Publish to Newswire
Add an EventFrom the Open-Publishing Calendar
From the Open-Publishing Newswire
Indybay Feature
Free Sherman!
20 year-old webmaster is headed to prison for hosting an "illegal link" and support is urgently needed to pursue an appeal.
Sherman Austin is going to federal prison on Wednesday for having an "illegal link" on his website, http://www.raisethefist.com. The link in question, which included bomb-making information, was authored by a white boy from Orange County, the son of wealthy Republicans. That boy was never charged with any crime, but Sherman, who is a young Black anarchist in Los Angeles, has been hounded by the FBI and will start serving a one-year prison sentence on Wednesday for linking to this other kid's website.
The prosecution maintained that while writing or hosting bomb-making information isn't illegal, doing so with the "intent" to use that information is. (I'm assuming the Feds called in the same psychics to determine Sherman's intent that they used to verify that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction.)
Sherman has been selected for prosecution based on reasons that have everything to do with his politics, his effectiveness as an activist, and his race.
The judge who sentenced Sherman said that he wanted to "send a message to other revolutionaries."
You can learn more about Sherman's case by visiting his site:
http://www.raisethefist.com.
There's also an interview by Merlin Chowkwanyun up on Counterpunch: http://www.counterpunch.org/merlin08162003.html
Here's the Electronic Frontier Foundation's statement:
http://www.eff.org/br/20030807_eff_pr.php
And finally check out:
http://la.indymedia.org
Dianne Feinstein sponsored a 1997 law that has been used along with the PATRIOT ACT/"terrorism enhancement" clause to target Sherman. If you'd like to convey a message to Sen. Feinstein, you can reach her via:
http://www.senate.gov/member/ca/feinstein/general/email.html
Her DC office #s are:
Phone: (202) 224-3841
Fax: (202) 228-3954
Please tell all your friends about Sherman and please send money to help his mother pursue an appeal! You can send contributions to her at the following address:
Ms. Martin
12115 Magnolia Blvd. #155
North Hollywood, CA 91607
Sherman's mom is speaking out, writing, and agitating for her son; she's amazing.
You can subscribe to a listserv for Sherman's supporters too:
http://lists.riseup.net/www/info/shermanaustinlegal
Please do whatever you can to support Sherman, his family, and his loved ones. Ultimately, you'll be doing something for yourself too, because this crazy-making prosecution has implications for us all. Tell everyone you know, jam up internet chat rooms and forums with his story, make stickers, hang "Free Sherman" signs on freeway overpasses, make your own links, and call media outlets and ask them to cover Sherman's case.
The information linked to Sherman's site was essentially a "cut and paste job" -- nothing given the availability of much more detailed and thorough information. (Anarchist's Cookbook) With just a little effort, anyone can get a hold of instructions on how to make bombs (on Google, at a library, through Amazon.com, etc.), and some sources, such as the CIA, are particularly credible given the number of explosives they are responsible for producing. Last night, Zack de la Rocha, formerly of Rage Against the Machine, described that band's first promotional t-shirt, which featured cartoon instructions on how to make a molotov cocktail. This was a cartoon the CIA used for training Contras -- what was that phrase of Reagan's? "Freedom fighters"? And Sherman is the one going to prison?
The prosecution maintained that while writing or hosting bomb-making information isn't illegal, doing so with the "intent" to use that information is. (I'm assuming the Feds called in the same psychics to determine Sherman's intent that they used to verify that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction.)
Sherman has been selected for prosecution based on reasons that have everything to do with his politics, his effectiveness as an activist, and his race.
The judge who sentenced Sherman said that he wanted to "send a message to other revolutionaries."
You can learn more about Sherman's case by visiting his site:
http://www.raisethefist.com.
There's also an interview by Merlin Chowkwanyun up on Counterpunch: http://www.counterpunch.org/merlin08162003.html
Here's the Electronic Frontier Foundation's statement:
http://www.eff.org/br/20030807_eff_pr.php
And finally check out:
http://la.indymedia.org
Dianne Feinstein sponsored a 1997 law that has been used along with the PATRIOT ACT/"terrorism enhancement" clause to target Sherman. If you'd like to convey a message to Sen. Feinstein, you can reach her via:
http://www.senate.gov/member/ca/feinstein/general/email.html
Her DC office #s are:
Phone: (202) 224-3841
Fax: (202) 228-3954
Please tell all your friends about Sherman and please send money to help his mother pursue an appeal! You can send contributions to her at the following address:
Ms. Martin
12115 Magnolia Blvd. #155
North Hollywood, CA 91607
Sherman's mom is speaking out, writing, and agitating for her son; she's amazing.
