READ THIS! - A member of the forum arrested

[CheGuevara]

Anti-Government, a new but high-quality forum member, was recently arrested and his excellent site shut down. Hopefully his voice has only been temporarily muffled. Some free speech in this country, eh? Visit the link for more info

www.raisethefist.com

(Edited by CheGuevara at 10:16 am on Jan. 28, 2002)

[libereco]

thats really anti-government?

wow, just wow.
but of course fascist sites are always allowed to stay because of "free speech".

makes you wonder.

[Renegade]

fuck the united states, this is a tragedy, all che-lives comrades should be in mourning

[MetalGus]

Yeah!
I've been reading Anti posts since they were on the good ol' RATM boards.
I visited his site frequently.
Even though he was an extremist (kinda like me) I would never have tought that the Feds would arrest him and shut his site down.
Incredible...

Just another proof that we're all at the Gov's mercy.
Damn fuckers...


P.S. Did you read the latest Adbusters? If not you should, it is very interesting.

[Hayduke]

I emaild the guy think you should too

[Kez]

Should the YFRC be worried?

comrade kamo

[Edelweiss]

Solidarity from Che-Lives!
Fight the censors!

[Moskitto]

Why don't they arrest Matt Hale then?

Ok, maybe it's stopping free speech, but if you stop one person from having free speach just because he disagrees with the government, then why don't you arrest someone else who disagrees with the government and wants to deny people free speech based on their skin colour?

[revolutionary spirit]

watch out che-lives

[Che Vive]

Thats freakin bullshit!!!
i dont know what the hell it is but i think we should do something to show our support.

[LeftoverAnimal]

Its at times like this when you wish the Revolution should comme sooner. We definately need to show our support for Raise The Fist.

[Che Vive]

(Edited by Che Vive at 9:28 pm on Jan. 28, 2002)

[Che Vive]

ur right left, but to tell u the truth im starting to wonder if tthe revolution is ever gonna come(at least in my lifetime) especially whhen u see ppl so clueless about whats going on around them and when the ppl who are supposedly the "heads" of leftist groups are nothing but marionettes controlled by their own personal benefit which makes them actually even worse than those right wing jerks

[peaccenicked]

This is very hard to comment on. I feel totally frustrated.
I wish I could do something other than let others know,
my heart sinks low and my anger is huge. if any one has any constructive ideas I will listen.

[Sasafrás]

This is absolutely hideous.. I thought that there was a little something called "Free Speech" but I guess not. I'm honestly quite disturbed by that and I think it's tragic. I support AntiGovernment in every way imaginable and I really hope that there'll be some true justice for a change.

Peace & Love.. :(

[Rob]

I don't know what we can do, but it needs to be something. We need to show our support of our comrades.

[MJM]

CheG if you are a friend of Anti- Gov give him my best regards.
This is what I think he should do.
Keep a journal of the stay in prison and then distribute it as propaganda either online or a basic booklet of some sort.
Make a lot of noise while in jail, hunger strikes, rallys etc. the more trouble the better.
Talk to the inmates about the system and how the rich are profitting at their expense and that revolution not crime is the best solution.

[rebel with a cause]

Dammit, i was gonna join his militia too.

[CheGuevara]

I'm actually not a friend of his, but I read the posts that he wrote when he was here and I liked them, and I enjoyed his website a lot. I really have no idea what to do. I live on the east coast, and it would be particularly difficult to attract the attention of the capitalist media out here, or even out there on the west coast for that matter, although since the FBI was deeply involved it does make it a national threat, as if it weren't already one since freedom of speech concerns all of us.

[Edelweiss]

I don't think that AntiG. is in jail, but his servers and even his backups and literature have been seized after his house has been raided by more than 25 heavily armed men of FBI, Secret Service and LAPD.

> Indymedia LA (http://la.indymedia.org/)

[Dreadnaht1]

Comrades, this kind of makes us all realize how close we all have become. I was a good friend of Anti-G's and hopefully he feels the same way about me. We often spoke and shared many of the same views and ideals. I feel that this is not only an invasion of Anti-G's life and personal way of expressing himself and others but also it is a personal invasion to us all as comrades and as communists. What happened to him was a direct violation of his human rights and the first ammendmant.

I feel deeply moved by this act of betrayal and extremism on behalf of the U$ government. It only shows us that the government does not care about us as individuals. They see nothing but a victim to throw advertising at and to steal from. And when one of their mindless mules finally realizes the truth and speaks out for themselves the government only responds by silencing them.

This is definetly not the first time a website has been shutdown by the U$ government (www.marxist.com, www.ratm.com) but because it's more personal, now, it has definetly opened my eyes even further to the corruption and deceit of this nation and it's government.

In response to this, I feel that we as a community should act as a whole. If we each submit Anti-G and his website (Raise the Fist) to Rage Against the Machine's website (http://www.ratm.com/entry.html) then they may make Anti-G Freedom Fighter of the month. Sounds kind of lame but if RAGE decides to do it then we could broadcast Anti-G's message and story to thousands of people each day for a month.

Go here: http://www.ratm.com/entry.html and write a little description of the situation and give them Anti-G's website adress. I urge as many community members as possible to go and submit him so that we can share his story with an even larger community.

iViva Raisethefist.com!
iViva Revolution!
iHASTA LA VICTORIA SIEMPRE!

-Comrade Dread

(Edited by Dreadnaht1 at 9:21 pm on Jan. 28, 2002)


(Edited by Dreadnaht1 at 9:22 pm on Jan. 28, 2002)

[Edelweiss]

Just got an e-mail from AntiG and he asked me to send him all cashed files of raisedfist.com that I have on my hd. I don't have any cashed files of raisethefist, so if you have any, please send it to AntiG. ([email protected])

FIGHT THE CENSORS!

