S.O.A. Die-In Kicks Off Convention Arrests

As most of the recently sentenced School of the Americas (SOA) resisters began turning themselves in to serve sentences at federal prisons across the country on July 31, more activists staged an elaborate street theater and die-in in front of the Philadelphia City Hall, kicking off a week of multi-issue resistance at the Republican National Convention.

Police held back as the tableau unfolded on the sidewalk: Uncle Sam and his SOA-trained military minions slaying the campesinos of four Latin American countries particularly victimized by graduates of the infamous military academy at Fort Benning, Georgia. When the soldiers and Uncle Sam began dragging the bodies of "El Salvador", "Colombia", "Mexico", and "Guatemala" into the intersection, about 30 police quickly moved in to surround the protesters. Nine were arrested, including SOA-Watch/Northeast director Linda Panetta, taken into custody when she refused to demand that other participants clear the street.

The nine were released 11 hours later on charges ranging from two to five misdemeanors each. Five of the group are taking their case to trial, now scheduled for December 19.

For more information, contact SOA-Watch/NE, 6367 Overbrook Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19151; soawne@aol.com

S.O.A. PRISONER UPDATES

Judy Bierbaum (three months), Margaret Knapke (three months), and Charles Liteky (one year) reported to federal prisons July 31 to begin serving their sentences for repeatedly crossing the line at the SOA. Tom Bottolene, Gerhard Fischer, and John Honeck walked in August 7, and Charles Butler completed the lot on August 28 (all serving three months). They joined Sr. Megan Rice, who began her six month term on June 8.

Letters of support for the nine can be sent to their addresses at Inside and Out. Judy Bierbaum would like soft-cover books, with the package clearly marked "contents contain reading material." (They probably cannot be returned, but will remain in the prison library - eds.) Margaret Knapke asks supporters to write to their Senators to oppose funding for the SOA.

John Honeck, father of three, asks that any children - particularly those whose parents have been jailed for peace activities - who would like to write to his children, to please send supportive letters to Megan (13), Kate (9) and Liam (7) Honeck, 125 Bankside Dr., Hamlin, NY 14464.