You can subscribe to a listserv for Sherman's supporters too:
http://lists.riseup.net/www/info/shermanaustinlegal
Please do whatever you can to support Sherman, his family, and his loved ones. Ultimately, you'll be doing something for yourself too, because this crazy-making prosecution has implications for us all. Tell everyone you know, jam up internet chat rooms and forums with his story, make stickers, hang "Free Sherman" signs on freeway overpasses, make your own links, and call media outlets and ask them to cover Sherman's case.
The information linked to Sherman's site was essentially a "cut and paste job" -- nothing given the availability of much more detailed and thorough information. (Anarchist's Cookbook) With just a little effort, anyone can get a hold of instructions on how to make bombs (on Google, at a library, through Amazon.com, etc.), and some sources, such as the CIA, are particularly credible given the number of explosives they are responsible for producing. Last night, Zack de la Rocha, formerly of Rage Against the Machine, described that band's first promotional t-shirt, which featured cartoon instructions on how to make a molotov cocktail. This was a cartoon the CIA used for training Contras -- what was that phrase of Reagan's? "Freedom fighters"? And Sherman is the one going to prison?
For more information:
http://www.raisethefist.com
Add Your Comments
Comments
(Hide Comments)
Sherman and his mom will be on Democracy Now tomorrow (WEDNESDAY, 9/3) before Sherman surrenders himself. You can listen on KPFA or online.
Free Sherman!
Free Sherman!
For more information:
http://www.democracynow.org
the feds attacking an african american anarchist is stating intense fear of someone standing up for themselves against this racist, classist system..
the feds's action is clearly racism, other websites by far right fringe groups have info on making devices far more dangerous than a moltov, yet they are still operating..
we know the connections between the far right militias and the feds, similar to the right wing paramilitary in columbia secretly working with the columbian govt against the leftist guerilla fighters and the peasant farmworkers..
the feds's action is clearly racism, other websites by far right fringe groups have info on making devices far more dangerous than a moltov, yet they are still operating..
we know the connections between the far right militias and the feds, similar to the right wing paramilitary in columbia secretly working with the columbian govt against the leftist guerilla fighters and the peasant farmworkers..
PLEASE READ THIS PRESS RELEASE AND TAKE ACTION IMMEDIATELY!!!
Sherman Austin has been moved into protective custody at the San Bernardino Central Detention Center. The guards moved him into isolation because of death threats against him by white supremacists. In order to secure Sherman?s safety, we are demanding his immediate transfer to a permanent facility. The white supremacists responsible for this crime have been located, and we plan on taking legal action against them. Please mail, fax, and/or e-mail the attached letter to the following institutions and follow-up with a phone call. If you have any questions please e-mail jmi4678 [at] netscape.net.
Please send the attached letter AS IS. Please do not modify, alter or add to its contents.
Institution where Sherman is being held:
Warden Captain C. Burris
Central Detention Center
Western Divison, San Bernadino
630 E. Rialto Ave. San Bernadino, CA 92408
Phone: 909-386-0969
Or send an email cdc [at] sbcsd.org
For more information regarding the Central Detention Center please go
to:
http://www.co.san-bernardino.ca.us/sheriff/Det_Corr/CDC/CDC.asp
In addition, you can also send letters, emails, fax, and/or phone calls to the following people:
Harley G. Lappin, Director of U.S. Bureau of Prisons
320 First Street
N.W. Washington , D.C. 20534
Phone: 202-307-3250
Fax: 202-514-6878
Harlan Penn, Regional Counsel
7950 Dublin Boulevard, 3rd Floor
Dublin, CA 94568
Phone: 925-803-4700
Fax: 925-803-4802
The first contact information is the most important! If you can only send one letter, send it to the Warden at the CDC.
