Sunday, February 22, 2009

RNC 8 Solidarity Statement

By Breck Guise

The RNC 8 are an anarchist/anti-authoritarian organization formed to organize for the 2008 Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minnesota. They function as an informational clearing house and spokes-council for the RNC resistance. They manage food, housing, transportation, and engage in education and outreach.

In an attempt to stop RNC protests, on Saturday, August 30, 2008, the RNC 8 were falsely charged with conspiracy to riot in the 2nd degree in furtherance of terrorism. Search warrants were executed on three houses, seizing personal and household items. RNC organizers Monica Bicking, Garrett Fitzgerald, Erik Oseland, Nathanael Secor, Eryn Trimmer, and Luce Guillen-Givins were arrested. In addition, Rob Czernik and Max Specktor were arrested Monday, September 1st. In December 2008, three more felony charges were added by Ramsey County Attorney Susan Gaertner- 2nd degree conspiracy to riot, 1st degree conspiracy to commit criminal damage to property in furtherance of terrorism, and 1st degree conspiracy to commit criminal damage to property (without the terrorism enhancement). These charges could carry a maximum of 12 years in prison.

The Socialist Party in Virginia gives our full support to the RNC 8. We believe that Susan Gaertner is more pursuant in thoughtcrime than legitimate criminal doings. No true crime was committed and the arrest and confinement of these people is a travesty and an embarrassment. The Socialist Party in Virginia believes that the RNC 8’s rights to congregate and to protest were trampled on and we in turn protest their internment. Would America even be what it is today without dissent? If you would like to join the Socialist Party in Virginia in support of the RNC 8 you can visit http://rnc8.org/ and sign a petition to ask Susan Gaertner to dismiss all charges.

Yours in Solidarity,
Socialist Party in Virginia