Six local punk bands played October 12 at Northern to raise awareness for a political issue that has hit close to home here in Washington’s capitol.
Angry Music for Real ‘¢hange’
Around 200 young people gathered at the volunteer-run, all ages venue, art gallery, and community space on one of the first rainy nights of the school year.
The concert raised money for three imprisoned anarchists who refused to testify at a grand jury hearing. The show raised $1,813 for the resisters’ legal fees, rent, and other necessities.
The bands played short sets of Olympia’s quintessential punk sound, each of them voicing solidarity with the resisters. Soil opened the show, followed by Disparate, Margy Pepper, Dick Binge, Dogjaw and then Agatha.
Along with music, the event offered zines and literature from activists. Many of the self-published pamphlets contained discussions on the grand jury and were handed out for suggested donations.
This month, in response to Seattle grand jury imprisonments, there has been a massive backlash from activist groups.
Leah Plante, Katherine “Kteeo” Olejnik, and Matthew Duran are being held at a Federal Detention Center in Seattle. They could remain imprisoned for the duration of the investigation, potentially until 2014.
Brad Collins, a member of The Committee Against Political Repression and an organizer of the show, said the government is trying to silence dissent, and discourage “resistance against the political and economic status quo.”
Supporters are speaking out against what they see as grand juries’ broad and secretive powers to investigate possible organized crime activity.
Investigation or Violation?
On July 25, FBI and Terrorism Joint Task Force agents stormed Plante’s Portland home to take anti-government literature, hard drives, address books, and black clothing. They were apparently investigating groups involved in May Day demonstrations last spring, during which individuals destroyed property in downtown Seattle.
In their public statement, the resistors ask that people refuse to cooperate with the police.
“The police do not protect us,” the statement reads, “and do nothing to bring justice to those who have been hurt by others. If we want real safety, and real justice, we need to begin creating liberatory alternatives to the state’s institutions.”
The Committee Against Political Repression is planning to host its next benefit show at Le Voyeur on October 20 at 8 p.m.
By Issac Scott
