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We must support Rasmea Odeh!

By Carlos Montes

Carlos Montes at 2011 press conference

Los Angeles, CA – Rasmea Odeh is a Palestinian American activist who is a target of repression. She was arrested on Oct. 22 by U.S. Homeland Security.

I am in full support of Rasmea and demand that the charges be dropped. Like me, she is a longtime activist in the immigrant rights movement, a community leader and a supporter of the struggle to free Palestine. She needs our backing and solidarity.

It was the solidarity of thousands of people that was important to my victory against repression following my arrest of May of 2011, and my year long struggle to stay free and active. It was the mobilizing with protests, call-in days, petitions, letters of support and packing the courtroom during the legal proceedings against me that led to our win against the state.

Each case is different but what is the same is the repressive state is using the police and courts to try to stop our struggle for Chicano or Palestinian self-determination.

We cannot let this real injustice happen to Rasmea. She has committed her life to making her community a better place. We need to stand with her.

I call on allies, supporters, organizations and activists in the immigrant rights, anti-war, labor and solidarity movements to show solidarity for Rasmea Odeh. Participate in the various activities and show your support at her Detroit court hearing on Nov. 13. Sign the petition and have your organization send a letter of support. Drop the charges now!

#LosAngelesCA #PalestineSolidarity #PoliticalPrisoners #HomelandSecurity #CarlosMontes #politicalRepression #InjusticeSystem #FBIRepression #RasmeaOdeh