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.”