Month: February 2021

Legal Defense Fund for Pittsburgh Activist (organized by Max Emiliano Gonzales)

DONATE HERE

This past summer, as civil unrest to police brutality, erupted globally, Pittsburgh saw its own clashes with the local law enforcement and national guard. Throughout these protests, many were arrested and many have been charged. In this case, a local activist and comrade have been accused of several Federal Felonies. If convicted, this accused could face a severe and lengthy sentence.

They will need the best defense possible; however, our comrade is in an extremely financially insecure position right now, as the result of these charges and their eventual arrest.  We have identified legal representation for the accused, and we are now attempting to fundraise to meet the needed costs.

We are shooting for $10,000 dollars.

If any amount more than that is donated, the remainder will be given to the local non-profit, SisTers Pgh.

BRIAN BARTELS LEGAL FUND

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Update 11/8/2020: Brian’s sentencing in the federal case is in January.  He is working to finish his associates degree and received a conditional acceptance to his first choice in university in the fall of 2021, but facing results of both federal and state charges, his future is uncertain.  Brian’s family is still struggling financially.  Brian’s dad was permanently laid off from his job and Brian’s mom is still furloughed from her job.  

Brian is my friend and a sweet guy who has always been passionate and committed to important causes such as anti-racism, anti-classist systems, values all life and believes in equality for all sentient beings. He loves teaching music and is working towards his music education degree.

Brian was arrested in Pittsburgh during a protest. For legal reasons, I have been asked not to discuss events surrounding his charges, but the internet has become rampant with 1000 conspiracy theories and everyone wants to throw the book at Brian.  He is 20 years old and they are trying to make him a scapegoat him for all sorts of crimes he did not do.

Brian has also been receiving death threats. My friend has not even been tried and found guilty of any crimes. His family has been unfairly targeted including their home vandalized. All they want is their son to have fair representation in the legal system.

Brian has been charged by the federal government after President Trump publicly stated he was going to use the DOJ to go after people arrested at protests. Brian lost his job because of the charges and is having difficulty finding work as a result. Brian’s parents are furloughed due to Covid-19 and not able to currently work making the situation more complicated.

Please help if you can, Brian deserves to be treated fairly.

 

NLG Pittsburgh Protest Felony Defense Fund

CLICK HERE TO DONATE

The National Lawyers Guild of Pittsburgh is hosting this fundraiser to provide  badly needed financial support to protesters in our city who are being charged and in some cases held in the Allegheny County Jail on unsubstantiated felony charges. In some cases, protestors are being held with exorbitant bail demands designed to keep them in holding, and at times, denied bail all together. We believe that these severe and unprovoked charges are being used to intimidate with the intention of repressing protests against police brutality in our city. 100% of funds raised will be used directly for the legal defense and expenses of these individuals. It will also provide much needed commissary funds while they are in jail.

While there is some legal support being provided to protestors in Pittsburgh, those facing the most serious charges and have the greatest needs are unfortunately the least likely to receive pro-bono legal defense. There are upwards of 30 (and counting) protestors and organizers who have been targeted,  sought out, and charged by local and in some cases federal authorities — sometimes days or weeks after the protest in question has occurred, and usually without any tangible evidence. We hope to raise as much as we possibly can to offset the insurmountable financial burden they are facing, and appreciate your support through donating and/or sharing this link far and wide. Unfortunately, it will require a great deal of money to ensure the protestors being charged with felonies receive the legal defense they truly need to fight back.

The NLG is dedicated to the need for basic change in the structure of our political and economic system. The NLG anti-imperialist and anti-racist and we strive to bring in anti-oppressive practices to all aspects of our organization. The Guild is best known for our work defending the rights of protesters through our Mass Defense and Legal Observer Programs , which have been providing legal support for movements for social justice for 50 years. Guild lawyers, law students, and legal workers observe police actions during protests, provide Know Your Rights training, track arrestees through the legal system, and provide free attorneys for protest-related cases.