Targets of FBI raids to join supporters to speak out against “federal assault” on antiwar, solidarity activities

Chicago, IL - Social justice and anti-war activists will gather at 3 P.M. at the West Town Law Community Office, 2502 W. Division St. to speak out against a series of FBI raids that took place on Friday, September 24 in Chicago and around the US.

The FBI handed subpoenas to testify before a federal grand jury to about a dozen activists in Illinois, Minnesota and Michigan on Friday, searching the homes of most of these activists. They also attempted to intimidate activists in California and North Carolina.

“This is really about trying to intimidate the anti-war movement, and we won’t be silenced,” said anti-war activist Stephanie Weiner, one of the victims of the raids. “This suppression of democratic rights is aimed towards those who dedicate their time and energy to supporting the struggles of the Palestinian and Colombian peoples against U.S. funded occupation and war. This is a U.S. government attempt to silence those who stand in solidarity against oppression in the Middle East and Latin America.”

Speakers at Saturday’s press conference will include Melinda Power, attorney and member of the National Lawyers Guild; Chapin Gray, activist with Students for a Democratic Society-Chicago; Maureen Murphy of the Palestine Solidarity Group-Chicago; Rev. C.J. Hawking of Arise Chicago; and Stephanie Weiner and Joe Iosbaker, who were among the Chicago targets of the raid and are long-time anti-war activists in the city. They will be joined by peace and solidary activists from across the metro area.