A-Infos (en) Canada, Montreal, An Appeal for Support and Solidarity: Netanyahu Protest Trials to Begin in October

[worker-san@lists.tao.ca (On Behalf Of Jaggi Singh*)]

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[This callout was sent previously, but many of you who tried to respond
were getting bounces from my e-mail account. I'm sending this callout
again, to request your support as I get set to defend myself against
charges relating to the Netanyahu Protest at Concordia University on
September 9, 2002. To get in touch, please e-mail me at BOTH jaggi@tao.ca
AND jaggisingh2003@yahoo.ca ... Your support is needed and appreciated. --
Jaggi]
--> Netanyahu Protest Trials to Begin in October
--> An Appeal for your support and solidarity
--> Looking for Witnesses, Evidence, Funds, Legal and Court Support

Criminal trials, relating to the September 9, 2002 protest against
Benjamin Netanyahu at Concordia University, will begin this October 2003
in Montreal. This appeal is requesting your support in several ways, as
indicated below.

I attended the Netanyahu protest, and wrote about it subsequently for such
sources as the Globe and Mail and rabble.ca. I was charged more than four
months later, after returning from Palestine, and after speaking on the
Concordia campus in support of students that were facing expulsion and
sanctions. I was arrested on campus, charged with summary offences
(meaning I can't ask for a jury trial), and was banned from the Concordia
campus (where I'm not a student, but where I have organized and attended
workshops, conferences and lectures, including often as a speaker myself,
for several years).

I'm facing several charges (they're basically "throwing the book" at me):
illegal assembly, obstruction, mischief, assault and conspiracy, as well
as several counts of breaking previous conditions. I have pled not guilty,
and intend on proving that with an active defence in court. (I was
recently found "not guilty" by a jury at another trial relating to bogus
"riot" charges).

My trial this October is the first in a series of criminal trials relating
to the Netanyahu protest last September 9, 2002. The work put into this
first trial will help the defence team in the other upcoming trials.

I am writing this letter to request your support in several ways, in
relation to my own upcoming trial concerning the Netanyahu protest in less
than a month. Please get in touch as soon as you can by e-mail at BOTH
jaggi@tao.ca and jaggisingh2003@yahoo.ca, if only just to make contact.

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

1) Witnesses: If you were present at Concordia on September 9, 2002, as a
protester or observer, and you observed me at the protest, please get in
touch. Moreover, even if you didn't see me, but you were on the mezzanine
escalator inside the Hall Building during the protest, get in touch too.
Your potential testimony could be very valuable.

2) Video, Photo and Audio Evidence: If you have any video, audio or photos
from the September 9, 2002 protest, please get in touch. Any evidence you
have could be very useful.

3) Other Accused: If you faced charges as a result of the internal
Concordia University tribunals, or if you are facing criminal charges in
the coming months, please get in touch. I would like to share legal
strategies, as well as gather evidence collectively. If you know anyone
who faced the university tribunals, or is facing charges, please tell them
to get in touch with me too.

4) Financial Support: I will be representing myself at court during this
trial. There are several expenses I will need to cover at trial. Any
donations you can offer would be greatly appreciated. Trials are an
expense, both in terms of time and money.

5) Support Team: I am representing myself in court, but I need lots of
help in preparing for trial (viewing video tapes; listening to audio
tapes; translation work; etc). If you can help the support team
(especially if you are bilingual), please get in touch.

6) Court Support: Finally, your support in court is always appreciated.
There are five trials dates that have been set so far: October 7-9 and
October 14-15. The trial will take place at Montreal's Municipal Court
(775 Gosford, corner of Notre-Dame, near metro Champ-de-mars).

Again, if you can help, please contact me by e-mail at jaggi@tao.ca AND
jaggisingh2003@yahoo.ca. Your support is appreciated.

In solidarity and struggle,

-- Jaggi Singh

* [Ed. Note: Jaggi is an anti-authoritarian social struggle activist]


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