[Valkyrie]

it's a sure sign that they fear the strength of communism rising against them too.

[I Will Deny You]

Quote: from Moskitto on 7:26 pm on Jan. 28, 2002
Why don't they arrest Matt Hale then?

Ok, maybe it's stopping free speech, but if you stop one person from having free speach just because he disagrees with the government, then why don't you arrest someone else who disagrees with the government and wants to deny people free speech based on their skin colour?
Exactly. I don't know who this Anti-Government guy is, but if he had done something as awful as Matt Hale, a) I would have heard about it from the news, and B) Malte probably wouldn't let him stay.

I'd never been to raisethefist.com until now so I can't help but wonder, what kind of site was it? The feebs don't arm themselves with automatic weapons and surround your house everyday.

[Edelweiss]

Google has cashed many pages of RTF:
http://www.google.com/search?q=allinurl:ra...0&sa=N&filter=0 (http://www.google.com/search?q=allinurl:raisethefist.com&hl=en&start=0&sa=N&filter=0)

[I Will Deny You]

Thanks.

[El Brujo]

Quote: from Moskitto on 3:26 am on Jan. 29, 2002
Why don't they arrest Matt Hale then?

Ok, maybe it's stopping free speech, but if you stop one person from having free speach just because he disagrees with the government, then why don't you arrest someone else who disagrees with the government and wants to deny people free speech based on their skin colour?


Your forgetting Tom Metzger, Pat Buchanan and all the other redneck assholes kissing the U.S. government's ass. Land of the free, my ass. I hate it when Americans say that people from other country's hate America because "their jealous because were free". Well its the complete opposite, They dislike America because its far from being free.

[rebel with a cause]

Will there be any demonstrations for Anti-G, I live in LA, if there is anyone else from southern california or any that are willing to come down here for support, please post to see if we could get a solidarity group for him and raise hell on the streets of LA.

[Markxs]

tanks dread for the link to the ratm page. i send them a mail about anti goverment site!!!!!!! i hope the ppl who can do something do it !!. would we maybe start ?? our own group of ppl. publishing stories? in the line of thought of .....?

[ThomasT]

an unbelievable act of censorship... american POLITICS (I'm not talking about amaricans in general) are fighting terrorism, using the same loathing tecnics....
Shame on the governement! Shame on capitalism....
TOM

[gooddoctor]

will anti keep us updated on his situation? we could probably do a lot to help him if he's legit. maybe some people here know him better than i do, but he seemed like a nice guy anyway, and raisethefist.com looks alright. there must be some politician we can write to, or some sort of e-petition, or maybe even amnesty international can help if anti is a political prisoner. with enough support, the first amendment can indeed be defended by democrats against the capitalists.

[Edelweiss]

Again, anti is NOT in jail.
Visit Indymedia LA (http://la.indymedia.org) for more info including upcoming demonstrations.

[peaccenicked]

http://uk.indymedia.org:8081/front.php3?ar...4&group=webcast (http://uk.indymedia.org:8081/front.php3?article_id=21214&group=webcast)
Cartoon + article re:raisethefist.com

[Hayduke]

thanks for the message malte anyway before I knew that this is what i sended him

Thanks for the kind words!
Webmaster
----- Original Message -----
From:
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 28, 2002 8:41 AM
Subject: FREEDOM OF SPEECH A DREAM AWAY


> ....as I know this email would be checked by the FBI
> To the founder of raisethefist thank you
> to let people see what AMERICA is really bout.......
> Ruled by bigg bosses, FBI, and other services....
> People like you just can't speak freely.
> Yet I want to thank you that you showed
> us your rebellion side............
> and let people see that America isnt everything at all.....
> I wish you good luck.....dont forget
> dont let this thing destroy for what you believe in
> most important thing now is to keep believe........
> GOOD LUCK MAN
>
> A left winged,
>
> D DAY
>
>

[DaNatural]

This is pretty interesting at first I thought this was some type of fabricated news item but when i saw the links to several other topics related to it, it became beleivable. I read that he had a page on weapon which im sure is what definantly got him in shit. Well keep your head up man good luck. peace

[Dreadnaht1]

Hmm I think it was his ability to speak the truth to a mass audience that got him in the shit.

-Dread

[CheGuevara]

It shouldn't matter what it was. I don't see how distributing information, whether on unclogging toilets or making submachineguns, should get you raided.

Ancient Chinese Secret, courtesy of Confucius: *Gong*These is no good or bad information. Only the purpose to which it is applied can be good or bad.


(Edited by CheGuevara at 2:25 am on Jan. 30, 2002)

[GuerrillaFMLN]

Unfortunately the U.S. is using this HYSTERIA about Afganistan to cover up what is going on domestically. Ever notice that for every 1 thing that Moron Bush does domestically it seems like he does 50 more over seas. And everyone looks to where he points like a bunch of idiots who cant digest info for themselves. I bet that an FBI raid wont even make a blurb on your local news. Look around you and see how much is slipping because of a lack of focus.

(Edited by GuerrillaFMLN at 7:50 pm on Jan. 29, 2002)

[UneducatedSocialist]

Land of the free?

[Edelweiss]

Anti speaks to Indymedia L.A.:
http://la.indymedia.org/display.php3?article_id=14555

hello .. this is the founder of raisethefist.com .. I just want to confirm a few things for those individuals/media who are still unsure about what was going on, what led up to the raid, and where the site will go from here ..



