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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Urgent Request -- Help Hire a legal team for the Cleveland 5!
Greetings. We are friends and family members of the "Cleveland 5," the
five young men from Cleveland who stand accused of trying to demolish a
bridge. We are working to support these young activists, in whatever ways
they need. Thus far, what stands out as the most pivotal thing is that
the boys need a good lawyer, who cares about the case, has relevant
experience and is willing to go the extra mile. As it stands, they're all
being represented by public defenders, with varying degrees of interest in
the case. We have been in communication with a local attorney with an
inspiring record of civil rights work, but to hire him, we need to raise
$20,000 immediately.
We're not going to lie -- this is a desperate situation. The trial date
is set for this September, only three months from now. This time frame
will make building the case (reviewing evidence, making investigations,
filing motions) incredibly challenging. Every day that we're not able to
hire a lawyer is a day closer to that deadline. These boys entire future
hinges on what happens right now. Worse yet, they are being held in
solitary confinement, which aside from being brutal treatment in itself,
also means that they are severely limited in how much they can speak with
their lawyers and supporters -- less than one hour a day. Quick action is
essential. We are all putting our personal savings on the line, and we
ask that you help us support these guys by chipping in as well.
Any amount is helpful. If you don't have money to contribute, get in
touch with us at cleveland5justice@gmail.com to discuss other ways you can
help support the five.
Some background on the case: our friends are being tried for charges that
hold a maximum sentence of several lifetimes. The government is making a
case in the media that these are dangerous anarchists, a word they equate
with terrorist. However, many journalists have questioned the nature of
the government's investigation, suggesting that the FBI might be
instigating actions, which they rope people into, rather than "catching
people in the act." We want to see our friends and family members go
free, and believe that it is criminal for the the government to take them
away from us, to use them as tools in their political theater.
A link to donations can be found through the website cleveland5justice.org
and www.wepay.com/donations/cleveland-5-justice-legal-fund"
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Thank you so much. A couple of these kids really believe they have a
chance, and are so brave and resilient right now. They are staying
positive and embracing their roles in this trial. it's truly an
inspiration. The legal support group consists of people who hardly know
what we are doing, doing it because we know we must. Parents and friends
and activists. We desperately need help from the national community.
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