RNC 8 DEFENSE COMMITTEE | www.RNC8.org

A littlebackground…

• RNC Welcoming Committee: investigation $300,000

• Four Paid Informants: FBI and Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office; others from Iowa and Texas

• Tens of thousands of pages, 100s of discs of discovery

The beginning

• Originally charged with 2nd degree conspiracy to riot in furtherance of terrorism

• First known use of the Minnesota state PATRIOT Act passed in 2002 – incredibly broad definition of terrorism

Photo: RNC08report.org

POLITICALPRESSURE

Pressure• Ramsey County prosecutor Susan

Gaertner – was running for governor (but not doing so well, in part thanks to us!)

• Dance party outside Susan’s fundraiser, December 2008

• State adds 3 more charges – 4 total; 2 terror enhancements

Pressure• More events; national day of action,

petition delivery, media appearances

• Terror charges dropped; 2 remain

• Collective pressure campaigns WORK. Our response is to push back; not be afraid

•Ongoing events: dinners, educational events, solidarity & legal work

PressureSome key points of RNC 8 & Defense

Committee work:

• Solidarity with all targets of repression

• Visibility

• Expand friendliness of community

• Continue struggles

Charges Now:

• 2nd degree conspiracy to riot (with a dangerous weapon)

•1st degree conspiracy to commit criminal damage to property (over $1,000)

Upcoming• Minneapolis: RNC 8 Defense

Committee meets regularly; national network of supporters

• Funds needed: $250,000

• Judge Teresa Warner

• Trial scheduled October 25. Come to Saint Paul!

WE’RE NOTALONE...

In Context•Use of informants has a long history

•SHAC 7 USA conspiracy conviction for... running a website. Only one example ofthe expanded, convenient definition of “terrorism” to bypass violence

•Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act cases; Scott Demuth/Carrie Feldman – alleged evidence from RNC raid

Past/Present

•The Green Scare•Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act 2006•USA PATRIOT ACT 2001•AEPA/AETA 1992/2006•COINTELPRO (‘50s Today)•Immigration Acts of 1917/1918•Enemy and Sedition Acts; Enemy Alien Act, 1798•Black Act, 1723

TerrorWhy “terrorist”? Why “criminals”?• Our movements' ideas are a threat tothe core cultural, political, and economic values embodied in the concept of property; and threaten the capitalist imperative to colonize all forms of life; • Rejection of hierarchy represents a threat to the broader social order rooted in speciesism, white supremacy, classism, and heteropatriarchy; • Disciplinary message to the general public

TerrorWho are the terrorists?• A common first instinct is to argue thatthe RNC 8 (for example) aren’t the real terrorists.• But then who is?

TerrorWho are the terrorists?• A common first instinct is to argue thatthe RNC 8 (for example) aren’t the real terrorists.• But then who is?

YOU, ME, ALL OF US

• The target of repression is not just those who face a prison sentence – it is us.

defend theRNC 8...

or youcould benext!

DON’T MOURN

ORGANIZE!

8 for the 8ORGANIZEfor justice and liberation in your local community• the more radical, non-hierarchical organizing, the more difficult it is for the state to successfully target any of us• the work done by the RNC 8is not unique – chances are you and yourneighbors may be doing it too, or could be

8 for the 8STANDIN SOLIDARITYwith political prisoners, targets of repression, and marginalizedcommunities everywhere.

For a list of political prisoners in the US, visit the Anarchist Black CrossFederation website: www.abcf.net

8 for the 8SUPPORTthe RNC 8 directly by beingin the courtroom at their Mayhearings or coming to the Twin Cities for trial in October

While you’re here, continue to buildthe connections and networks thatkeep our movements strong and safe

8 for the 8DONATEEven radical lawyers are expensive

(see our website, RNC8.org, for more action items to round outthe list)

We’re getting ready…

…for court

Rob, Erik, Monica, Eryn, Luce, Garrett, Nathanael, Max