- raisethefist.com has been under extensive monitering by the federal government (U.S Department of Defense, FBI, SS, NSA.etc..), along with foreign governments (UK, Astralia, Lavtia, Egypt, Belgium, Canada, Finland) .. raisethefist.com came under extensive profiling on a daily basis. However, a week and a half before the raid, all profiling by government agencies (including foriegn) on the site seized completly. For about a week and half there wasn't a SINGLE government agency on raisethefist.com. Not a single hit. This was obviously very odd, and thus it imediatly said something was soon to happen. But it said a little bit more. Alot of the foreign govenrment connections, such as the ones from the UK (who were two city governments) routed straight back to the NSA. The FBI does not work internationaly like this (unless they're smuggling drugs).. However the NSA/SS/CIA does. ALL govenrment connections to the site stopped COMPLETLY a week and a half before the raid. This included all foerign government connections. Since when does the FBI connect through foerign government gateways like in the UK, Finland, Lavtia, etc.? They don't. But the SS/CIA does. This is why the secret service participated in the raid. The FBI didn't initiate the actual warent. Someone above them did. Who's conducting this investigation? Surly not just the FBI.


- there is good news about the web site. we have found 3-month-old backups that are on a remote server. This means we will be able to restore the structure of the site, not necessarly all of the articles, but the graphics, CGI code .. etc. However, due to lack of payments to the remote host were RTF was backed up, we will have to pay $300.00 to obtain our files. We are extremly scarse on funds at this point. If ANYONE can help donate money, please email [email protected] .. We would like to get the site back up and functional within the next week.


- as of now I don't know what charges will be brought against me. based on what i've been told, i'm assuming they will be pretty heavy. I wish not to discuss specifics online due to security.


- the FBI told me that they raided because of the content on the web site. Apparently, they were 'concerned' about the information displayed the web site (which came from the 'reclaim guide'). A small portion of this guide delt with explosives. The majority of the guid delt with protest tactics (security culture ..etc.) We did not write this guide. Neither did anyone we know. It was simply copied and pasted onto the site a while ago. If you do a search, you should be able to find the same exact guide on other web sites. Yet how come they only raided raisethefist? How come they only targeted raisethefist? Because the raid had nothing to do with that content. It was used as an excuse. They raided raisethefist because it was becomming progressive. It was an effective tool utilized by the activist/anarchist community. And that was dangerous to them. They've been monitering the site BEYOND extensivly long before we had even copied & pasted the 'reclaim guide' onto the site. So they obviously wern't concerned with the guide, but instead with the political views raisethefist advocated.


- the raid consisted of FBI, Secret Service, LAPD and LASD. They sorounded the house with guns before raiding it. They had machine guns, shot guns, and hand guns. They also had a door bammer ready to break down the door, they also blocked off the garage door, and had bullet proof vests. They obviously came prepared to shoot and kill. They had more artillary then they use for raiding gang felons and drug operations.

- raisethefist.com is back online, although as a temp. bulliten to explain what's happening. The site it's self is not yet up and running. However, government agencies have resumed monitering the site. They are continuesly watching it.


- if you want to contact the webmaster/founder, please email [email protected] .. if you want to contact the temp sysop, please email [email protected]

[Edelweiss]

a temporary defense fund has been set up for RaiseTheFist's defense:
http://la.indymedia.org/display.php3?article_id=14503

[Red Star]

(Edited by Red Star at 4:30 am on Jan. 31, 2002)

[Imperial Power]

The FBI should raid half of you commie bastards. Talking about starting revolutions and cheering for the taliban what do you expect.

[CheGuevara]

What the fuck is this twat doing on this board?

[Sasafrás]

OK, Imperial Power really just might be best off if he/she is banned..
That was a stupid remark, and my cousin & I always say, "When you make a stupid remark, you must be slapped." And, I don't know anyone here who has actually cheered for the Taliban...
Really, CheGuevara, what is that twat doing on this board?

[vox]

Imperialist just proved that what he wrote on the other board about how in the US people are free to start a political party is a lie, for he doesn't speak to this specific case but to the suppression of leftist thought in general.

Not only can't he answer me, he can't even keep his misbegotten philosophy consistent. The fool is dismissed (that means you, imperialist).

vox

[Renegade]

Most unbelievable of all, he's made (as of when i wrote this) 167 posts. 167 posts of utter garbage

Capitalism sure does overproduce doesn't it :)

[El Che]

OMG! I didnt really know this guy but i read one or too of his posts and he a seemed very comitted activist. In fact if u take a look at his posts (think it was the frist or second posted here in general political topics) you will find he talked about this very situation of the goverment fighting back if you contest it. I remember saying to him "if you fight in a democratic way as an activist then you will have no problem" It apears i was not entirly correct. However his discourse seemed exagerated since he was taking about the LAPD raping and murdering people etc. None the less this is a tragic even and i believe he was right in his own way. There is no freedom of speech after all. Good luck to you AintGov. Solidarity.

[Edelweiss]

Stop posting in this forum Imperial Moron!

[Renegade]

Love what you've done with the avatar malte, lol :)

[Hayduke]

Cheering tali-ban I am against it man.....so is the rest here.......
GO play with your money or something...

[Edelweiss]

Finally some corp. media coverage:

LA Weekly Story
http://www.laweekly.com/ink/02/11/new-mikulan.shtml

Washington Post's Newsbytes
http://www.newsbytes.com/news/02/174092.html

The newsbytes article has some interesting new facts about anti's hacking activities.

