Support Anarchist Arrested at UC Berkeley!

Indybay.org Nov. 19, 2009

UC Berkeley: During the events surrounding the UC Strike today, only one arrest (that we now know of) was made. Doug Gilbert was targeted specifically because of his political views. Upon leaving the rally, police on bicycles followed him down Telegraph Avenue. Inside of a local restaurant, police violently confronted two comrades, before proceeding to the back of the establishment and arresting Doug while in the restroom. Berkeley CopWatch filmed the arrest. When they asked police what this comrade was being arrested for, the pigs responded “he can tell you later.”

A student activist (pictured below) was seen talking to police, specifically pointing out several individuals, including Doug. Further, CopWatch was told by bystanders that the cops said something along the lines of “there's that anarchist,” immediately before the arrest was made. This exemplifies two truths of the present social order: the liberal student movement is by nature a recuperative force, and seeks to further empower the state, rather than students
& workers; and the police use fear tactics to demoralize and intimidate us. This arrest was not made to further justice; this arrest was not made because of any wrongdoing; this arrest was made purely for the sake of intimidating all of us.

Doug is charged with “Inciting to Riot” and a misdemeanor. Inciting to Riot alone carries up to a $1,000 fine and up to a year in jail. He has had bail set at $15,000. These charges are completely ridiculous. No violence occurred at Berkeley today. No one rioted, no one got hurt, no property was destroyed. The charges, and the bail amount, are designed solely to intimidate us.

Those interested in showing support and solidarity with Doug should come (with all their friends!) to:

Wiley W. Manuel Courthouse (Alameda County)
661 Washington St.
Oakland, CA
Department 112
Ask for Doug Gilbert's case