update on LB political prisoners and attack on activists

Matt called today and said that him and Max were followed by Long Beach detectives into La Habra. They were pulled over by La Habra police, however the plain clothed LB detectives were present, and were the ones who searched their car. These are the gang unit detectives/officers who usually drive around in silver/dark blue cars. Matt is being charged with 5 felony counts: possession of destructive device, use of destructive device with intent to harm, sell/transport of destructive device, making a destructive device without permit. The judge at his arraignment said his 5th charge was his warrants. Matt's next arraignment is on May 14th at Fullerton Court. Department 7.

There has been consistent harassment by police at the LB infoshop. Today a cop in a silver car pulled up directly in front of the infoshop for several minutes. He stayed there completely idle. He glanced inside a few times but mostly kept looking forward as if he was "on guard", waiting to see who entered or left the premises. He wasn't doing anything until someone walked out of the infoshop and stood next to him. He then smiled and drove around the corner, and came back around the front before driving off. Earlier today a young man was being harassed by police in front of the infoshop. The police asked to search his bag, and asked if he had ever been inside the infoshop. When the police didn't get their way they decided to make a scene by turning on their sirens in attempt to scare the individual.

Jeff (who was arrested at Matt's arraignment) has his arraignment on Thurs, April 25th 8am at Fullerton court.. His charges are contempt of court, and unlawful communication with inmates. These are misdemeanor charges.

I have been trying to get updates on Max. As far as I know he is still in Juvenal jail. If anyone has updates on his situation please post it around.

A math instructor at Cerritos college and member of the Long Beach Peace Network, Hasan Hasan, has been illegally detained by the INS and is now being held at the Long Beach Police Department. Without being given any reason Hasan Hasan was both fired from his job and arrested within a matter of minutes.

An EMERGENCY meeting has been called to discuss about what we can do; leaflet, benefits, legal aid, rallies, etc for Friday 4/26/02 at 12 noon at the Long Beach Infoshop at 684 Redondo. For directions call 562 434 6934.