[Edelweiss]

Anti has been arrested in NYC at the WEF protests!!!! I don't know if he has already been released.
More info including the complete FBI search warrant:
http://cryptome.org/usa-v-rtf-swa.htm

[Dreadnaht1]

This bullshit is un-fucking believable.

[CPK]

it just shows how 'good' the fbi is...

[GuerillaTactics]

not very..........it's not too hard to track things over the internet............they're probably watching my crazy ass as we speak......lol

[Guest]

It's hard to believe that the FBI can get away with these sorts of stunts. Here in Australia we have left wing activists also getting arrested for 'subversiveness'. It sems that the 'free world' is a thing of the past. Welcome to 1984

[Xvall]

Yes...

Welcome to Nineteen Eighty-Four
Are you ready for the Third World War?
You too can meet the secret police,
They'll draft you and jail your neice...
You'll go quietly too boot camp,
They'll shoot you dead, make you a man,
Don't you worry it's for a cause,
Feeding global corporations claws!
Die on our brand new poison gas,
El Salvador or Afghanistan,
Making money for president Raegan,
Making money for president Raegan,
And all the friends of President Raegan

- California Uber Alles

[KOMUNISTKa]

And they even call this democracy.
We should really do something.

In solidarity,

[Guest]

The media everywhere is their's. it's all propaganda. Free world my ass. We must continue with the belive that people will awaken.

In solidarity

[kloes]

well same shit different place, its incleible we are commpletely summerged in a dictatorship by a democratic way once more we see that democracy doesnt work compañeros if i had some tanks and guns I willing to start the fucken revolution.....is that what they want????' problaby yes so they have a better excuse to kill us all left wing compañeros...uh???

[Guest]

wow i didn't know there was a thread about me here... um, i forgot the password to my username, can you email it to the address i had registered to my account? (antigovernment) .. email is [email protected]

[Lefty]

i express solidarity with anti gov and admire him for being brave
hast la victoria siempre, comrade

[apollyon1515]

I think that this is an outrage. Almost like a movie, doesn't seem like they should actually be able to do this, huh? I may be an idiot to some of you, or just a raving lunatic, but when is someone going to actually do something? Talking gets us nowhere, and all of the successful revolutionary leaders (Lenin, Mao, Che) have realized this. Violence may not be the answer that we want, but it's effectiveness is evident. Is all of that American Political Correctness anti-violence propaganda permiating your brains too? Come on, we learned as Americans from the 60's that the non-violent approach is ineffective. It is the way that the government WANTS you to react, easier to control. Can't anybody else see this??? Seriously, how many of you are here to be a part of something, to "fit in" to something and make your life worthwhile and entertaining? And how may of you believe enough in the cause to do what is necessary for the future of the Earth? I have been silently observing your posts on here, and it disgusts me. It's just another fad for some of you. Comes right after the neo-nazi stunt and the anarchist binge, anything to rebel against mommy and daddy, you can find a nice place to finally fit in since you have been rejected by the mainstream culture. In the spirit of Che, and the Communist ***freedom fighter*** cause, is anyone else actually willing to take up arms for the cause? Or does it just make you feel good to sit there and ***** about how bad your lives suck and you need something to blame, so why not the government? I realize that I'll probably get alot of shit for this, but anyways, I don't care, I'm used to it, contact me if you know anything about groups or people who actually want to change things-thanks, goodbye!

[Lefty]

i guess that by not wanting to inflict pain on fellow human beings, i automatically become a capitalist and a tool of the U$A. Believe me, i am not. Well, you can start your revolution and be crushed by the NeoGestapo immediately, or you could advocate peaceful change. Whatever you want.

[FtWfTn]

I read the first page of this fourm and thats terrible and its almost like a death in the family. I hope the rest of us arn't in any type of watching or something

[lacha]

uh......... check out the rest of the story folks......

http://www.newsbytes.com/news/02/174548.html

[suffianr]

That's it, we're all in this together now, chums. Rally the defences! Our faith shall not falter.

[maxfish17]

I agree with all the rest of you, but there's something you're forgetting;

Many of you are self proclaimed commies and many(but not all) of you agree with the basic principles of communism. One of the main parts of the communist systems that were set up in USSR and China is that "If one person says something detrimental to the well being or confidence in the government of the rest of the group then they will be punished".

The most criticised point of communism is that it stifles free speech against the government.

[suffianr]

Uh, pretty good point, mate. But what do mean to say?

But the common denominator here isn't just communist ideology, in the specific sense of the word. Imho, this isn't just a playground for Internet-addict CCCP-nostalgic lefties who gave up on human interaction, it's a place where we stand fast to our common ideals and opinions, and defend our ideals, if we must.

Ain't nobody gonna piss on my lawn, if you be getting my drift, gringo...

[Fabi]

not all forms of communism limit free speech.
communist anarchism, as an example, doesnt..

[Hattori Hanzo]

USA- public enemy # one

[Felicia]

The feds can kiss my communist ass!!!!!!!!!!!!

[deadpool 52]

You know this will only progress, right?

[new democracy]

"IF AN AGENT KNOCKS":
FEDERAL INVESTIGATORS AND YOUR RIGHTS

by: The Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR)
666 Broadway
New York, NY 10012
Phone: 212-614-6464


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

People who openly oppose United State government polices should be prepared to receive visits from FBI agents or other federal investigators. Those you oppose U.S. policy in Central America, visit Nicaraguan, Cuban or Soviet embassies here, or travel to those countries, and those who give sanctuary to refugees from Guatemala and El Salvador, or who struggle for Black liberation, for independence for Puerto Rico, or against nuclear weapons, are likely to receive visits from the FBI. Increasingly, agents are visiting the families, friends and employees of these persons.

