Count 1 - conspiracy to riot in the second degree in furtherance of terrorism (the original charge)
Count 2 - conspiracy to riot in the second degree (without terrorism enhancement)
Count 3 - conspiracy to damage property in furtherance of terrorism
Count 4 - conspiracy to damage property (without terrorism enhancement)
The timing of the additional charges from Ramsey County is unique, coming on the heels of a successful court solidarity action on Friday and upcoming call-in days to Ramsey County Attorney Susan Gaertner. Ramsey County prosecutor Richard Dusterhoft also recently sent a letter threatening more charges to the lawyer for Dave Mahoney (visit http://www.helpdavemahoney.blogspot.com).
With these new charges, it is even more important to blast out the call-in day of action to as many people as possible to let Ramsey County know we will not be intimidated. With that, there are some amendments to the already proposed call to action...PLEASE FORWARD WIDELY to friends, co-workers, family etc.!!
RNC 8 National Call-In Days of Action: Tuesday, Dec 16 (9-5) and Wednesday, Dec 17 (8-1) - all Central Time
As part of our pressure campaign against Ramsey County Attorney Susan Gaertner we are calling attention to her 2010 run for governor of Minnesota on the Democratic ticket. She's already starting to fundraise in the hopes of being another in a long line of politicians with rhetoric of change but with policies of repressing dissent. If she continues with the charges against the RNC 8 and the other 10 felonies in Ramsey County Court, let's not let her campaign run in peace!
Friends of the RNC 8 are asking you to again take five minutes of your time to demand that all charges be dropped against the eight alleged "leaders" of the RNC Welcoming Committee. In what appears to be the first use of criminal charges under the 2002 Minnesota version of the federal Patriot Act, Ramsey County prosecutors like Gaertner have set a dangerous precedent for the future of political organizing.
The RNC 8 cases have now been consolidated under Judge Salvador Rosas. This Saturday, Ramsey County amended their complaint against the 8 to include 4 felony counts of conspiracy:
Count 1 - conspiracy to riot in the second degree in furtherance of terrorism (the original charge)
Count 2 - conspiracy to riot in the second degree (without terrorism enhancement)
Count 3 - conspiracy to damage property in furtherance of terrorism
Count 4 - conspiracy to damage property (without terrorism enhancement)
If convicted, they are facing over 2 decades in prison. The RNC 8 have their next court date all together on Wednesday, December 17th at 1:00pm. During this time, the 8 will sit down with their lawyers, the prosecution and the judge to begin scheduling the future dates of their trial. In solidarity with the 8 and the other RNC arrestees facing felony cases, please take time to call or e-mail Ramsey County Attorney Susan Gaertner's office Tuesday and Wednesday December 16th and 17th. We are demanding that ALL CHARGES BE DROPPED.
Call (651)266-3222 or e-mail RCA@co.ramsey.mn.us (cc: info@rnc8.org)
and demand that Ramsey County Attorney Susan Gaertner drop the Felony charges against RNC arrestees. Tell her that you are watching the "RNC 8" case very closely and that no good DFL gubernatorial candidate would prosecute anyone for political organizing of this kind. Here are a couple of ways you could address this to the Ramsey County Attorney's office:
"Hi, I'm calling because I have been watching the case of the RNC 8 very closely, and I'm joining the thousands of people who demand that the charges against them be dropped. As part of the progressive community, these charges appear politically motivated and only serve to stifle dissent, not put actual criminals behind bars. The RNC 8 are respected members of my community and I will work as hard as I can for their defense; if your office wants to retain any legitimacy and not waste taxpayer money, you should drop the charges immediately."
"I'm also aware that Susan Gaertner is running for governor of Minnesota in 2010, and I would like her to know that I will never support her campaign so long as she continues with charges resulting from the Republican National Convention."
You can also reach Susan Gaertner's campaign specifically by e-mail or phone at:
Susan Gaertner for Governor: info@susangaertner.com (cc: info@rnc8.org) (612)978-8625 (612)804-6156
Susan Gaertner for Governor on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=17089497057 http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=15561103028
Please be polite, and firm. Remember that what you say will have an impact on everybody facing charges, and it could very easily have a negative impact if you are not careful. Thanks for your support!
From the Friends of the RNC 8
RNC '08 Report Note: The original press release title was "New Charges -- Call-In Days to Action Amended"
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