordered
Wednesday that the Sheriff of San
Francisco is ordered to show cause forth-
with why petitioner is not entitled to
immediate release on the grounds that the
declaration of the Deputy Attorney
General in support of the order 1o show

Supreme Courts order was served on
Judge Dondero and he ordered Ray pro-
duced at 10:30 tomorrow morning.
Druliner’s position is that he should be
released pending the filing of a new order
next Tuesday when the grand jury goes
back in session. The Supreme Court did
not reach any other issues. All defendants
currently in custody should show up at the
hearing at 10:30 since they are in jail
under identical orders.

‘Also this week, a San Francisco judge

declined 1o jail Black activist Richard
Brown Wednésday for refusing to cooper-
ate with a California State Grand Jury on
the basis that the proper procedures had not
yet been followed. Richard is due back in
Court on Tuesday. September 27th. His
lawyer, Richard Mazer, made a persuasive
argment challenging both the procedures
and the use of this Grand Jury in harassing
activists.

A judge in Oklahoma City on Tuesday,
September 20, refused to enforce the sub-
poena for Black activist John Bowman's
appearance before the same grand jury in
San_Francisco. His decision was made
pending a ruling by the California Supreme
Court on an appeal involving Grand Jury
immunity that was filed on August 29th on
behalf of another Grand Jury resister and
Black activist, Ray Boudreaux. John
Bowman’s attorney, Doug Parr, argued that
the current Grand Jury process was abusive
and cited the proceedings of @ previous
grand jury that also subpoenaed John
Bowmin June 30th. Attomey Parr also
argued that the impact of John Bowman's
torture by police in New Orleans in the
19705 and the emotional trauma caused by
these current proceedings consfituted a fur-
ther abuse of the judicial process. The
judge gave a lengthy decision from the
bench explaining how the court system was.
supposed to work for everybody.

"The fist person subpoenaed to the cur-
rent grand jury was Ray Boudreaux, anoth-
er long-time Black activist. Boudreaus
declined to testify. He asserted his
Constiutional rights and argued that they
would be violated if he complied with the
Court’s Order. On Monday, August 29th a
contempt. hearing was held before Judge
Robert Dondero of the Califoria Superior
Court. Judge Dondero ordered Ray
Boudreaus to be held in contempt for
refusing to give testimony. Despite a
Lengthy hearing that included testimony
from attorneys Carol Smith and Soffiyah
Elijah about the history of government
COINTELPRO attacks against the Black
movement and specifically how activists
were tortured in New Orleans in the 19705
to gain information, the California judge
ruled that Boudreaux had no basis for mis-
trusting the California Atiorney General's
offers of immunity. Ray Boudreaux was a
strong presence in the courtroom s he lis-
tened (o the arguments of his attorney,
Michael Burt, challenging the coercive and
punitive nature of the grand jury proceed-
Ings.

Since then, Black activists Hank Jones
and Harold Taylor were also held in con-
tempt for refusing to testify. They and Ray
Boudreaus will continue 10 be held in the
San Francisco jail until this grand jury term
expires, October 31

Background on the Grand Jury target
ing Black Activists in San Francisco

Shortly after the founding of the Black
Panther Party, FBI Director J. Edgar

Hoover described it in September 1968 as
‘the greatest threat to the internal security
of the country.”

By July 1969, the Party had become the
primary focus of COINTELPRO and was
the target of 233 of the 295 authorized
“Black Nationalist” COINTELPRO
actions. The FBI placed illegal wiretaps on
Party headquarters in Oakland, San
Francisco, and_nationally, infiltrated. the
omnization with numerous agents, used
every possible means to provoke violence
within the organization and engaged in a
number of schemes (o arrest, detain, false-
Iy accuse, incarcerate and murder mémbers.
of the Blick Panther Party.

‘The San Francisco Police Department
worked closely with the FBI during the six-
s and seventies to promote the goals of
“neutralizing” and destroying the Black
Panther Party. Two of the San Francisco
Police Department Inspectors who worked
in tandem with the FBI to promote these
goals were Frank McCoy and Ed Erdelatz.

In August 1973, several Black Panthers.
were artested including John Bowman,
Ruben Scott and Harold Taylor were arrest.
ed in New Orleans.