For example, in a nationwide sweep in 1987, FBI agents visited 12 people in five cities during a three-day period. Most had visited Nicaragua to share their skills under the auspices of TecNica, a Berkeley-based group that recruits and places volunteers in development projects in Nicaragua. The majority of these FBI visits were to workplaces where agents sometimes made their presence known to employees and also spoke with co-workers. The agents incorrectly implied that the volunteers were violating the trade embargo against Nicaragua. While several of those targeted found the visits threatening, and did not want to appear 'uncooperative' in the presence of employers, most were aware of their right not to talk to the FBI and to refer the agents to their lawyers. They understood that the purpose of these visits was to discourage people from travelling to Nicaragua and helping the people there overcome some of the economic hardships caused by U.S. support for the Contras and the U.S. trade embargo. This pamphlet is designed to answer the frequent questions asked by people experiencing government scrutiny. It can also help them develop practical responses.


What is Political Intelligence?
Political intelligence is information collected by the government about individuals and groups. Files secured under the Freedom of Information Act disclosed that government officials have long been interested in all forms of data. Information gathered by government agents ranges from them most personal data about sexual liaisons and preferences to estimate of the strength of groups opposing U.S. policies. Over the years, groups and individuals have developed various ways of limiting the collection of information and preventing such intelligence gathering from harming their work.


Do I Have To Talk To The FBI?
No. The FBI does not have the authority to make anyone answer questions, or otherwise force anyone to cooperate with an investigation. Thus, if an FBI agents knocks at your door, you do not have to identify yourself to him, you can simply say "I don't want to talk to you." or "You'll have to speak to my lawyer," then close the door.

Agents are usually lawyers, and they are always trained as investigators; they have learned the power of persuasion, the ability to make a person feel scared, guilty, or impolite for refusing their requests for information. So remember, they have no legal authority to force people to say anything--unless they have obtained an arrest or search warrant. Even when agents do have warrants, you still don't have to answer their questions.


Under What Laws Do The Agents Operate?
In the wake of congressional reports exposing the FBI's counterintelligence program (COINTELPRO), under which the agency infiltrated groups, compiled dossiers on, and directly interfered with individuals engaged in activities protected by the First Amendment right to freedom of expression and association, guidelines regulating the investigation of political activities were issued by the Justice Department.

The FBI COINTEL program was initiated in 1956. Its purpose, as described later by FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover, was "to expose, disrupt, misdirect, discredit or otherwise neutralize activities" of those individuals and organizations whose ideas or goals he opposed. Tactics included; falsely labelling individuals as informants; infiltrating groups with persons instructed to disrupt the group; sending anonymous or forged letters designed to promote strife; initiating politically motivated IRS investigations; carrying out wiretaps; and disseminating to other government agencies and the media unlawfully obtained derogatory information on individuals and groups.

Subsequent and superseding guidelines, authorizing "domestic security/terrorism" investigations against political organizations whenever the FBI had a reasonable belief that these groups might violate a law, were issued in 1983. These guidelines permitted he same intrusive techniques the FBI used against organized crime to be used in such investigations. The guidelines provide no safeguards on the use of informants to protect against infringements to First Amendment rights.

The guidelines ignore the history of COINTELPRO abuses and abolish the distinction between regular criminal investigations and investigations of groups and individuals seeking political change. They fail to limit the investigative techniques used to obtain data on political groups, so that the FBI may use any technique against political organizations including electronic surveillance and informers.

Thus, the FBI may begin a full investigation whenever there is a reasonable indication that "two or more persons are engaged in an enterprize for the purpose of furthering political or social goals wholly or in part through activities that involve force or violence and a violation of the criminal laws of the United States." The FBI has interpreted "force or violence" to include the destruction of property as a symbolic act, and the mere advocacy of such property destruction would trigger an investigation. Even without any reasonable indication, under a separate guideline on 'Civil Disorders and Demonstrations involving a Federal Interest", the FBI may investigate an organization that plans only legal and peaceful demonstrations.

Another and perhaps even more important document governing federal intelligence gathering is Executive Order 12333 on U.S. Intelligence Activities. In force since 1981, its authorizes the FBI and CIA to infiltrate, manipulate and destroy U.S. political organizations--under the pretext of a "foreign" intelligence investigation. Investigative guidelines under this order are in large part classified secret and not publicly available. Government spying, infiltration and disruption of domestic advocacy groups can be carried out, practically without restraint, by merely alleging that political groups have some connection to foreign nations or liberation movements, or that they support positions similar to those of such movements. Such movements might include the African National Congress (ANC) or the FMLN-FDR in El Salvador. This executive offer has been used to avoid the minor restrictions imposed on intelligence gathering on domestic groups. The FBI merely alleges that a domestic group has a foreign connection, and even though no crime is suspected the group or individual can be investigated under the executive order.

The FBI's massive investigation of the Committee in Solidarity with the People of El Salvador (CISPES) was carried out under E.O. 12333. The CISPES investigation was used as a window to spy on other Central America groups including the Network in Solidarity with Guatemala, the Nicaraguan Network, the Thomas Merton Center, and the Central America Mobilization Coalition. While the FBI produced not a shred of evidence of wrongdoing on the part of CISPES during its five-year investigation, it managed to amass 17 volumes of files on CISPES, most of which are being withheld under a national security exemption. Over 170 investigations were begun as spin-offs of the CISPES investigation.

