Highland park (the town where the rutgers 3 case was moved due to a conflict of interest with one of our lawyers) refused to vote on the antiwar resolution we brought to them tonight, but when faced with the importance of the impending Aug 5th court case for the RU 3.... they actually agreed to vote on one section of the resolution.
Last night the council voted:
RESOLVED, That the Council of Highland Park expresses concern that cases such as the “Rutgers 3” could violate Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Assembly
So we are taking it as a small victory and will be vigilant in ensuring that the rest of the antiwar resolution is passed and that another resolution introduced to de-federalize the NJ national guard is also voted on.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Thursday, June 19, 2008
The RU3 Defense Campaign Descends on Highland Park
The RU3 defense campaign is holding another action at the
Highland Park Town Council meeting. The RU3 case has been moved to
Highland Park and the court date has been pushed back to August 5th.
The RU3 defendants hope to do press interviews before the town council meeting to generate publicity. The July 15th meeting is at 7pm andheld in Borough Hall, 221 South 5th Avenue in Highland Park, New Jersey. Passing the antiwar resolution in New Brunswick was a great accomplishment, and it's now more important for the RU3 case to pass it in Highland Park!! Let's show the city government that we won't be intimidated to express our first amendment rights to peacefully protest! And let's make a sustainable impact by discouraging the NBPD/RUPD/AND EVERY OTHER NJ PD from issuing unjust charges in the future to student and community activists!!
Highland Park Town Council meeting. The RU3 case has been moved to
Highland Park and the court date has been pushed back to August 5th.
The RU3 defendants hope to do press interviews before the town council meeting to generate publicity. The July 15th meeting is at 7pm andheld in Borough Hall, 221 South 5th Avenue in Highland Park, New Jersey. Passing the antiwar resolution in New Brunswick was a great accomplishment, and it's now more important for the RU3 case to pass it in Highland Park!! Let's show the city government that we won't be intimidated to express our first amendment rights to peacefully protest! And let's make a sustainable impact by discouraging the NBPD/RUPD/AND EVERY OTHER NJ PD from issuing unjust charges in the future to student and community activists!!
Thursday, May 8, 2008
New Brunswick City Council Passes Antiwar Resolution!
Home News Tribune article about yesterday: http://www.mycentraljersey.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080508/NEWS/80508008
Yesterday members of the Walkout Coalition packed the Town Hall Meeting in New Brunswick in defense of the Rutgers 3 being charged with disorderly conduct for the events of March 27, 2008
Community members of New Brunswick stood up and spoke about the US occupation in Iraq and the effects it has on our community. We pressured our City Council to pass a resolution in support of public opposition to the occupation and urged them to do all in their power to help get the charges dropped, including signing the petition ( http://www.petitiononline.com/DefRU3/petition.html ) . In a moment of disbelief and love, solidarity, and happiness, the resolution was passed and we erupted in cheers:
Resolution to support public opposition to the War in Iraq
WHEREAS, The City of New Brunswick unequivocally supports the men and women in uniform from New Brunswick and the whole of the United State who are stationed overseas in Iraq. These individuals are making unimaginable sacrifices for their country; and
WHEREAS, The Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002 was passed by the US Congress on October 11, 2002, and that Public Law 107-243 cited Iraq's possession of weapons of mass destruction as a primary reason for the use of United States Armed Forces against Iraq; and
WHEREAS, On January 12, 2005, President Bush officially declared an end to the search for weapons of mass destruction in Iraq; and
WHEREAS, This March marked the fifth anniversary of the war in Iraq; and
WHEREAS, The City Council of New Brunswick expresses its deep opposition to the Bush Administration's continuation of the war in Iraq after its mendacious and deceptive methods of garnering initial support ; and
WHEREAS, The City of New Brunswick mourns and honors the approximately 4,000 Americans who have given their lives; and
WHEREAS, The City of New Brunswick recognizes that the physical, psychological, and emotional injuries inflicted on over a million service people who have served in Iraq cannot at this time be adequately quantified; and
WHEREAS, The City of New Brunswick mourns the indescribable suffering inflicted on the people of Iraq, and
WHEREAS, The City of New Brunswick, like cities throughout the nation relies on support from the federal government to adequately provide for the basic needs of its citizens; and
WHEREAS, The United States Congress has appropriated over $400 billion to fund military operations and Iraqi reconstruction, while a steady decline in Federal Housing and Urban Development grants has been experienced since 2002, the year before the war began; and
WHEREAS, The City of New Brunswick recognizes the necessity of maintaining the basic constitutional rights of its citizens, especially in a time of war.
