The UpTake | Minnesota FBI Victims Get Worldwide Support

By Bill Sorem

About 150 supporters rallied in frigid weather in front of the Minneapolis Federal Court Building to support the Minnesota Committee to Stop FBI Repression, a group formed for the nine individuals who were targeted by Minneapolis FBI raids September 24, 2010. This rally was part of a national day of solidarity. People in 50 plus cities including Kiev, Ukraine and Ireland joined in solidarity with the Minneapolis people and the latest group of nine from Chicago. The Chicago group was ordered to report to the Federal Grand Jury January 25, all refused.

Coleen Rowley, FBI whistleblower, wrote that this flurry of FBI attacks on peace activists is counter productive as was the case in the 60s. The Federal Police lose so much credibility with the citizenry that their basic functions are weakened. The people are reluctant to assist the FBI and local police. She argues the need to restore community policing.