Heavily deleted portions of these files, released under the Freedom of Information Act, show that the FBI, under the aegis of Executive Order 12333, regularly attended and photographed demonstrations and meetings, recorded the license plate numbers of participants, in addition to conducting surreptitious interviews and placing informants.

Names of people investigated were culled from this surveillance and from radio broadcasts and flyers. Agents also cavalierly invaded college campuses and visited employers and family members explaining that they were investigating terrorist threats. The files indicate that complaints to elected officials, and recourse to media and the public, were successful in curtailing the FBI.



Which Federal Agencies Are Likely To Be Interested In A Citizen's Political Activities and Affiliations?

The FBI is still the major national intelligence-gathering agency. There are also many other federal, state, local and private investigative agencies. At least 26 federal agencies may gather intelligence, including the Immigration & Naturalization Service, Internal Revenue Service, and the Treasury Department's Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. Local police agencies sometimes contain 'special service' units and narcotics or other 'strike forces' in which federal, state and local agencies cooperate. The Central Intelligence Agency and National Security Agency are particularly active when a political organization has, or is suspected to have, international contacts. Military security agencies, and increasingly significant 'private' research institutes and security agencies also gather intelligence. Much of the information gathered by these agencies winds up in various government computer data banks including the FBI's Terrorist Information System (TIS).

In 1987 it was revealed that the New York City Police Department had activated its 'Black Desk', sending undercover agents to meetings concerning the planning of demonstrations against racism, and monitoring a local Black radio station. Information was gathered about local Black leaders and disseminated at special police riot training sessions.

Surveillance carried out by private groups and individuals appears to be growing industry. Years ago, the Western Goals Foundation was given secret computer files stolen from the intelligence division of the Los Angeles police department. Western Goals used the material to create files on as many as 6,000 people. Executive Order 12333, moreover, specifically allows the FBI to engage secret contracts with private intelligence groups. The secret investigation guidelines under that executive order not that no questions need be asked about how "any information, property or materials furnished by individuals' action on their own initiative" were obtained. After the offices of the Center for Development Policy were broken into in November 1986, and documents relating to Southern Air Transport contra supply flights were stolen, its director, ex- U.S. ambassador Robert White speculated that the break-in at his office might have been the work of anti-communist vigilantes. He noted: "There's a whole network that's been building up...to reinforce what Oliver North has been doing."


How Does The FBI Learn About Individuals and Organizations?
Political intelligence is gathered from public sources, such as newspapers, radio and leaflets. It is also collected by informers who may be government employees or people who are recruited by them. Political intelligence is also collected through FBI visits to your home or workplace. In this booklet, we are most concerned with this aspect of intelligence gathering.

Agents may be sent to interview people after FBI officials decide there is a 'reasonable indication' that an organization meets the guidelines for a 'domestic security' investigation, or because a person has attended a meeting or a rally sponsored by a group allegedly suspected of foreign connections under Executive Order 12333. People who visit embassies of countries that the U.S. considers unfriendly are also likely to be visited by the FBI. Such interviews are a primary source of information because most people are not aware of their right not to talk to federal agents.

Many people visited by agents are afraid of being rude or uncooperative. Agents may be friendly and courteous, as if they are attempting to protect you or your organization, or express admiration for your organization and its goals. Occasionally, the FBI may persuade a disaffected member of an organization to give them information about other members, including their personal lives, character, and vulnerabilities.

A major goal of FBI agents is to convince people to give up their rights to silence and privacy. Recently when FBI agents visited TecNica volunteers at their homes and workplaces, they said such intimidating things as: "You're being a dupe of the Russians and we're giving you a chance to stop doing something you may regret later." The agents told another person that she was not the target of the investigation, but might be able to help them.

In San Antonio during a series of visits to affiliates of a Central America information group, the FBI gave a 20 minute presentation including a slide show on the 'evils of communism;, to one of the persons they questioned.

In 1984, the FBI visited over 100 persons who had traveled to Nicaragua. The main purpose of the visits was to develop 'assets', people who would agree to supply the FBI with information.


What If I Suspect Surveillance?
Prudence is the best course, no matter what you suspect, or what the basis is for your suspicion. When possible, confront the suspected person in public, with at least one other person present. If the suspect declines to answer, he or she at least now knows that you are aware of the surveillance. A few years ago, religious supporters of a nation-wide call to resist possible U.S. intervention in Central America noticed unfamiliar people lurking around their offices at 6 a.m., but failed to ask what they wanted and who they were. If you suspect surveillance, you should not hesitate to ask the suspected agents' names and inquire about their business.

The events giving rise to suspicions of surveillance vary widely, but a general principle remains constant: confront the suspected agents politely and in public (never alone) and inquire about their business. If the answer does not dispel your suspicion, share it with other who may be affected and discuss a collective response. Do not let fears generated by 'conspicuous' surveillance create unspoken tensions that undermine your work and organization. Creating fear is often the purpose of obvious surveillance. When in doubt, call a trusted lawyer familiar with political surveillance, or call the Movement Support Network hotline: (212) 614-6422.



How Should I Respond to Threatening Letters or Calls?
If your home is broken into, or threats have been made against you, your organization, or someone you work with, share this information with everyone affected. Take immediate steps to increase personal and office security. You should discuss with your organization's officials and with a lawyer whether and how to report such incidents to the police. If you decide to make a report, do not do so without the presence of counsel.


