Benefit for Jeremy Hammond: A Bitter Sweet Success

Submitted on Tue, 12/03/2013 - 12:57pm

By: Ashley Jackson, Portland IWW

On the morning of November 15th in New York, 28 year old hackivist Jeremy Hammond was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for violation of Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. He used his computer skills to hack into and release over 5 million files of the private security firm Strategic Forecasting, Inc., or “Stratfor” exposing the corporate and government spying on activists domestically and abroad amongst other discoveries.

Existing prisoner support groups Portland Anarchist Black Cross, Oregon Jericho, Radical Prisoner Support Portland, and newly formed Portland IWW General Defense Committee (GDC) Local 1 had already had a benefit planned for him the next evening at The Red & Black Cafe. There was music by Irie Idea, Intentional Overtones, and Years of Lead, as well as a raffle, and readings of Jeremy’s own words in his plea and sentencing statements.

“The government celebrates my conviction and imprisonment, hoping that it will close the door on the full story. I took responsibility for my actions, by pleading guilty, but when will the government be made to answer for its crimes?” -quoted from his sentencing statement on 11.16.13

What happened to Jeremy comes as no shock to those organizing in their communities; it’s a risk that is always there. Government repression comes in many forms including surveillance/monitoring and incarceration. He uncovered the truth, revealing the relationship between the government and private intelligence. Inspired by the actions of Chelsea Manning, he felt that he had the skills and obligation to do something. This is not just inspiring but courageous. Like the old saying “They’re in there for us, we’re out here for them.” Let’s also find inspiration in the actions of those who are locked away and hope that one day we can free them from their cages into a better world.

Thanks to all the amazing people in our community who donated, we raised $350 which went directly into his commissary account! It was a night we wish we didn’t have to have. But a night we know Jeremy would have liked.

10 years is a long time and he’s going to need our support, so here’s what YOU can do: write him a letter, share his story, and donate to his defense fund.

Most importantly: DON’T FORGET ABOUT JEREMY HAMMOND!

For where to send your letter, please visit: www.freejeremy.net

Donations can be made at www.wepay.com/donations/jeremy-hammond-defense

OR make checks payable to:

National Lawyers Guild Foundation Memo: JHDC

and send them to:
JHDC ℅ NLG
132 Nassau St
RM 922
New York, NY 10038

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