McCoy and Erdelatz were on hand in
New Orleans immediately after their arrest
(as were detectives from New York City)
and participated in the interrogation that
took place over the course of several days.
They were investigating the killing of two
San Francisco policemen that took place in
the carly 1070,

When Bowman, Scott and Taylor dida't
answer questions by McCoy and Erdelatz,
the San Francisco policemen exited the
toom and members of the New Orleans
Police Department proceeded 10 torture the
detainees using various methods including
the following:

Stripping them naked and beating
them with blunt objects
Blindfolding them and throwing wool
blankets soaked in boiling water over their
bodies
Placing electric probes on their geni-
tals and other parts of their bodies
Inserting an electric cattle prod in
their anus
Punching and kicking
Slamming them into walls while
blindfolded

“Their screams were heard throughout
the jail. After a period of torture, McCoy
and Exdelatz would return to the room, and
continue questioning them. Each time the

‘answers they sought were not forthcoming,
the San Francisco police would leave the
room and the torture would resume. This
process lasted several days. The three men
were interrogated separately and were held
in solitary confinement.Bowman, Scott
and Taylor all suffered permanent physical
and psychological damage.

These two Inspectors are not new to
accusations of physical abuse as the San
Francisco Examiner ran a series of stories
in the 19705 suggesting McCoy and
Erdelatz had coerced testimony from
witness connected to a Chinatown slaying.

In 2003, MecCoy and Erdelatz began
roaming the couniry in an apparent
attempt to interview numerous individuals
alleged to be involved with or have knowl-
edge of the 1970s incidents. At times they
were joined by San Francisco Police
Inspector and FBI Special Federal Officer
Joseph Engler. They went to people’s
homes and places of employment. They
visited prisoners in the New York State
prisons where they were incarcerated.
They attempted 10 interview spouses, for-
‘mer spouses and family members. Al least
one person in the Bay Arca was comman-
decred off the street as he drove home
from work and taken for interrogation.
‘They used thinly veiled threats, intimida-
tion and harassment. They demanded that
some individuals provide saliva samples.
Some people were served with federal
rand jury subpoenas to provide finger-
prints.

The actions of McCoy, Engler and
Erdelatz in 2003 and 2004 were connected
10 a federal grand jury sitting in the
Northern District of California also inves-
tigating the incidents that are the focus of
these grand juries. In the summer of 2004,
the federal grand jury expired.

In May 2005 a California State grand
jury was convened and began taking testi-
‘mony regarding these same incidens. That
rand jury was purportedly investigative
in nature. It was expected that the govern-
ment would next present evidence to an
indicting grand jury. However in August
2005 another invesiigative grand jury was
convened. This time a group of people
idenified by the government as tagets
were subpoenaed. Both of these grand
juries were condicted by the California
State Attorney General rather than the San
Francisco District Attorney's office.
Working in tandem with the state AG was
an Assistant United States Attorney.

“The full role of the federal government
in this investigation i yet to be revealed.
What is clear is that no federal, state or
city agent or police officer nor govern-
ment agency has ever been held culpable
for the illegal acts, violence, imprison-
‘ment and murders conducted in the name
of COINTELPRO nor has there been any
admission that these activities are contin-
uing under the Patriot Act or under any
other name.

productive in spite of, not because of, his
surroundings. AL the new prison, however,
his ability to maintain his health is threat.
ened by new limitations, such as no equip-
ment to exercise the upper body (no
weights, pull-up bars, dip bars), and a hard
surface track that is bound 1o injure the
joints with repeated use. His skin, extreme-
Iy sensitive since his exposure to Agent
Orange in Viet Nam, requires special soap,
which he is not sure will be available
through the commissary of the new prison.
He already knows that dental floss, 5o nec-
essary for the prevention of tooth dec:
and gum disease, is considered 2 security
risk and is therefore not available.

