Defend Activists Against State Repression!

Did you get beat up by the cops at a protest, but were able to beat the state back in court? Did you settle or win a lawsuit against the police state? Are you looking for an appropriate way to give back to the movement? Please donate your settlement to the legal defense of the RNC 8.

As activists, we always seem to be in a constant, financial flux. In between organizing for mass mobilizations, temporary stints of work, running through the forests and saving the whales, we always seem to be scrambling to meet the basics: rent, food, bail, a good lawyer. Fortunately, participating in a movement where police harassment, torture and unjustified arrests are common means you can occasionally find yourself with some secure financial footing. The story goes the same for many of us: massive arrest sweeps in New York, Miami, D.C., Quebec, Mexico City and multiple charges, a litany of complaints, and successful litigation later, we find ourselves with that thing we despise on principle: money! While we may disdain the necessity for the “almighty dollar”, the money received from the success of class-action lawsuits can help bring support to others facing uncertain futures in the hands of the “justice” system. A part of the chunk of cash you receive for your pain and suffering may be channeled towards others abused by the state. Using your settlement as expropriation for anti-repression struggles is a nice way to pay it forward!

The RNC 8 are eight individuals who also find themselves with their hands tied by the law. These Twin-Cities based activists are being charged with four felonies of conspiracy, two of which are “in the furtherance of terrorism” from the 2008 Republican National Convention in St. Paul MN. This is an attempt by the authorities to criminalize dissent and make open anarchist organizing illegal. Indeed, the entire concept behind conspiracy charges is that the accused need not have actually participated in any illegal actions; it is thoughts and relationships alone that could send these individuals to prison for years.

We, the RNC 8 Support Committee are therefore asking for anyone who has been part of any successful class action lawsuit in the past to step up and help support these 8 activists who are facing at maximum, 12 ½ years in prison. We understand the financial crunch of being an activist and encourage people to support their local struggles and projects, first and foremost.

However, the dangerous precedent that a guilty verdict for the RNC 8 would have is very dangerous for the future of political organizing. We are already receiving donations like: a multi-thousand-dollar support totaling the remainder of a settlement from a recent successful plaintiff in a Washington DC mass arrest in 2002. However, the legal fees of the RNC 8 are upwards of $250,000 – not including court fees and potential appeals. No donation towards them is too small.

Any money donated will be well spent for the defense of these 8 people, who have spent a large part of their lives fighting state repression and supporting others who have also fallen victim to the ills of capitalism. Please consider contributing to this cause and stand in solidarity with the RNC 8, as the outcome has the potential to effect all of us and the movement we strive to build.

Love n’ Solidarity,
Friends of the RNC 8

Tags: civil litigation, class action, RNC 8, RNC Eight