![]() 20 February 2020 Press Advisory When: Thursday February 20th, 8:30 AM INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE |
Defense will argue prosecution of Freeway 9 politically motivated at Feb 20 hearing — secret recordings of LAPD spy released to defense bound by protective orderDefense attorneys for 2 of the Freeway 9 will present arguments as to why all the charges against these defendants should be dismissed on February 20 at 8:30 am in Department 62 in the Metropolitan Courthouse. Defense attorneys have filed a Murgia motion to dismiss the charges. They will argue that the prosecution of these defendants is politically motivated and vindictive, aimed at both punishing these defendants and criminalizing protest that breaks out of the “acceptable channels” and is commensurate to the threat posed by a fascist regime. Democrat City Attorney Mike Feuer’s office initially filed a total of 43 misdemeanor charges against nine individuals, which included serious criminal conspiracy charges. Five of the nine continue to be prosecuted. Last week, Detective Dickson with the Major Crimes Division (Anti-Terrorism Division) was questioned as to why a Confidential Informant (spy) was sent in to secretly record four public meetings of Refuse Fascism beginning 1 week after the first freeway protest in September 2017. He was the LAPD lead investigator and ‘handler’ of the informant. The secret recordings made by the LAPD’s confidential informant were finally turned over to the defense attorneys, almost 2-1/2 years after their arrests. Their release has been vigorously opposed by both the LAPD and the prosecutors, even though LAPD reports turned over 2 years ago admitted that the recordings included least one conversation the CI had with one of the Freeway 9. The defense attorneys are bound by a protective order with regard to the recordings, only to be used in their legal defense. They are prevented from making public comments on the contents of the recordings. The City Attorney and LAPD are in possession of these recordings and the media can request access. Interested parties may also petition the court to seek copies of these recordings. Interviews are available and we encourage members of the media to do larger pieces on the unusual course that these cases have taken and what is being silenced here — the distinctive political message and actions of this movement. |
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February 12, 2020 Statement from Refuse Fascism, Los Angeles:REFUSE FASCISM PROTESTERS FACING 3 YEARS IN JAIL FOR SOUNDING THE ALARM ABOUT THE TRUMP/PENCE FASCIST REGIMEDragged Into Court over and over again for more than two years. PACK THE COURT THURSDAY TO DEMAND: In the wake of the Senate acquitting Trump in a sham trial, this whole regime is leaping ahead on a fascist rampage — tearing up the rule of law, threatening their political opponents, demonizing immigrants, taking away the right to abortion and birth control, shredding the social safety net, unleashing mobs of fanatical thugs. This is fascism unfolding! |
In the Fall of 2017, these activists from RefuseFascism.org and the Revolution Club, LA, recognized and were sounding the alarm about the terrible atrocities that the Trump/Pence Regime would commit. History has proven them right. Did you know that Democratic City Attorney Mike Feuer has been relentlessly prosecuting and persecuting the Freeway 9 for over two years? Instead of applauding them for their foresight and courage, Feuer and the City of LA have been trying to put them behind bars! This case made national news when the LA Times exposed that the LAPD’s Anti-Terrorist Division were surveilling Refuse Fascism, sending in a spy to record meetings and target political leaders. Some of the Freeway protesters already went through one trial, which ended in a mistrial with 9 out of 12 jurors demanding their acquittal! THIS Thursday, two of the Freeway 9 have a major hearing to demand these outrageous charges are dropped and to show that Refuse Fascism has been singled out for persecution and prosecution. Why are major city officials prosecuting non-violent anti-fascist protest? Why is the LAPD harassing Refuse Fascism? Why are they persecuting people for doing what millions need to do to STOP a fascist America — at the very time when we need to be raising our voices in sustained determined political opposition demanding the whole regime be removed. EVERY DAY THAT THE TRUMP/PENCE REGIME REMAINS IN POWER THREATENS THE FUTURE OF HUMANITY AND THE PLANET. We can’t rely on the normal channels to stop this fascist regime. Through the impeachment acquittal, Trump has been given the green-light to steal the 2020 election. We need to flood the streets in mass sustained nonviolent protest, not stopping, until our demand is met: Trump/Pence #OutNow! Which side are you on? Will you stand by as fascism consolidates, and those who stand against face 3 years in jail? Or will you stand up and say NO! Raise your voice to Free the #Freeway9:
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