Statement in Support of Targeted Activists

Al-Shabaka, The Palestinian Policy Network, strongly condemns the targeting and intimidation over the last few months of anti-war and Palestine solidarity activists in Chicago and Minnesota by agencies of the U.S. government.  Since September 24, 2010, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the office of U.S. Attorney General Patrick Fitzgerald have issued a total of 23 federal grand jury subpoenas to activists.

The tactics employed by the FBI and the U.S. Attorney General’s office are intended to silence opposition to U.S. policies in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as the U.S. government’s ongoing support for the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian Territories and Syria’s Golan Heights.  The activists who have received grand jury subpoenas are committed to practicing non-violence and raising awareness among their fellow Americans about the implications of U.S. policies at home and abroad.  Therefore, the use and reliance upon grand jury proceedings not only stifles dissent, but seeks to silence free expression as well.

Al-Shabaka, The Palestinian Policy Network, extends its support to the activists who have been targeted and who have shown their determination to stand firm in defense of their constitutional rights.  We also call upon U.S. Attorney General Patrick Fitzgerald and the FBI to end this transparent attempt to restrict constitutionally protected political activities and speech under the guise of a criminal investigation.