What Should I Do If My Office Or Home Is Broken Into And I Suspect That The Motive Behind It was Intelligence Gathering or Harassment?
Obvious break-ins, in which nothing, or very little of value is taken, are a growing form of intimidation and intelligence gathering. If you discover a break-in, do not disturb the crime scene and touch as little as possible until you can calmly analyze the situation and until you decide what approach you are going to take. Try yo figure out what, if anything, is missing. If little of monetary value is taken, and important files have been obviously read, decide with your co-workers and a lawyer whether and how to report the break-in to the police. Take photographs of the crime scene. Photograph any damage that may have been done and any notes that may have been left by the intruders. Over 100 break-ins have been reported to the Movement Support Network. Call us. We can help you determine if the break- in was politically motivated and, if it was, get you in touch with other groups and individuals who have had similar experience.



What Should I do If Police, FBI, Or Other Agents Appear With An Arrest Or Search Warrant?
Agents who have an arrest or search warrant are the only ones you are legally required to get into your home or office. If agents say they have a warrant you should ask to see the warrant before permitting access. And you should immediately ask to call a lawyer. For your own physical safety you should not resist arrest, even if they do not show you the warrant, or if they refuse to let you call a lawyer. To the extent permitted by the agents conducting a search, you should observe the search carefully, follow them and make mental or written notes of what the agents are doing. As soon as possible, write down what happened and discuss it with your lawyer.


What Should I Do If Agents Appear With An Arrest or Search Warrant?
Even when agents come with a warrant, you are under no legal obligation to tell them anything. If agents try to question you, it is important not to answer or make any statements, at least not until after you have consulted a lawyer.

Announce your desire to consult a lawyer, and make every reasonable effort to contact one as quickly as possible. Your statement that you wish to speak to the FBI only in the presence of a lawyer, even if it accomplished nothing else, should put an end to the agents' questions. Department of Justice policy requires agents to cease questioning, or refrain from questioning, anyone who informs them that he or she is represented by a lawyer.

To reiterate: upon first being contacted by any government investigation, the safest thing to say is: "Excuse me, but I'd like to talk to my lawyer before I say anything to you." Or, "I have nothing to say to you. I will talk to my lawyer and have her {or him} contact you." If agents ask for your lawyer's name, ask for their business card, and say you will have your lawyer contact them. Remember to get the name, agency, and telephone number of any federal, state, or local investigator who visits you. If you do not have a lawyer, call the Movement Support Hotline (212) 614-6422, or call the local office of the National Lawyers Guild (212) 966-5000.


As soon as possible after your first contact with an investigator, write a short memo about the visit, including the date, time, location, people present,any name mentioned by the investigators, and the reason they gave for their investigation. Also include descriptions of the agents and their car, if any. This may be useful to your lawyer and to others who may be contacted by the same agents.

After discussing the situation with your lawyer, you may want to alert your co-workers, friends, neighbors, or political associates about the visit. The purpose is not to alarm them, but to insure that they understand their rights. It might be a good idea to do this at a meeting at which the history of investigative abuse is presented.


If I Don't Cooperate, Doesn't It Look Like I Have Something To Hide?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions. The answer involves the nature of political 'intelligence' investigations and the job of the FBI. Agents will try to make you feel that it will 'look bad' if you don't cooperate with them. Many people not familiar with how the FBI operates worry about being uncooperative. Though agents may say they are only interested in 'terrorists' of protecting the President, they are intend on learning about the habits, opinions and affiliations of people not suspected of wrongdoing. SUch investigations, and the kind of controls they make possible, are completely incompatible with political freedom, and with the political and legal system envisaged by the Constitution.

While honesty may be the best policy in delaying with other people, FBI agents and other investigators are employed to ferret out information you would not freely share with strangers. Trying to answer agents' questions, or trying to "educate them" about your cause can be very dangerous--as dangerous as trying to outsmart them, or trying to find out their real purpose. By talking to federal investigators you may, unwittingly, lay the basis for your won prosecution--in giving false or inconsistent information to the FBI. IT IS A FEDERAL CRIME TO MAKE A FALSE STATEMENT TO AN FBI AGENT OR OTHER FEDERAL INVESTIGATOR A violation could even be charged on the basis of two inconsistent statements spoken out of fear or forgetfulness.


Are There Any Circumstances Under Which It Is Advisable to Cooperate With An FBI Investigation?
Never without a lawyer. There are situations, however, in which an investigation appears to be legitimate, narrowly focused, and not designed to gather political information. Such an investigation might occur if you have been the victim of a crime, or a witness to civil rights violations being prosecuted by the federal government. Under those circumstances, you should work closely with a lawyer to see that your rights are protected while you provide only necessary information relevant to a specific incident. Lawyers may be able to avoid a witness's appearance before a grand jury, or control the circumstances of the appearance so that no one's rights are jeopardized.


How Can Grand Juries Make People Go To Jail?
After being granted immunity and ordered to testify by a judge, grand jury witnesses who persist in refusing to testify can be held in 'civil contempt.' Such contempt is not a crime, but it results in the witness being jailed for up to 18 months. or the duration of the grand jury, whichever is less. The purpose of the incarceration is to coerce the recalcitrant witness to testify. In most political cases, testifying before a grand jury means giving up basic political principles, and so the intended coercion has no effect--witnesses continue to refuse to testify.

Witnesses who, upon the request of a grand jury, refuse to provide "physical exemplars", (samples of handwriting, hair, appearance in a line-up, or documents) may also be jailed for civil contempt.

The charge of 'criminal contempt' is also available to the government as a weapon against uncooperative grand jury witnesses. For 'criminal contempt' there is no maximum penalty--the sentence depends entirely upon the judge's discretion. Charges of criminal contempt ares still rare. They have been used, however, against Puerto Rican independistas, especially those who have already served periods of incarceration for civil contempt.