These conditions must be put in the
overall perspective of the new peniteniary.
The team responsible for designing and
building it proudly deseribes their project:
“Twenty-first ceniury correctional facility

design emphasizes security, function
and workability, new technologies, staff
effciency and livability.” A constriction
magazine glorifies the structure as follows:
“An inwardly focused series of more than &
dozen buildings offers inmates litle oppor-
tunity to look out of the site and dream of
escape.” “A secured corridor of enclosed
space surrounds the compound

The corridor's interior wall is the back-

FREQUENTLY

sides of the housi

pods, and the exterior
wall is composed of precast concrete wall
panels, described the construction compa-
ny's vice president. Beyond that is "no
man's land” and three circuits of taut-wire
fencing. Six guard towers with sight lines
into the compound are just outside the
fencing, and a seventh guard tower is back
in the middle of the compound.” “Closed-
citeuit TV cameras monitor the prison's
eritical areas, and a control room outside
the secured perimeter can open and close
key access points into structures that
include the housing pods, the secured cor-
ridor and the main entrance.

The 960 cells measure approximately 7
feet wide by 14 feet long, fabricated of
cast concrete. The cells are formed as five-
sided boxes - four walls and a roof. Two
cells, one atop another, make up a unit. A
balcony fronts the upper cell

And, yes, the new prison includes a
“special housing unit” where the federal
death penalty will be carried out.

Oscar is ever clear in the reason why he
is where he is, sure of who he is, and of his
commitment 1o the independence of his
nation, and even though he patiently and
optimistically adjusts to the new surround-
ings, allthe while resisting the encroaching
limifations, living the salutation all his let-

USED

ters bear: “en resistencia y lucha” [in resist-
ance and struggle]. However, since 911,
prison conditions have worsened across the
board, especially jeopardizing the health,
safety and lives of our political prisoners. A
reporter with extensive experience cover-
ing US. prisons and jals, remarking on the
revelations of torture in Abu Ghraib, said,
“the images from Iraq looked all t00
American fo me,” noting similar patters of
physical and psychological abuse in the
atmosphere of increasing militarization of
imprisonment in the U.S. We must there-
fore be vigilant of his human rights while
we make every effort 1o achieve his and
Carlos Alberto’s release. The new address:

Oscar Lipez Rivers#7651-024
USP Terre Haute

PO. Box 12015

Terre Haute, IN 47501

Financial contributions in the form of
postal money orders 10 help him purchase
art supplies and pay for telephone calls
must be sen to:

Federal Bureau of Prisons
Osear Lépez Rivera #87651-024
PO. Box 474701

Des Moines, 1A 50947-0001

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.

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.

BPI

PRIPOW's:
(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-

Politcal Prisoners and/or Prisoners of Wa.

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.)

Jaan Laaman on Filiberto Ojeda Rios

iliberto Ojeda Rios - {Presente!

My comrade, brother, friend, you will always be present,
inspiring and guiding so many of us. Certainly this wil be true in
your beloved beautiful country of Puerto Rico. Beyond its borders
as well, your words and actions, your strugele, your lfe so right-
cously, boldly and bravely lived will guide and inspire many. And
L will be one of those many, and 1 will miss you hemano. Know
that there will be many of us who will continue your lifes dream

out colonialism, world of Freedom, Justice and Peace. I say this
and salute you in behalf of all anti-imperialist politial prisoners
and certainly all my Ohio-7 comrades.

Tt s 18 or 19 years since we last walked and talked together,
discussing philosophy and liberation, socialism and the Freedom
Strugele. 1 miss you compafiero as | send you this final salute and
warm abrazo 10 you. And with this salute, | do know that your
dream of an independent socialist and free Puerto Rico will cer-

and work — a Free and Independent Puerto Rico in a world with-

The Subsistence Program

tainly come to be.

The Anarchist Subsistence campaign include a monthly check
Program, " in contrast {0 the and forty 37 cent postage stamps
Warchest program that provides per month. Supporters of the
nonpartisan support for revolution- Anarchist Subsistence Program

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

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)

57 [ o6 [99 [00 ] o1
Stamp Rotation [Jax 20160 [ 60160 | 60
NE
Schedule [ 0 [120 | 120] 65 [ 25
Lanc [ 40 145 | 145200 115
Bing/CO | 10] 1101105 | 75 | 70
October Kent 55 [205 205 [ 225
[Winn {40 g5 110 [130 [ 144 | 700 [ T70]70
Jacksonville LA 50 [o6 [ 66 851010 [10
[Clove 207 205] 60 25
November Fousion w5
Brick, NJ| 35
Cleveland Moncton| 5| 60 25 | 5
[Aaron 5
December lJosh §
ot E3ES 0]
Los Angeles Kete Fo 5
[im 81 7
lother {5
i-;f;:.::;k:;;";:vd:f::": [Total [ 160| 663|843 | 920 938 467 (485 [305| 40| 4635 |35 | 35 | 3530 35 20
Tim Fasnacht for forty 37 cent ‘Al Inquires,
stamps in the last week of the Philadelphia ABCF
imonth before the month you are P.O Box 42129
responsible for. Philadelphia, PA 19101

