At CounterPunch, you can find Camilo Mejia's "Prisoners of Conscience:"
These findings represent important accomplishments for the antiwar movement, as they seem to indicate that military authorities are handling public dissent within the ranks with a bit more caution, as more members of the military are speaking out against the occupation. It would be interesting to see if these are isolated cases, or if the military is indeed making an effort to uphold the law.
Service men and women should know that expert testimony at my trial as well as at Pablo's trial, was that the invasion and occupation of Iraq are illegal under international, domestic, and military law. At my trial, professor Francis Boyle of the University of Illinois, testified that the Iraqi invasion and its aftermath is a crime against humanity, and a violation of Army Field Manual 27-10, which incorporates the Geneva Conventions. At Pablo's trial, Professor Marjorie Cohn from San Diego's Thomas Jefferson School of Law, testified that the war in Iraq violates the United Nations Charter, which authorizes the use of force only in self defense, or with the Security Council's approval. She also noted that according to the Nuremberg Principle and the Army Field Manual, disobeying an unlawful order is a duty, and claiming to be following superior orders constitutes no legal defense in the commission of war crimes. Interestingly, neither at my trial nor at Pablo's, did the prosecution ever put on evidence to counter the defense international law expert testimony.
From Independent Media Center, Keesha e-mails to note "June 10-12, 2005 'Weekend of Resistance' for Political Prisoner Jeff 'Free' Luers:"
In June 2001, 23 year-old forest defense activist Jeffrey "Free" Luers was sentenced to 22 years and 8 months in prison for the burning of three Sport Utility Vehicles (SUV's) in Eugene, Oregon. To make a statement about global warming, Jeff and his codefendent, Craig 'Critter' Marshall, set fire to 3 Sport Utility Vehicles at a Eugene car dealership. Their stated purpose was to raise awareness about global warming and the role that SUVs play in that process. No one was hurt in this action nor was that the intent. An arson specialist at trial confirmed that the action did not pose any threat to people based on its size and distance from any fuel source. Despite the fact that this action hurt no one, caused only $40,000 in damages and the cars were later resold, Jeff was sent to prison for a sentence considerably longer than those convicted of murder, kidnapping and rape in Oregon state. Jeff is recognized as a political prisoner by the Jericho Movement and the Anarchist Black Cross Network and Federation and continues to write and agitate for his release while imprisoned at Oregon State Penetentiary. His appeal was filed in January 2002. You can read the latest on his appeal here.
The June 10-12th Weekend Of Resistance is three weeks away. Events for 2005 have already been planned in North America and around the world. Check out the Ideas for Action to plan an event in your community. Read about last year's June 12 Day of Action here and the FBI and Fox News' lies here.
From NYC Indymedia, we'll note NYCLU' "NYCLU: Prologned Detention Prior to Arraignment a Common Occurance:"
May 24, 2005 -- The New York Civil Liberties Union has called on the City Council to pass landmark civil rights legislation that will be introduced tomorrow. Known as the "Charge or Release" bill and introduced by Council Member Bill Perkins, it would mandate that individuals arrested in New York City are arraigned within 24 hours of arrest. The legislation seeks to resolve the serious problem highlighted during the Republican National Convention when hundreds of protesters were held far in excess of 24 hours and often charged with minor violations. The NYCLU and New York City Bill of Rights Defense Campaign revealed new research that indicates that holding arrestees for longer than 24 hours is routine in many parts of the City, particularly in communities of color."The law states that no one should be held for longer than 24 hours without being formally charged before a judge," said Donna Lieberman, Executive Director of the NYCLU. "But we are concerned that the practice of prolonged detention targeted protesters charged with minor offenses at the RNC, and on a daily basis, has a disproportionate impact on people of color. The Charge or Release bill will bring New York City into compliance with the 24-hour rule."
Also from NYC Indymedia, Sam e-mails to note "The Indypendent Issue #70:Riding out the Storm:"
The latest issue of the Indypendent is online and on the streets, with a focus on how Critical Mass is faring after 9 months of police repression.
Critical Condition Still We Ride Notes from the Underground Press 2200 Call for Media Upheaval Media: Go Where People Are Washington Sq. Showdown The Folk Song Riot of 1961 Pot Gains in Albany SRO Disappearance Continues Residential Hotel Turns Hostel on Tenants Imperial Commander-in-Chief Bush's Botched Crusade Nuclear Myths African Organic Techno Whodunit? Second to Nun Where to Find the Indypendent Download Full PDF
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