BE IT HERE BY
RESOLVED, That the City Council of New Brunswick will continue to support the troops currently serving in Iraq and their families; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the City Council of New Brunswick will do all it can to help care for those who have been wounded or injured in the line of duty, and support those who are grieving at the loss of a loved one, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the City Council of New Brunswick communicates its desire to the members of Congress to end the war in Iraq and draw down the combat troops stationed in that country, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the City Council of New Brunswick urges the Federal government to pursue solutions to our country's domestic issues with the same zeal it pursued the invasion of Iraq; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the city Council of New Brunswick will do what it can to support any city residents working to end the War, and be it further
RESOLVED, That Freedom of Speech and freedom of assembly will be staunchly upheld in all cases of peaceful protest in opposition to the War; and be it further
RESOLVED, That at each meeting of the Council, after the Pledge of Allegiance, time is taken to suitably honor those Americans and Iraqis who have lost their lives in the conflict and communicate information about the continuing fiscal and humanitarian costs to the City of New Brunswick.
Yesterday members of the Walkout Coalition packed the Town Hall Meeting in New Brunswick in defense of the Rutgers 3 being charged with disorderly conduct for the events of March 27, 2008
Community members of New Brunswick stood up and spoke about the US occupation in Iraq and the effects it has on our community. We pressured our City Council to pass a resolution in support of public opposition to the occupation and urged them to do all in their power to help get the charges dropped, including signing the petition ( http://www.petitiononline.com/DefRU3/petition.html ) . In a moment of disbelief and love, solidarity, and happiness, the resolution was passed and we erupted in cheers:
Resolution to support public opposition to the War in Iraq
WHEREAS, The City of New Brunswick unequivocally supports the men and women in uniform from New Brunswick and the whole of the United State who are stationed overseas in Iraq. These individuals are making unimaginable sacrifices for their country; and
WHEREAS, The Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002 was passed by the US Congress on October 11, 2002, and that Public Law 107-243 cited Iraq's possession of weapons of mass destruction as a primary reason for the use of United States Armed Forces against Iraq; and
WHEREAS, On January 12, 2005, President Bush officially declared an end to the search for weapons of mass destruction in Iraq; and
WHEREAS, This March marked the fifth anniversary of the war in Iraq; and
WHEREAS, The City Council of New Brunswick expresses its deep opposition to the Bush Administration's continuation of the war in Iraq after its mendacious and deceptive methods of garnering initial support ; and
WHEREAS, The City of New Brunswick mourns and honors the approximately 4,000 Americans who have given their lives; and
WHEREAS, The City of New Brunswick recognizes that the physical, psychological, and emotional injuries inflicted on over a million service people who have served in Iraq cannot at this time be adequately quantified; and
WHEREAS, The City of New Brunswick mourns the indescribable suffering inflicted on the people of Iraq, and
WHEREAS, The City of New Brunswick, like cities throughout the nation relies on support from the federal government to adequately provide for the basic needs of its citizens; and
WHEREAS, The United States Congress has appropriated over $400 billion to fund military operations and Iraqi reconstruction, while a steady decline in Federal Housing and Urban Development grants has been experienced since 2002, the year before the war began; and
WHEREAS, The City of New Brunswick recognizes the necessity of maintaining the basic constitutional rights of its citizens, especially in a time of war.
BE IT HERE BY
RESOLVED, That the City Council of New Brunswick will continue to support the troops currently serving in Iraq and their families; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the City Council of New Brunswick will do all it can to help care for those who have been wounded or injured in the line of duty, and support those who are grieving at the loss of a loved one, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the City Council of New Brunswick communicates its desire to the members of Congress to end the war in Iraq and draw down the combat troops stationed in that country, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the City Council of New Brunswick urges the Federal government to pursue solutions to our country's domestic issues with the same zeal it pursued the invasion of Iraq; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the city Council of New Brunswick will do what it can to support any city residents working to end the War, and be it further
RESOLVED, That Freedom of Speech and freedom of assembly will be staunchly upheld in all cases of peaceful protest in opposition to the War; and be it further
RESOLVED, That at each meeting of the Council, after the Pledge of Allegiance, time is taken to suitably honor those Americans and Iraqis who have lost their lives in the conflict and communicate information about the continuing fiscal and humanitarian costs to the City of New Brunswick.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Rutgers 3 Coverage on WBAI tonight
Please tune in to 99.5FM WBAI (or online at wbai.org) to hear more coverage and support for the Rutgers 3!!! It will be on tonight (Monday May 5) between 6:00-6:30PM EST...
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Defense Fund Begun
A defense fund has been started to collect money for legal fees associated with the Rutgers 3. One of the Walkout Coalition groups, Tent State, is hosting the paypal on their group website.
