For Immediate Release
May 8, 2003

 http://www.homelandresistance.org

OPERATION HOMELAND RESISTANCE CLOSES OUT WEEK ONE OF CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE ACTIONS
Protesters Vow to Escalate “Homeland Resistance”


On Thursday, May 8, Operation Homeland Resistance, which organized three consecutive days of civil disobedience actions at the Jacob Javitz Federal Building this week, held a press conference to announce its next steps.

Organizers say they organized the series of protests to send the message that New Yorkers oppose the Bush administration’s war program both here at home and abroad. “The Bush administration spent billions of dollars on a war abroad, allegedly to destroy weapons of mass destruction; none have been found,” said organizer Collette Carter. “Meanwhile, here at home, the cost of war on our communities is that we now face budget cuts, massive lay-offs, rent hikes, fare hikes, and tuition hikes.”

A total of eighty-three protesters – New Yorkers from all walks of life, including teachers, mothers, and students -- were arrested for civil disobedience actions over a period of three days. Chanting "No more profiling, no more war," they linked arms and blocked the entrance to the federal building at 26 Federal Plaza before they were arrested and dragged away by police. All have been released after being charged with obstructing government administration, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest.

Although the demonstrations were peaceful, the police were aggressive in their treatment of the protesters, who charged the police of excessive force and racial profiling. According to organizers, a protester was kneed in the head by an officer, and women were assaulted and subjected to homophobic remarks by officers while being searched. Also according to organizers, a higher percentage of women, the majority of people of color, and the majority of queer people were detained overnight while others were released only after six hours. In addition, they say police intimidated protesters with questions about their political beliefs and affiliations. “This is yet another example of the NYPD’s abusive treatment of anti-war protesters to punish those who don’t share their political beliefs,” said Rafael Mutis, who participated in the protest and was released after 24 hours of being in police custody.

“The illegal invasion and illegal occupation of Iraq should be continuously protested,” said New York City Councilmember Charles Barron in support of the protesters. “I support the movement and the efforts of Operation Homeland Resistance, and I call upon law enforcement to allow New Yorkers to peacefully exercise their rights.”

Organizers say they hope this week’s protests will spark increased “homeland resistance” throughout the city, and vowed to escalate protests in the upcoming weeks. “The fighting in Iraq may be over, but this is only the beginning of a long war,” said Monami Maulik. “We will see continued U.S. aggression abroad as well as increased repression of our communities here at home. We must escalate our resistance.”

Operation Homeland Resistance is a coalition of racial justice and immigrant rights groups in New York City and is endorsed by fifty-six organizations throughout the city.

More information and photos:
 http://www.homelandresistance.org

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