HERE IS THE TEXT OF THE LETTER. FEEL FREE TO COPY/PASTE IT INTO A WORD DOCUMENT FOR MAILING. PLEASE DO NOT MODIFY IT IN ANY WAY, THANKS!
Date
Dear ,
I?m writing out of concern for the safety and welfare of Sherman Martin Austin (Booking #0309300141), a federal prisoner currently located at the Central Detention Center in San Bernardino County, California. He is due to be transferred to a Federal penitentiary within six to eight weeks. However, he is currently the target of death threats from several
white-supremacist groups and is being kept in solitary for the ostensible purpose of protecting him from these hate groups, some members of which have
placed a price on Sherman?s head.
Sherman is a non-violent offender. He is only twenty years of age and has been evaluated by a court-appointed psychologist as being completely non-violent and idealistic. A county detention facility is not the place for a non-violent offender who is in danger of being killed for his color and beliefs. I am afraid that
should Sherman remain in CDC he will be injured or killed. We feel that by being placed in a Federal penitentiary there is less likelihood of Sherman
being harmed or even killed.
We demand the immediate transfer of Sherman Martin Austin to a Federal detention facility, for his own safety and well-being, and in the meantime the continuance of protective custody to ensure his safety and survival.
I will appreciate an immediate response concerning this letter.
Thank you,
THIS IS ONE OF THE POSTS THREATENING HIS LIFE:
One of the highlights of my days are coming to this site and seeing the post about Sherman Austin's sentence. Now he's trapped, ready for the murdering
by his inmates, in which many of my colleagues are unfortunatly participating in. One more of your "revolutionaries" has been taken from you all. That is a sign of your weakness. My colleagues are there because they showed no weakness. I read that in Texas, a nigger approached one of my fellow party members, threatening him, and when the first punch was thrown the pigs arrived, taking my fellow party member away for fighting. All though he didn't through the punch, he was still arrested. What I find is funny is two days later the niggers were found shot to death in their homes, along with their nigger families, shows what niggers are. Dumb. Thinking they could get away. But the man arrested is still there, waiting for some
black pride or "anarchist" to come along his path, possibly the same prison as little ol' sherman. Good Luck old pal. It's also quite sad I have to put Austin's name up to be considered relevant. FUCK YOU NIGGERS.
Hail Hitler
Himmler
PLEASE TAKE ACTION IMMEDIATELY!
WE WILL NOT BE INTIMIDATED!
SILENCE IS DEFEAT!
THANK YOU!!
Sherman Austin has been moved into protective custody at the San Bernardino Central Detention Center. The guards moved him into isolation because of death threats against him by white supremacists. In order to secure Sherman?s safety, we are demanding his immediate transfer to a permanent facility. The white supremacists responsible for this crime have been located, and we plan on taking legal action against them. Please mail, fax, and/or e-mail the attached letter to the following institutions and follow-up with a phone call. If you have any questions please e-mail jmi4678 [at] netscape.net.
Please send the attached letter AS IS. Please do not modify, alter or add to its contents.
Institution where Sherman is being held:
Warden Captain C. Burris
Central Detention Center
Western Divison, San Bernadino
630 E. Rialto Ave. San Bernadino, CA 92408
Phone: 909-386-0969
Or send an email cdc [at] sbcsd.org
For more information regarding the Central Detention Center please go
to:
http://www.co.san-bernardino.ca.us/sheriff/Det_Corr/CDC/CDC.asp
In addition, you can also send letters, emails, fax, and/or phone calls to the following people:
Harley G. Lappin, Director of U.S. Bureau of Prisons
320 First Street
N.W. Washington , D.C. 20534
Phone: 202-307-3250
Fax: 202-514-6878
Harlan Penn, Regional Counsel
7950 Dublin Boulevard, 3rd Floor
Dublin, CA 94568
Phone: 925-803-4700
Fax: 925-803-4802
The first contact information is the most important! If you can only send one letter, send it to the Warden at the CDC.
HERE IS THE TEXT OF THE LETTER. FEEL FREE TO COPY/PASTE IT INTO A WORD DOCUMENT FOR MAILING. PLEASE DO NOT MODIFY IT IN ANY WAY, THANKS!
