This week marks a very import date in the calendar for prisoners and their families throughout the world as from August 23rd - 30th represents Week of Solidarity with Anarchist Prisoners.
The fact that capitalism does not focus on our needs but on profit, is demonstrated with all its brutality in times of climate crisis, the Covid-19 pandemic and the collapse of socioeconomic systems all around the world. Those who profit from capitalism enrich themselves through times of disaster. But with ongoing crises we are also experiencing a new era of uprisings from below.
Resistance to the war in Ukraine, Sudanese protests against military rule or the social revolt in Chile are some examples that not only show us the possibilities of organizing and collective struggle. They also highlight how important it is for social movements to learn from each other and support each other in these times. Not only outside the walls but also behind them.
Since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, we’ve seen fierce struggles against imprisonment, reminding us that incarcerated people are the ones most affected when everything goes down. Breakouts from Brazilian and Italian prisons, people in jail setting fire to a prison in Thailand and ongoing hunger strikes like those we see in Greece or in polish refugee detention camps are examples of the courage people in prisons are showing to smash the walls.
In all of these struggles, anarchist ideas and values are the fuel for collective resistance. Unsurprisingly the repression against anarchists is increasing and solidarity is needed more than ever. The capitalist system of domination can function because of the continued isolation between people, endless competition, and overlook our real needs and desires. We need solidarity within our friendships, at work, in the neighborhood, in our communities. Those outside and those inside their walls. Let’s break out together! That is why we are calling again for International Week of Solidarity with Anarchist Prisoners. Do some action of solidarity! Write letters, organize speeches or film screening, make our comrades visible on the streets with a banner drop or a graffiti and let them show that they are in our hearts and that we are fighting together.
Let’s remember those who fought against this injustice and payed with their lives. No one is free, till all are free!
If you have any questions or comments, if you would like to send us a picture, a short text, a recording of your event or action, please write to us.
This year, members of the Incarcerated Workers Organising Committee will join with prisoners and their families to call for an end to their incarceration.
IWOC will reach out to members incarcerated in Ireland and extend it solidarity with them directly. This year we will draw attention to the case of our member John Paul Wootton who is an anarchist, a wobblie and of course a miscarriage of justice victim who, along with Brendan McConville, forms part of the Craigavon Two.
Members will be taking part in making banners to help highlight prisoners by way of banner drop and also gathering for a protest actions in solidarity with them. If members or those interested can also do similar actions themselves an gather with like-minded people. Choose a noted or central location nearest you, bring your flags and banners and encourage others to join in.
You can find updated info on Anarchist Prisoners week of action 23rd - 30th August.
To get in touch with organising group of International week of solidarity you can write us to tillallarefree@riseup.net.
Take in account that we are not responsible for organising individual events in your place. We encourage you to create events wherever you live and send statement photographs of solidarity with us.
You can also follow us on Twitter: @solidarity_week & @IwocIreland
Send protest or banner drop images to tillallarefree@riseup.net and ABC Derry at derryanarchists@gmail.com for International publication on social media etc.
Derry ABC: https://t.co/DvwQG0aCg0
IWOC Ireland: iwoc.ireland@iww.org.uk
IWOC Ireland on Facebook
Protests or Pickets suggested in Ireland for this coming Saturday & Sunday at agreed/suitable locations. Banners posters or placards, banner drops highlighting solidarity actions.
Prepare now and make a banner in solidarity with anarchist prisoners. Arrange with local anarchists locally and supporters for solidarity photographs of actions.
We are asking you to help highlight the case of Irish Anarchist Prisoner John Paul Wootton and his friend Brendan McConville at this time of the Craigavon Two who continue to fight their miscarriage of justice #jftc2
You can also send a direct letter of solidarity to John Paul Wootton at:
John Paul Wootton H5573, Magilligan Prison, Point Road, Limavady, County Derry, BT49 0LR, North Ireland.
Brendan McConville Maghaberry Prison, Old Road Ballinderry Upper LISBURN BT28 2PT, North Ireland.
Imprisoned anarchists, socialists, feminists, labour unionists, anti-imperialists; wherever they are in this world: solidarity with them all and always!