Is There Any Way To Prevent Grand Jury Witnesses From Going To Jail?
There is no sure-fire way to keep a grand jury witness from going to jail. Combined legal and community support often make a difference, however, in whether a witness goes to jail and, if so, for how long. Early awareness of people's rights to refuse to talk to the FBI man, in fact, prevent you from receiving a grand jury subpoena. If the FBI is only interested in getting information from you, but not in jailing you, you may not receive a grand jury subpoena.


What Can Lawyer Do?
A lawyer can help to ensure that government investigators only do what they are authorized to do and can see to it that you do not give up any of your rights.

If you are subpoenaed to a grand jury your lawyer can challenge the subpoena in court, to help raise the political issues that underlie the investigation and negotiate for time. Your lawyer can also explain to you the grand jury's procedures and the legal consequences of your acts, so that you can rationally decide on your response.



What Rights Do I Have?

1. The right to work for change.
The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects the rights of groups and individuals who advocate, petition and assemble to accomplish changes in laws, government practices and even the form of government. Political intelligence gathering is not supposed to interfere with these rights.


2. The right to remain silent.
The Fifth Amendment to the Constitution provides that every person has the right to remain silent in the face of questions posed by any police officer or government agent.

Federal prosecutors, however, may request judges to order a subpoenaed witness to testify, after a grant of immunity, at a grand jury hearing or at a criminal trial. This grant of immunity means that your Fifth Amendment right to refuse to testify is taken away. What is given in return is only the promise not to use your testimony against you is a subsequent criminal prosecution. If you testify under subpoena you can still be charges with a crime. Failure to testify after a grant of immunity is discussed below.


3. The right to be free from 'unreasonable searches and seizures'
Without a warrant, no government agent is allowed to search your home or office (or any other place that is yours and private). You may refuse to let FBI agents come into your house or into your workplace, unless they have a search warrant. Politeness aside, the wisest policy is never to let agents into your home or office. They are trained investigators and will make it difficult for you to refuse to talk. Once inside your home or office, just by looking around, they can easily gather information on such things as your lifestyle, organization and reading habits.

The right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures is based on the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution. This Amendment is supposed to protect against government access to your mail and other written communications, telephone and other conversations. Unfortunately, it is difficult to detect government interference with writings and conversations. Modern technology makes it difficult to detect electronic surveillance on a telephone line, other listening devices, or cameras that records whatever occurs in a room. Also common are forms of physical surveillance such as agents following in car or on foot, mail covers, and informers carrying tape recorders



What Are The Rights Of Non-Citizens?
All non-citizens have the same rights as citizens with respect to the FBI: the right not to speak to the FBI and the right to have an attorney present at interviews with FBI agents. JUST WITH CITIZENS, NON-CITIZENS SHOULD BE AWARE THAT LYING TO FEDERAL AGENTS IS A FEDERAL CRIME

Foreigners should be aware that Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) agents are federal agents--lying to them constitutes a federal crime. Commission of such a crime may be sufficient reason for deportation or denial of immigrant status.

This section includes a general discussion of the political rights of non-citizens. However, this is a changing area of law and politics and we caution readers to call the Movement Support Network hotline or the National Lawyer Guild for updated information.


1. Non-citizens
All aliens living in the United State are in theory protected by all provisions of the Bill of Rights that are not expressly limited to citizens. Thus, while aliens do not have the right to vote, they do have rights of free speech and association, a right to a fair trial for criminal charges, the right to be free of unreasonable searches and seizures, the right to due process of law. However, in the immigration context the federal government has broad powers, and the courts have not fully developed the contours of aliens' constitutional rights where the Immigration and Naturalization Service is concerned. In December 1988, a federal district judge in Los Angeles held that the government cannot deport immigrant aliens for their political speech or associations, because to do so would violate their First Amendment rights. Congress has said much the same thing for non-immigrant aliens. However, this area of law is still developing.


2. Undocumented individuals
Undocumented individuals who engage in political activity should be aware that they risk FBI surveillance and resulting exposure of illegal status. IT IS COMMON PRACTICE FOR THE FBI AND INS TO SHARE INFORMATION.

A document received form the FBI CISPES files shows that a local FBI field office asked the Immigration and Naturalization Service to provide them a list of Salvadorean citizens, U.S. permanent residents included, who had visited the area. Other CISPES documents indicate the FBI agents visited the administration offices for foreign students on college campuses and utilized foreign student directories for initial leads on investigations. In defending the actions of the FBI in the CISPES investigation, the U.S. government argued that the mere presence of Latin American nationals in solidarity groups justified surveillance by the FBI.

The bottom line is that foreigners, including permanent residents, can expect at least as much surveillance agencies by domestic agencies as U.S. citizens, and should, in addition, be aware of possible surveillance by foreign intelligence agencies operating in this country.


3. Sharing of information with foreign intelligence agencies.
There are many indicators that the U.S. shares information with intelligence agencies of governments it supports. We have received evidence of information sharing with MI5 (Britain); KCIA (Korea); Mossad (Israel); National Guard (El Salvador). Non-citizens should probably assume that U.S. intelligence will share information with 'friendly' governments.


4. Change in immigration status
Applicants for permanent residencies and for naturalization are asked to list the organizations they have worked with. Politically active foreigners are advised to consult an immigration lawyer before applying for a change in status.

[j]

Doesn't the USA PATRIOT act supercede many of these laws now?

j

[Anonymous]

Sorry to ask (i dint read the whole post!) but what was the nick of him in Che-lives?

And i make a 5 minuts silence to him!