Civil liberties advocates to protest new FBI subpoenas against Palestine solidarity activists
More subpoenas delivered to Palestine solidarity activists in Chicago last Friday
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Chicago, IL – Â Civil liberties advocates will join legal advisors and targets of a growing FBI campaign against progressive anti-war, labor and solidarity activists at an emergency press conference and protest today (Monday, December 6) at 4:30Â p.m. outside the Dirksen Federal Building, located at 230 S. Dearborn in Chicago. Speakers will include an activist newly targeted by the federal investigation.Â
On Friday, the FBI subpoenaed two additional Palestine solidarity activists and declared its intention to subpoena a third, ordering at least one to appear before a federal grand jury in January, according to a media contact for the group.
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Monday’s action at the Dirksen Federal Building — where the federal grand jury convenes — comes in the wake of a continuing assault on the anti-war movement that began on September 24th, when scores of FBI agents raided the homes and offices of 14 anti-war, labor and solidarity activists in Minnesota, Michigan and Chicago, ordering them to appear before a secret grand jury in Chicago.Â
Three of the original 14 are awaiting new grand jury court dates as well, and may face imminent imprisonment if they continue to refuse to cooperate with the government’s fishing expedition into the activities of other activists. Dozens of labor, peace and faith-based groups have condemned the September 24 raids and the larger federal investigation.
Monday’s action is being convened by the Committee Against Political Repression, which is urging supporters to contact U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald and condemn the use of the grand jury to repress anti-war and solidarity projects in the United States. More information on the case is available at www.stopfbi.net.