Donate to the Rutgers 3 Defense Campaign
Donate to the Rutgers 3 Defense Campaign
Friday, April 25, 2008
Recent News on the Case
On Wednesday, the Rutgers 3 sucessfully postponed their case to allow them time to prepare and to aquire lawyers. Since then, another 2 lawyers have agreed to represent the defendents pro-bono!
A defense fund has been set up and is still being configured, news of that will be provided when the fund ready for use.
A national petition is being put together and will become public monday morning.
Keep checking the blog for updates on where you can help defend the Rutgers 3!
A defense fund has been set up and is still being configured, news of that will be provided when the fund ready for use.
A national petition is being put together and will become public monday morning.
Keep checking the blog for updates on where you can help defend the Rutgers 3!
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Press Conference Tomorrow
PRESS CONFERENCE ADVISORY
Contact: Andrea Mueller FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(908) 463-7329
andrea@tentstate.com
Walkout Coalition To Hold Press Conference Tomorrow to Support Rutgers Students Prosecuted for Protesting Iraq War:
Charges Especially Contentious as Walkout Was Widely Reported as Peaceful with Police Pleased
New Brunswick, NJ – Tuesday April 22, 2008 – Three Rutgers students, Erik Straub, a Rutgers College junior and member of Tent State University/Students for a Democratic Society, Suzan Sanal, a Douglass College junior and member of Rutgers Against the War, and Arwa Ibrahim, a Rutgers College senior, have been issued summons for activities that took place during the March 27, 2008 Rutgers Walk Out Against the War. These three students will be issuing a statement at a press conference immediately preceding their first trial date this coming Wednesday, April 23rd at 11:00AM during the Tent State University event located on the College Avenue campus of Rutgers in New Brunswick, NJ. The press conference will take place at the Vietnam War Memorial on Voorhees Mall.
The Walkout brought together about 600 Rutgers students and supporters, who walked out on their daily routine and rallied in protest of the war in Iraq. The Walkout culminated in a march, with an estimated 300 participants, that took a path through the streets of downtown New Brunswick and onto nearby highway Route 18.
Despite the fact that the action involved hundreds of students, police singled out only three for prosecution. Furthermore, while for the second year in a row the protest yielded no injuries, no arrests, and no incidents of vandalism or property damage, the New Brunswick Police Department is charging the three students with 'recklessly creating … a hazardous or physically dangerous condition by an act which serves no legitimate purpose.'
"91 Rutgers students will be shipped to Iraq beginning this month; Rutgers students are significantly more likely to be put into harm's way due to the criminally negligent actions of President Bush than they ever will be attending a protest in New Brunswick," replied Jean Pierre Mestanza, a member of the Walkout Coalition "The only hazardous and dangerous situation that has been created has been the result of the decision by the US government to invade Iraq." Mestanza went on to cite a recent report by the National Institute for Strategic Studies, a respected Defense Department research center, which referred to the Iraq war as "a major debacle."
Reactions among organizers of the Walkout have been mixed.
"I called my parents as soon as I found out," said a participant at the Walkout who wishes to remain anonymous. "I was worried when I heard they were prosecuting students because I was helping to organize during the march that day too. My job was mainly to walk around and make sure nothing got out of hand. One officer even thanked me after the event; I'm not sure if he opposed the war too or if he was just glad for the assistance we were providing by circulating through the crowd and keeping the situation calm and under control."
Other students took a different view.
"This is quite clearly selective political prosecution with the intent to intimidate organizers and prevent future protests from happening," said Adriel Bernal, a Walkout participant. "They don't want us protesting against the war even if we're being peaceful and nonviolent. If we can't even protest peacefully in our own city, it's clear that our voices will never be strong enough to reach those in power elsewhere."
"While they're busy putting students on trial, they should be arresting the real criminals: the architects of the war," Bernal concluded.
The Walkout Coalition has issued the following demands in regards to the charges against Arwa, Suzan, and Erik, which they hope will be echoed and supported by the residents of New Brunswick, the Rutgers community, and peace and justice advocates across the United States and beyond:
To the New Brunswick Prosecutor's Office: Drop all charges against the Rutgers students being prosecuted in relation to the 2008 Walkout Against the War.