HEALTH REP

Shoats Free of Cancer but not Harassment

Russell Maroon Shoats has reccived the
results from 4 biopsy taken in carly July.
The good news is that results came back
negative. The biopsy proved that it was &
painful infection. Maroon has been receiv-
\| ing therapy and antibiotics to correct that.

Although you maybe glad t0 learn that,
it scems the prison saff are not.

1t must be remembered that the prison
he's at s the notorious SCI-Greene and he's been in their control
unit for over 10 years. This s the same place Mumia Abu Jamal is
being held and where Abu Ghraib torturer, Charles Grainer
worked-known for it brutality and abuse. Recall that a few years
ago ifs Superintendent and dozens of guards were cither disci-
plined or arrested for abuse!

Apparently upset that Maroon does not have cancer, an orches-
trated program is being carried out to abuse him and destroy his
property.

It started on the very night he returned from an outside hos-
pital last month. He was forced to tear the bandages from his open
wounds.

Afterwards, Officer Peters carried out a cell scarch and went
out of his way to leave his property in total disarray. Later this
same guard searched his property again, only on that occasion he
stole various items and papers, leaving him without any toilet
paper o boot!

Maroon filed a grievance (dated 7-8-05 # 123176) over these
incidents and the erievance officer ruled that it was due to a mis-
communication between staff shifts that the bandages were ripped
o his open wounds.He also cited security concerns for the band-
ages being remaved.

We need your urgent help!

Please write or call the following officials and demand that
Russell Shoats (AF-3855) be accorded the proper respect, given
his medical condition, by guards and also stop the ransacking/
theft of his personal property (mention Officer Peters).

Jeffrey Beard
Secretary DOC

2520 Lisburn R

Camp Hill, Pa 17001-059%
Phone: 7179754918

Superintendent Folino
169 Progress Dr.

Waynesburg Pa 15370
Phone: 724-852-2902

Los Macheteros Leader Killed by Feds

On Saturday, September 24ih, news

Rios was arrested

He subsequently ~Gerena, have never been caugh.

surfaced that FBI agents_assassinated
Puerto Rican Independista, Filiberto Ojeda
Rios, 72, in an overnight shootout in
Hormigueros, Puerto Rico

Apparently, the FBI attempted to raid
the home of Ojeda Rios, resulting in a
shootou.

The FBI has yet to admit in the killing
of independence leader, but the Associated
press claims that anonymous sources, as
well as, Hector Pesqura, president of the
Hostiano independence movement have
confirmed the death of Ojeda Rios.

Officials have been willing to confirm
that a tactical operation had taken place
with the cooperation of the FBI, LS.
Marshalls, Puerot Rican police and prose-
cutors. They have also confirmed that one
FBI agent was wounded and was taken to
the hospital.

Elma Rosado Barbosa, Ojeda Rios’
companion was captured but is reportedly
unharmed.

Ojeda Rios and the Struggle
Ojeda Rios was bom April 26, 1953 in
ian,he lays trumpet and gt
Puerio Rico 1o Cuba and Joined. the
General Intllgence Directorate (DA,
the Cuban nellgence seice Ayearater
01967 he was alegediy was o part of
Novement (VIRA) The organisaton was
dibanded by police inthe aaly 19705, and

skipped bail and moved to New York,
orgmizing the Amed Forces of National
Liberation (FALN) with former MIRA
‘members as a membership base.

In 1976, Rios along with former
Political Prisoner, Juan Segarra Palmer
and others created Ejército Popular
Boricua, also known as Los Macheteros

On September 12, 1983, Los
Macheteros expropriated approximately
57 million from a Wells Fargo depot in
West Hartford, Connecticut. The money
was taken to fund the independence move-
‘ment in Pucrto Rico.

