March on Chicago City Hall for community control of police

Chicago, IL – Prominent ministers, labor organizations and national figures in the movement against police crimes are joining the call to march on Chicago City Hall, August 29.

Chicago, IL – Federal prosecutor Jonathan Tukel filed a brief with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, July 8, opposing Rasmea Odeh’s move to overturn her conviction and sentencing on immigration charges. Tukel argues that the lower court was right to deny Odeh her full defense, including its decisions to bar the testimony of a torture expert, to restrict Rasmea’s own testimony, and to allow documents obtained via torture by the Israeli military.

Tampa, FL – Over 50 people joined together the night of July 3 to demand an end to racist violence. Protesting police crimes, white supremacist activity and the recent attacks on African American churches, activists and community members gathered at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park in downtown Tampa, chanting, “Black lives matter!” and “Cops and Klan go hand in hand!”

Protesters calling on state attorney to indict two killer cops

Jacksonville, FL – More than 50 people gathered outside the Duval County courthouse to demand justice for D'Angelo Stallworth, the 28-year-old African American man murdered by Jacksonville police in May. The crowd assembled around noon, carrying signs and wearing t-shirts with the slogan “Justice 4 Dee.”

Chicago, IL – 500 people gathered at the University of Illinois at Chicago campus, June 28, to support “Justice for Rasmea Odeh.”

Chicago, IL -500 people gathered at the University of Illinois at Chicago campus, June 28, to support “Justice for Rasmea Odeh.”

Chicago, IL – Internationally recognized experts on the effects of torture are weighing in on the appeal of prominent Palestinian American activist Rasmea Odeh, who is challenging her unjust November 2014 conviction on an immigration charge. Odeh, who was tortured and raped in an Israeli prison, was denied the right to present a meaningful defense in her Detroit trial last year.

Next rally planned for June 26 at Duval County courthouse

Jacksonville, FL – Over a month has passed since two Jacksonville Sherriff’s Office (JSO) officers shot and killed 28-year-old D'Angelo Stallworth outside his apartment. The African American father of three was shot six times in the back by two white police officers, who claimed that they thought D'Angelo looked suspicious. Although Stallworth was unarmed at the time of the shooting, State Attorney Angela Corey has still not indicted the two officers for murder.

Fight Back News Service is circulating the following call from the National Committee to Free Ricardo Palmera. We encourage all of our readers to support this effort. Peace for Colombia! Free Simon Trinidad! National Call-in Day to the White House: Thursday, June 25th, 2015, 8am-5pm EST Call the White House at (202) 456-1111

Tallahassee, FL – Community members and students attended the Tallahassee City Commission meeting, June 17, to voice their opposition to ‘Operation Safe Neighborhoods.’ The program contains three elements, one of which seeks to hire 15 more Tallahassee Police Department officers.

Video exposes brutal police killing

Salt Lake City, UT – The family of Dillon Taylor organized a rally on June 13, demanding justice for Dillon Taylor. Taylor was shot down by SLC police officer Bron Cruz in August of 2014 in the presence of his brother and cousin as they exited a 7-Eleven. Taylor was unarmed, had committed no crime, but was reported as being suspicious by a person who called 911.

Chicago, IL – 200 community activists met here June 13, to learn how civilian control of the police can curb police crimes in oppressed nationality communities. The event was organized by the Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, which has been organizing to win an elected Civilian Police Accountability Council (CPAC).

Phoenix, AZ – 200 immigrant detainees began a hunger strike on June 13, at the for-profit Eloy Detention Center run by the Corrections Corporation of America (CCA). The hunger strike is in response to two recent deaths of detainees at the hands of guards who are believed to have used excessive force.

Chicago, IL – Activists gathered at events around the country to hear Rasmea Odeh and defense attorney Michael Deutsch speak by videoconference, June 11. Deutsch explained the legal basis for Rasmea Odeh’s appeal, explaining that the trial and sentencing were both unfair. He also said while Rasmea Odeh is free now, that may come to a quick end in Cincinnati if the appeal is lost.

Tampa, FL – Palestinian activist Rasmea Odeh and her defense attorney Michael Deutsch spoke to activists here by live stream video, June 11. Deutsch explained Odeh’s case and upcoming legal appeal, with audience members asking questions. Florida activists plan to mobilize and attend the appeal hearing in Cincinnati, Ohio, in the fall.

Chicago, IL – Lead defense attorney Michael Deutsch filed a brief, June 9, with the Sixth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals, to appeal the conviction and sentencing of Palestinian community leader Rasmea Odeh.

_Condemn police violence, racism _

McKinney, TX – About 300 protesters gathered at the McKinney police station, June 8, to condemn the police violence shown on the now infamous McKinney swimming pool video. About 20 people spoke, discussing police violence, the police focus on the black teenagers, and the racist neighbors that responded to a pool party that had black guests by calling the police.

Jacksonville, FL – Over a dozen protestors gathered outside the Duval County Courthouse on June 8 to demand Justice for D'Angelo Stallworth. This was the latest action in a series of protests, vigils and rallies since Stallworth was murdered near his home by two deputies of the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office (JSO) on May 12. Stallworth was a supervisor at the Jacksonville UPS hub and left behind three children.

Milwaukee, WI – A coalition of Palestine Solidarity groups in the Milwaukee area will host an event in solidarity with Palestinian hero Rasmea Odeh. The live stream with Odeh's lawyer, Michael Deutsch, will take place at 6:00 p.m., June 11 at the People's Books Co-op, located at 804 E. Center Street in Milwaukee.

Vow renewed opposition to her racist prosecution practices

Jacksonville, FL – On June 2, State Attorney Angela Corey kicked off her campaign for a third term in the 2016 elections. In 2008, Corey became the state attorney for Florida's Fourth Judicial Circuit Court, which encompasses Duval, Nassau and Clay counties. She was reelected in 2012 after running unopposed.