To the City of New Brunswick: Students are being prosecuted for peacefully opposing the war. It is obvious that the voice of students is not being considered in City Hall. Therefore, we demand student seats on the New Brunswick City Council to represent our student neighborhoods. Student representation for our student wards! (http://www.empowernb.com/)
As for Erik Straub, one of the students being prosecuted, he is trying to take everything in stride. "We all want our sisters and brothers in the military to come home," Straub explained. "While I don't relish the idea of spending any time in a jail cell, countless others have sacrificed even more in this unjust war. I am convinced we will defeat these unjust charges, but whatever happens, I believe I have a moral imperative to do whatever is required from me in the nonviolent pursuit of freedom from occupation for the Iraqi people and an end to the war."
###
For more information, please contact Andrea Mueller at andrea@tentstate.com
Contact: Andrea Mueller FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(908) 463-7329
andrea@tentstate.com
Walkout Coalition To Hold Press Conference Tomorrow to Support Rutgers Students Prosecuted for Protesting Iraq War:
Charges Especially Contentious as Walkout Was Widely Reported as Peaceful with Police Pleased
New Brunswick, NJ – Tuesday April 22, 2008 – Three Rutgers students, Erik Straub, a Rutgers College junior and member of Tent State University/Students for a Democratic Society, Suzan Sanal, a Douglass College junior and member of Rutgers Against the War, and Arwa Ibrahim, a Rutgers College senior, have been issued summons for activities that took place during the March 27, 2008 Rutgers Walk Out Against the War. These three students will be issuing a statement at a press conference immediately preceding their first trial date this coming Wednesday, April 23rd at 11:00AM during the Tent State University event located on the College Avenue campus of Rutgers in New Brunswick, NJ. The press conference will take place at the Vietnam War Memorial on Voorhees Mall.
The Walkout brought together about 600 Rutgers students and supporters, who walked out on their daily routine and rallied in protest of the war in Iraq. The Walkout culminated in a march, with an estimated 300 participants, that took a path through the streets of downtown New Brunswick and onto nearby highway Route 18.
Despite the fact that the action involved hundreds of students, police singled out only three for prosecution. Furthermore, while for the second year in a row the protest yielded no injuries, no arrests, and no incidents of vandalism or property damage, the New Brunswick Police Department is charging the three students with 'recklessly creating … a hazardous or physically dangerous condition by an act which serves no legitimate purpose.'
"91 Rutgers students will be shipped to Iraq beginning this month; Rutgers students are significantly more likely to be put into harm's way due to the criminally negligent actions of President Bush than they ever will be attending a protest in New Brunswick," replied Jean Pierre Mestanza, a member of the Walkout Coalition "The only hazardous and dangerous situation that has been created has been the result of the decision by the US government to invade Iraq." Mestanza went on to cite a recent report by the National Institute for Strategic Studies, a respected Defense Department research center, which referred to the Iraq war as "a major debacle."
Reactions among organizers of the Walkout have been mixed.
"I called my parents as soon as I found out," said a participant at the Walkout who wishes to remain anonymous. "I was worried when I heard they were prosecuting students because I was helping to organize during the march that day too. My job was mainly to walk around and make sure nothing got out of hand. One officer even thanked me after the event; I'm not sure if he opposed the war too or if he was just glad for the assistance we were providing by circulating through the crowd and keeping the situation calm and under control."
Other students took a different view.
"This is quite clearly selective political prosecution with the intent to intimidate organizers and prevent future protests from happening," said Adriel Bernal, a Walkout participant. "They don't want us protesting against the war even if we're being peaceful and nonviolent. If we can't even protest peacefully in our own city, it's clear that our voices will never be strong enough to reach those in power elsewhere."
"While they're busy putting students on trial, they should be arresting the real criminals: the architects of the war," Bernal concluded.
The Walkout Coalition has issued the following demands in regards to the charges against Arwa, Suzan, and Erik, which they hope will be echoed and supported by the residents of New Brunswick, the Rutgers community, and peace and justice advocates across the United States and beyond:
To the New Brunswick Prosecutor's Office: Drop all charges against the Rutgers students being prosecuted in relation to the 2008 Walkout Against the War.
To the City of New Brunswick: Students are being prosecuted for peacefully opposing the war. It is obvious that the voice of students is not being considered in City Hall. Therefore, we demand student seats on the New Brunswick City Council to represent our student neighborhoods. Student representation for our student wards! (http://www.empowernb.com/)
As for Erik Straub, one of the students being prosecuted, he is trying to take everything in stride. "We all want our sisters and brothers in the military to come home," Straub explained. "While I don't relish the idea of spending any time in a jail cell, countless others have sacrificed even more in this unjust war. I am convinced we will defeat these unjust charges, but whatever happens, I believe I have a moral imperative to do whatever is required from me in the nonviolent pursuit of freedom from occupation for the Iraqi people and an end to the war."
###
For more information, please contact Andrea Mueller at andrea@tentstate.com
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