Ojore Lutalo, (Black Liberation activist) was pulled off an Amtrak train in La Junta, Colorado on his way home to New Jersey this past Tuesday. He was arrested and charged with, “Interfering with Public Transportation”. Train passengers alleged that Ojore had made “terroristic, [sic] threats against the train”.
Ojore has denied the charges, saying that he was having a conversation with a friend on the phone at the time. Ojore has been released and is out on $30,000 bail. He is currently staying with friends in Denver. Those who wish to help should contact Denver ABC for information.
Many see the arrest as suspect coming just days after Ojore’s appearance at the Los Angeles anarchist book fair. The arrest also follows an interview with Ojore aired on the local Pacifica station KPFK on Monday. Latest from the Newswire: Ojore Lutalo Update and Support by Mapache LA ABCF | | OJORE LUTALO ARRESTED | | VIDEO: OJORE SPEAKS ABOUT HIS ARREST ON AMTRAK & THE BOGUS CHARGES
Despite the heavy rain, 24 people took part in an emergency vigil for Haiti at the Downtown Federal Building, Thursday eve, Jan 21. The vigil's purpose was asking people "to donate money to go to grassroots women and their families, and therefore communities, rather than to thieving elites and their corrupt NGOs." One very dedicated participant had been waiting for us since noon when the weekly vigil for Haiti usually takes place.
Signs said “Haiti – Help Not Occupation. Return Aristide,” and asked people to question “Where is the Red Cross?” and to consider supporting earthquake victims through HaitiAction.net. Many signs simply called for humanitarian aid to take precedence over a U.S. Military presence. Others condemned the ongoing occupations in both Haiti and Honduras.
It was reported that other emergency vigils for Haiti were being held around the world including ones also organized by the Global Women’s Strike in London and in Philadelphia protesting that survivors are dying as the US military blocks food, water and medical supplies from getting through, and calling on the US to prioritize getting help to grassroots communities. And Haiti Action Committee has called a vigil in San Francisco on Monday, January 25.
Full story and photos: Emergency Vigil in Support of Haiti by Ross Plesset