USPCN Stands Against Political Repression

December 16, 2010 US Palestinian Community Network

The United States Palestinian Community Network (USPCN) strongly
condemns and denounces the Federal Bureau of Investigation's
political repression of 19 anti-war, Palestine solidarity and
Palestinian activists.

The USPCN calls for the immediate suspension of the federal
government's grand jury prosecution of these activists, and an end to
the FBI's harassment of our communities.

Since September 24, the FBI has raided seven Chicago and Minneapolis
homes of activists and has served a total of 19 federal subpoenas
across the Midwest. The targeted citizens are outspoken community
organizers and students critical of U.S. policy in Colombia,
Palestine, and the Middle East.

The grand jury and FBI are seeking evidence that connects the 19
activists and their "potential co-conspirators" to U.S.-designated
"terrorist organizations." Five of the nineteen activists being
targeted are Palestinian-Americans whose only crime is working
tirelessly to inform fellow citizens of the realities of Israeli
occupation. None of the 19 has been charged with a crime, and all
deny providing material support, including money, to any foreign
organization. These activists are shining examples of courage and
fortitude, ordinary citizens doing the extraordinary work of building
knowledge and support for justice and a common humanity

Federal harassment of our communities and associational life has
grown precipitously during the last decade, as Arabs, Muslims, and
their allies, continue to be persecuted for their lawful and
necessary civic engagement. This suppression of civil rights and free
speech seeks to criminalize and quell civic activism undertaken in
support of Palestinian and other oppressed peoples' struggles against
U.S.-funded occupation and war. This harassment must stop.

The United States Palestinian Community Network stands in full
support of our brothers and sisters unjustly targeted by the federal
government.

We assert our determination and commitment to challenge our
government's policies, both here and abroad, and will continue to
defend the rights of Palestinians, our allies, and all those
struggling against oppression. The USPCN upholds the constitutional
right of Americans to dissent without fear of persecution, and the
rights of peace and justice organizations to organize, educate, and
assemble, free and unbridled.

We call upon all USPCN local chapters, members and fellow citizens,
to join existing local and national efforts organized by the
Committee to Stop FBI Repression. Please visit:
http://www.stopfbi.net/

Do not be intimidated, we struggle together. Continue to speak your
conscience, continue to educate, and continue to organize. Justice
will prevail.

December 16, 2010
US Palestinian Community Network
Web: http://www.palestineconference.org/
Email: mailto:uspcn@palestineconference.org
Twitter: http://twitter.com/uspcn