August/September 2005

http://alawda.newjerseysolidarity.org

Political Prisoners Recognized at July Event

On July 23, supporters of political prisoners in the United States and Palestine gathered at Alwan for the Arts in Manhattan to hear presentations from various support campaigns and discuss mechanisms for coordination. Lamis Deek, of Al-Awda New York, spoke about the case of Sheikh Mohammed al-Moayad, discussing the case from her perspective as an attorney during al-Moayad’s trial. Brother Shep McDaniel, of the Hands off Assata Committee, focused on the case of Assata Shakur and the new threats by the U.S. government against Shakur, currently living in Cuba. He discussed the formation of the Hands off Assata campaign in New York City, and its recent work in highlighting Assata’s caseand receiving support from many prominent activists and community leaders. Pam Africa, of the International Concerned Friends and Family of Mumia abu-Jamal, spoke about Mumia’s case and current legal situation, encouraging attendees to become involved in support for Mumia, noting the danger of execution looming prominently over Mumia. Noel Winkler, of the New York Committee to Defend Palestine, New Jersey Solidarity - Activists for the Liberation of Palestine and Al-Awda New York, spoke about Palestinian political prisoners, focusing on Addameer, a Palestinian association focused on support for prisoners. The evening was a benefit for Addameer, and participants gave generously in support of Addameer’s work in Palestine.