Tucson Activist Arrested in New York

Upcoming Benefit: Radical folk singer David Rovics will be headlining a benefit show raising money for Josh Banno and Rod Coronado (who was arrested in Sabino Canyon last spring during the mountain lion hunts). The show will be held in Tucson at 7 Black Cats at 121 E. Congress, 6:00 pm on Sunday, October 10. (more info, half-sheet flier)

Yusuke "Josh" Banno of Tucson is being held on $200,000 bail for multiple felonies after being arrested during a protest at the Republican National Convention on August 29. Despite witnesses that say he was not involved in setting a fire, police targetted Banno for arrest after a dragon prop caught on fire in a feeder march during the protest. A post to indymedia stated, "it seemed like a random, spontaneous arrest. It took place behind the dragon, on the sidewalk, away from the heat and flames."

A Defense committee was formed by Josh's friends to help support him. On the website are donation options and a press release as well as other information. In another indymedia post, it was reported that another Arizonan was also arrested at the same time, who has an arraignment on Thursday.

Solidarity Bike Ride in Tempe

Over 5,000 bicyclists were involved in a Critical Mass in New York City on August 28 as part of the RNC protests. Hundreds of people were arrested, several brutalized by police. Fifteen bicyclists from across the Valley (AZ) met in Tempe, AZ, on the following day, to demonstrate solidarity with NYC bicyclists by participating in a local Critical Mass.

Although is was a mere 15 people, the presence was something new to most Tempe motorists; even fellow bicyclists were surprised to see a small flock of bikes slowing traffic and creating backups for unsuspecting drivers. Most passers-by were very supportive (aside from those in vehicles) and had great enthusiasm for the cause. However, the majority of the people were not the usual crowd of folks out on a Saturday night. See full text of Tempe Critical Mass report here.

Flagstaff holds Solidarity Demonstration

There will be a rally in solidarity with RNC protesters on Thursday, September 2 at 4:30 in front of City Hall in Flagstaff.

Fighting for Maricopa County Inmates' Rights

On June 24th at 7:30 a.m. several Durango Jail inmates went on a hunger strike to demand healthier food and three meals a day instead of the two they're being served currently (CBS 5 report). The hunger strike ended within a few days, but was supported on the outside by members of the Monsoon Anarchist Collective, Mothers Against Arpaio, Phoenix Copwatch and was also joined by friends and family members who were waiting in the visiter's center at the jail. This first outside protest occured on the Saturday following the start of the hunger strike outside of Durango Jail (see the call, summary, and photos).

Protests continue for the human rights of local inmates. The Monsoon Anarchist Collective called for protests on July 12th and July 19th and made several demands including three healthy meals a day for inmates, the end to persecution of hunger strikers, the closure of Tent City due to human rights violations (see Amnesty International's report), and they also call for a people's review board.

The July 12th protest was held in front of the Wells Fargo Building in downtown Phoenix where Sheriff Joe Arpaio's office is. Sheriff Joe has been the center of recent local coverage, highlighting corruption and lies. Protesters got positive response from passers by and heard from an inmate on work-release about the poor conditions including vermin, not enough water, poor health, deaths, having to work for free, and inmates not knowing enough about the law or their rights.

The July 19th protest will be held at Estrella Jail at 9 am (more details here).