Date
Dear ,
I?m writing out of concern for the safety and welfare of Sherman Martin Austin (Booking #0309300141), a federal prisoner currently located at the Central Detention Center in San Bernardino County, California. He is due to be transferred to a Federal penitentiary within six to eight weeks. However, he is currently the target of death threats from several
white-supremacist groups and is being kept in solitary for the ostensible purpose of protecting him from these hate groups, some members of which have
placed a price on Sherman?s head.
Sherman is a non-violent offender. He is only twenty years of age and has been evaluated by a court-appointed psychologist as being completely non-violent and idealistic. A county detention facility is not the place for a non-violent offender who is in danger of being killed for his color and beliefs. I am afraid that
should Sherman remain in CDC he will be injured or killed. We feel that by being placed in a Federal penitentiary there is less likelihood of Sherman
being harmed or even killed.
We demand the immediate transfer of Sherman Martin Austin to a Federal detention facility, for his own safety and well-being, and in the meantime the continuance of protective custody to ensure his safety and survival.
I will appreciate an immediate response concerning this letter.
Thank you,
THIS IS ONE OF THE POSTS THREATENING HIS LIFE:
One of the highlights of my days are coming to this site and seeing the post about Sherman Austin's sentence. Now he's trapped, ready for the murdering
by his inmates, in which many of my colleagues are unfortunatly participating in. One more of your "revolutionaries" has been taken from you all. That is a sign of your weakness. My colleagues are there because they showed no weakness. I read that in Texas, a nigger approached one of my fellow party members, threatening him, and when the first punch was thrown the pigs arrived, taking my fellow party member away for fighting. All though he didn't through the punch, he was still arrested. What I find is funny is two days later the niggers were found shot to death in their homes, along with their nigger families, shows what niggers are. Dumb. Thinking they could get away. But the man arrested is still there, waiting for some
black pride or "anarchist" to come along his path, possibly the same prison as little ol' sherman. Good Luck old pal. It's also quite sad I have to put Austin's name up to be considered relevant. FUCK YOU NIGGERS.
Hail Hitler
Himmler
PLEASE TAKE ACTION IMMEDIATELY!
WE WILL NOT BE INTIMIDATED!
SILENCE IS DEFEAT!
THANK YOU!!
For more information:
http://www.raisethefist.com
Why he was arrested?
Sherman affectiveness as a political activist was what has got him nailed.
I visited http://raisethefist.com regularly and was struck by how unoffensive it was to my sense.
Maybe, that is why as a site it needed to be shut down, since it is that effective.
I am a Zionist, but an educated one at that and when visiting http://raisethefist.com I was confronted with provocative information without the usual "antiSemitism" that accompanies many ideas critical of the Israeli nation.
I was educated by the site, which had a communal and organizational thing about it that threaten the status quo, and neede to be shut by the powers that be...
sherman now. who'll be next...
Sherman affectiveness as a political activist was what has got him nailed.
I visited http://raisethefist.com regularly and was struck by how unoffensive it was to my sense.
Maybe, that is why as a site it needed to be shut down, since it is that effective.
I am a Zionist, but an educated one at that and when visiting http://raisethefist.com I was confronted with provocative information without the usual "antiSemitism" that accompanies many ideas critical of the Israeli nation.
I was educated by the site, which had a communal and organizational thing about it that threaten the status quo, and neede to be shut by the powers that be...
sherman now. who'll be next...
sherman is a hero of the people. He operated and still operates one of the most revolutionaries websites around. His websites avoids the downfall of racist rantings.Even Zionists can feel free of harrassment when reading it.
It is for this reason that he is imprisoned.
They can't target him for publishing antisemitism, and so they censored him.
They will go to any distances, to avoid the looming revolution.
They've failed though/
It is for this reason that he is imprisoned.
They can't target him for publishing antisemitism, and so they censored him.
They will go to any distances, to avoid the looming revolution.
They've failed though/
We are 100% volunteer and depend on your participation to sustain our efforts!
Donate
$230.00 donated
in the past month
Get Involved
If you'd like to help with maintaining or developing the website, contact us.
Publish
Publish your stories and upcoming events on Indybay.
Topics
More
Search Indybay's Archives
Advanced Search
►
▼
IMC Network