UK activist faces 12 year sentence after RNC protests
Help Dave | 09.09.2008 20:55 | Repression
Dave Mahoney was cycling to the grocery store with his girlfriend in Minneapolis on September 4th 2008, when an un-marked van pulled up, and two men wearing FBI shirts inexplicably bundled him into the back, and drove off.
Dave was part of the protesters assembled at the Republican National Convention in the City that week, and was there to peacefully remind America and the rest of the world of some of the atrocities, and in-justices millions of people endure everyday across the globe - many of which link directly to the actions & policy of the Republican party.
Instead, Dave's become one of the victims... facing trumped up charges of Assault, and Conspiracy to Riot with a Furtherance of Terrorism; if convicted he could get up to 12 years in jail AND a $24,000 dollar fine...
Dave was part of the protesters assembled at the Republican National Convention in the City that week, and was there to peacefully remind America and the rest of the world of some of the atrocities, and in-justices millions of people endure everyday across the globe - many of which link directly to the actions & policy of the Republican party.
Instead, Dave's become one of the victims... facing trumped up charges of Assault, and Conspiracy to Riot with a Furtherance of Terrorism; if convicted he could get up to 12 years in jail AND a $24,000 dollar fine...
Front of flier
Back of flier
ANY of Dave's masses of friends both in America, and here in the UK would happily tell you the truth about Dave: He's one of the gentlest, most caring, peaceful, level-headed, intelligent people you could ever imagine, working tirelessly for environmental charities and groups like Amnesty International. He would NEVER do any of the things he's accused of, denies all the accusations vehemently, and can't believe the charges levelled at him which are based on the flimsiest evidence imaginable.
Dave was due to return home to the UK on October 3rd, and so had very little money when he was arrested, everything he had went towards his extortionate $25,000 bail, and so his family & friends back here are desperately trying to raise much-needed money for him to just survive over there, and also to fund a decent lawyer - which he'll inevitably need to take on organisations as deceitful and corrupt as the FBI and US Government.
For more information about Dave's case, or to offer help (financial or otherwise) & advice please get in touch as soon as possible, by emailling
helpdave@mail.com. Anything you can do to help us and Dave beat these bullshit charges would make a difference, and would be so gratefully appreciated.
Dave was due to return home to the UK on October 3rd, and so had very little money when he was arrested, everything he had went towards his extortionate $25,000 bail, and so his family & friends back here are desperately trying to raise much-needed money for him to just survive over there, and also to fund a decent lawyer - which he'll inevitably need to take on organisations as deceitful and corrupt as the FBI and US Government.
For more information about Dave's case, or to offer help (financial or otherwise) & advice please get in touch as soon as possible, by emailling
helpdave@mail.com. Anything you can do to help us and Dave beat these bullshit charges would make a difference, and would be so gratefully appreciated.
Help Dave
e-mail:
helpdave@mail.com
Comments
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It's stories like this...
10.09.2008 11:03
I suggest you get Dave's Member of Parliament involved. Don't write a letter in the first instance - make an appointment by telephone to see them in their "surgery". Make this your first priority. They will then advise how to proceed - I would imagine contact with the Home Office would be a good idea. Don't forget that Dave's MP is obliged to help you regardless of whether he/she supports or opposes progressive politics, and to be honest I'd imagine most MPs would want to help. America's world reputation as "out of control" will probably have even the staunchest Conservative MPs agreeing to assist!
It would be a good idea to start up a free blog on blogspot.com/blogger.com (etc) so interested people can monitor progress, and you can sweep up people into a campaign (as happened for the student who was arrested on terrorism charges in Nottingham recently). Advertise the web address on Indymedia and give lots of detail on the site about the case. You may get advice on solid actions from a variety of sources and you should publish the best ones on the site, so other people can do them too (e.g. write a letter to the Foreign Office, contribute financially to the campaign, etc.)
There are some high profile Human Rights lawyers that you may wish to get in touch with e.g. Clive Stafford Smith and Gareth Pierce. Also it won't hurt to talk to Liberty and Amnesty International UK either. Send emails but get on the phone as well.
Lastly this one is obvious but find out where Dave is incarcerated and arrange for as many notes from well-wishers as you can (especially friends in the UK) to be sent to him. This has sustained many an activist whilst they are imprisoned, and also sends a powerful message to the "authorities" who are holding him.
Hope that helps and keep us updated!
Jon
Agreement with above comment
10.09.2008 15:39
Ben
Other left newspapers
11.09.2008 09:56
Jon
Link to related article
12.09.2008 12:47
Jon