From: <mailto:charlespost at nyc.rr.com>Charles Post <charlespost at nyc.rr.com>
PLEASE FORWARD WIDELY AMONG OTHER SOCIALISTS, RADICALS AND ANTI-WAR/GLOBAL JUSTICE ACTIVISTS
Friends and Comrades,
On Friday, February 27, 2005, two FBI agents came to my home in Brooklyn. I was at work and they began to question my partner about Solidarity, the socialist organization I belong to, and its possible connection to a young man who was arrested for allegedly vandalizing a military recruitment center in the Bronx, NY. The FBI agents indicated that they had obtained our address from the Solidarity website, where I am listed as the NY contact person. They asked my partner numerous questions, including whether or not we knew the young men who had been arrested, how long she (who is not a member) and I have been members of Solidarity and whether Solidarity had a "web forum."
This may or may not be the beginning of FBI harassment of US citizens who are active in the movement against the occupation of Iraq. It is certainly part of a pattern of harassment and repression, mostly targeting people from the Muslim and Arab communities and immigrants. Whether it is the beginning of more generalized harassment, we feel it is important that socialists, radicals and anti-war and global justice activists generally understand their rights when approached by the FBI.
Unless they have a warrant or subpoena, you are under no obligation to answer any questions nor permit agents in your home. We STRONGLY RECOMMEND that you do not answer any questions from the FBI. They may-- as they did when they questioned my partner-- assure you that they are "not out to get you." However, anything you tell them can be used against you or other activists in the future. Silence-- which is your right-- is your best policy. If the FBI comes with a warrant or subpoena, we strongly recommend you contact a lawyer immediately. We will be consulting with civil rights/civil liberties attorneys in the near future for more details.
Charles Post <mailto:charlespost at nyc.rr.com>charlespost at nyc.rr.com 281 Adelphi Street, Apt. 2 Brooklyn, NY 11205 Home: (718) 858-3458 Cell: (646) 206-9236