In 1985, 19 members of Los
Macheteros Wwere indicted for offenses
associated with the robbery. Fourteen were
convicted after trial; one was acquitted
Chanss against another were dismissed.
‘Three, including Rios and Victor Manuel

In July of 1992, Ojeda Rios was sen-
tenced in absentia (6 53 years in prison and
fined $600,000.

In 1999, cloven members of the PR
Independenice movement were given
clemency by President Clinton. Juan

Segarra was also given clemency but had
10 serve an additional $ years in prison.

Late friday, afier word was spread
about the assault on Ojeda Rios’ home,
some 300 people took to the streets
protesting the assassination, blocking San
Juan's main Roosevelt Avenue in front of
Hiram Bithorn Stadium,

"This was done on purpose .. 1o iry to
humiliate us," Jorge Farinacci, president of
the Socialist Front, said at the demonsira-
tion. "1s to tell us: *You do not have the
right to independence.™

He called for the many factions in the
fractured and marginalized independence
movement "to overcome political differ-
ences, to determine how to validate the
right of our people to show their indigna-
tion of this assassination of our greatest
patriot”

Our hearts go out to our dear comrade
whose life was sacrificed for the freedom
and self-determination of the Puerto Rican
people. We condemn the actions that were
carried out which resulied in the death of
Filibero Ojeda Rios and imprisonmen of
Elma Rosado Barbosa. We demand the
freedom Elma Rosado Barbosa. We
demand the freedom of all Political
Prisoners. We demand the liberation of
Puerto Rico and all colonized people.

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 insufficient, little, or rio financial support during their impri
ment. PP/POW’s requesting funds complete an application of financial questions. When the ABCF has
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 o those PPIDOW'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-
tion to increase the number of prisoners being supported monthly. Below is the financial report which d
uments all money received and the prisoners it was sent to.

WARCHEST REPORT FOR 2005

FUNDS IN
FUNDS IN _MARCH_APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER 1994 351
LA ABCF 870 90 750 0 350 0 300 1995 3860
MTL ABCF 40 795 0 0 0 30 0 1996 4143
PHL ABCF 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 1997 3544
JAX ABCF 0 0 25 30 25 30 30 1998 7643
NJ ABCF 20 20 20 0 0 0 0 1999 5814
CLEV ABCF 0 0o 0o 0 35 0 [ 2000 3514
BONNIE/NJ 10 o 0o 0 o0 0 [ 2001 5290
MIKE/N) 20 o 0o 0 o0 0 [ 2002 2873
JUP/CLEV 15 0o 0o 0 o0 0 [ 2003 1785
JEAP/N) 0 40 0 0 30 25 0 2004 UNACC*
FUND/PHIL 0 0 9 0 o0 0 [ 2005 3589
CHRIS/N) is 0 0 20 o0 0 [ TOTAL 42406
JIM M/PHIL 0 0 10 40 10 0
EZE/N) 360 0o 0o 0 o0 0 0 —epsour
KMA/KANSAS| 0 o0 0 o0 10 0 o0 3706
TOTAL 1365 259.56 834 90 545 135 360 Tt
FUNDS OUT ___MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER — oo/ 4588
SEKOU KAMBUL 30 30 30 3030 a0 30 1298 6412
RUSSELL SHOATS 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 —1999 5191
JOSEPH BOWEN 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 2000 4544
HANIFF SHABAZZ BEY 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 2001 4637
HERMAN BELL 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 2002 4320
RICHARD WILLIAMS 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 2003 1300
SEKOU ODINGA 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 2004 UNACC*
RUCHELL MAGEE 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 _ 2005 1690
TOTAL 240 240 240 240 240 250 240 TOTAL 40382

REMAINING: $1898.6
(*Funds unaccounted for due to unreported funds from Jacksonville ABCF)

Name: Ph Send cash,checks o mos
Street Address made to TIM FASNACHT t:
City/State/Zip: Phily ABCE

P ox 42129
ONE TIME DONATION[ ] MONTHLY SUPPORTER "] Philadelphia, PA 19101
Monthly supporters, please check one of the following: phillya

toll free (i 2658

V'l commit to 6 months [ ] I'll commit to | year [ ] Amounts

“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 practi
Prisoners of War i

o T it o exporience. It will help answwer all of the above questions and
PHIPOW's Send S1 and o stamps o

upon at an international tribunal, specific
locumentation on PP/POW's. informa.-

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.”