The San Francisco Grand Jury

As reported in Thursday’s edition of the Oread Daily a grand jury has convened in San Francisco and is subpoening activists. The OD reported the supoenas were targeting animal rights activists. However, the purpose of any grand jury goes far beyond one particular case or one particular person or group of persons.

According to FBI Wtichhunt.com, “Within the last 2-3 weeks, federal grand juries in San Francisco have subpoenaed several former black activists and their supporters (focusing on 30 year old cases) and ten eco & animal liberation activists. This recent wave of repression against the progressive movement is part of a stepped up offensive that includes renewed and escalating publicity to capture Assata Shakur, refusal to extradite CIA operative Luis Posada Carilles and refusal to release former Black Panther Veronza Bowers (now a year past his mandatory release date) from federal prison. These examples are just part of the evidence of a continued and escalating war on dissent and dissenters.”

As a victim of a grand jury myself many, many years ago, I can tell you that it is very important that if you are subpoenaed that you know what you are doing. It is very easy to get yourself and others in trouble without meaning any harm.

Grand juries (and any subsequent indictments) are not only meant for the specific reason of putting someone in jail, they are also there to tie up movement activists in endless proceedings draining energy from real work

Organizing to stop grand jury repression is very important. If the aims of the government in convening a grand jury are successful there will be many more to follow.

Please read the following three articles for further information on this grand jury and what to do when one comes calling.

Follow the Oread Daily for further updates.