The "Attica to Abu Ghraib" Conference is taking place on Friday, April 22nd & Saturday, April 23rd, 2005 in Berkeley. Organizers say, "Torture, illegal detention and other human rights abuses have always been weapons used by the US government to crush resistance. Today we see a terrifying escalation in that repression, whether against Iraqis and Afghans half a world away -- or immigrants, prisoners, and political activists here at home. Our strength lies in building on the experiences of those who resist - here in the US, in Latin America, Palestine, the Philippines, the Caribbean, and in countless communities throughout the world."

Friday, April 22nd was the Opening Night, from 6PM - 9PM at the wheelchair accessible St. Joseph the Worker Church -(1640 Addison St., Berkeley). It featured Georgia Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney, who has recently returned to office in a ringing vindication of her outspoken opposition to U.S. torture and human rights abuses. Embattled attorney and political prisoner Lynne Stewart was allowed to travel to the Bay Area, so she spoke at 7pm. The event also included spoken word by Rima Chaudry, music by Caminante, and more.

The Working Conference will take place on Saturday, April 23rd, beginning at 8:30AM at Barrows Hall on the UC Berkeley Campus. The program is divided into three broad areas of focus and analysis. Each of these, organizers say, is a key component of the workings of U.S. empire and provides a focus for linking movements within and outside the U.S. This event is the culmination of work by conference organizers and community organizations who have helped to fundraise to make this weekend possible.

Read more on Attica to Abu-Ghraib's website