Last year, on January 20th, the U.S. inaugurated the least popular first-year president in modern history. On inauguration day, D.C. police arrested 230 people using a mass-arrest technique called "kettling", despite the fact that this technique is specifically discouraged by D.C. law. Pepper spray-soaked protestors, medics, legal observers, and journalists were held in the kettle for over 9 hours and denied food, water, and access to bathrooms. Arrestees were charged under the Federal Riot Statute, and in April 2017, multiple felony charges were also added. In December, a DC jury acquitted the first six defendants, but 184 defendants still face up to 60 years in prison for their charges.
The arrest method, added felony charges, and ongoing trials are all evidence of heightened government repression of dissent, and serious cause for concern. Defend J20 Resistance draws a comparison between this case and the ongoing case against the 800 water protectors charged in the conflicts at Standing Rock in 2016, as both cases may set a new precedent for increased federal crackdowns on First Amendment rights and the limits and allowances of U.S. journalism. Sociologists and legal experts alike see the J20 trials as a move to criminalize protest itself and protect state power.
The acquittal of the first 6 defendants is good news. Scott Michelman, an attorney of ACLU's D.C. chapter, is quoted here applauding the verdict:“Today’s verdict reaffirms two central constitutional principles of our democracy: first, that dissent is not a crime, and second, that our justice system does not permit guilt by association." However, the impending trials (which will stretch throughout 2018) and verdicts of the other 184 defendants leave a lot of room for the government to recoup its bid for increased authoritarian power. This is why it is important to support the efforts of the defendants and organizations like Defend J20 Resistance to continue to resist agains the state's power-grab.
The Radical Mapping Project stands in solidarity with the J20 defendants. While in Wisconsin, we had the privilege of speaking with a J20 defendant. We did not obtain a formal interview, but through our conversation we were able to learn about the repressive charges and challenging conditions facing this particular defendant. We believe that supporting resistance in any form is extremely important. Here's what you can do to support J20 Defendants:
Get your facts straight. Read the articles linked above and follow news coverage.
Donate to support regional and general legal funds.
Speak up. Encourage your organization to draft and release a statement of solidarity or sign on to a solidarity statement.
Offer emotional support to any J20 defendants you may know. Here are some resources for defendants and supporters. Here's another legal posse with resources (local to D.C.)
Raise awareness by hosting events or dialogues, reading and creating zines, organizing rallies, and any other tactics you can think of!
Alternatively, attend these events around the U.S. within the next week aimed at raising awareness and funds for J20 defendants (locations are listed in the description of the event).
Follow Defend J20 Resistance to stay in the loop on things like calling campaigns and other events.
If you live in D.C., you can be especially helpful by vocalizing your local support for defendants! Physically show up for protests and rallies outside trials. Visit D.C. Legal posse's page to see how you can get involved.
For more suggestions, check out this article on Crimethinc, "7 Things You Can Do to Support J20 Defendants."
Image Sources: Yard Sign from DC Legal Posse, Flyer from Defend J20 Resistance