'WE ARE ALL LYNNE STEWART!'
http://www.workers.org/2010/us/lynne_stewart_1202/
By Dolores Cox
Nov 24, 2010
November 20 marked the one-year anniversary of the incarceration of
"The People's Lawyer," 71- year-old Lynne Stewart. The U.S.
government sentenced her to 10 years imprisonment for allegedly
"aiding a terrorist," the blind Egyptian Sheikh Omar Abdul-Rahman,
who is serving a 100-year sentence for complicity in the first
bombing attack on the World Trade Center.
Apparently, this is the first time a lawyer has been disbarred or
criminally prosecuted for violating an administrative order
forbidding the public conveyance of thoughts and words of a client.
Stewart's conviction is intended to have a chilling effect on other
attorneys who dare to follow in her footsteps. The government has
made her part of the their post-9/11 "war on terrorism."
On Nov. 20 close to 100 activists and independent media journalists
gathered one more time near the Metropolitan Correctional Center in
Manhattan where Stewart is imprisoned. The mood was both spirited and
somber. Rally speakers expressed their love and admiration for her
courage and willingness to fight against injustice, to speak truth to
power and to turn words into action and organizing. They were there
to give strength and words of encouragement to Stewart and each
other, saying they can't do enough to repay her.
Speakers stated that Stewart served as a role model to many in the
legal profession, yet too many of her colleagues lack backbone and
principle. They said that the job of all of us is to relieve the
burdens of all subjugated political prisoners residing in the
citadels of injustice and its predatory system. And they asserted
that we must continue the struggle to protect our First Amendment
rights, resist U.S. fascism and dare to stand up against aggression
and tyranny.
Speakers described Stewart as a woman who joins all great women in
history who have been punished for making change for the betterment
of humanity.
During the rally Ralph Poynter, Stewart's partner, received a phone
call from California activists who said, "Stay strong. We are all
Lynne Stewart!"
As supporters began to march to the prison for their outside "visit,"
several cop cars approached in an attempt to redirect them. The
marchers, however, continued. Police harassment and intimidation
continued throughout, but supporters were not deterred.
As darkness came, protesters turned on flashlights, accompanied by
drummers, noisemakers and shouts toward the prison windows.
Poynter shouted, "We're here for you, Lynne, and all the incarcerated
with you." Collectively, the group chanted, "Free Lynne Stewart,"
"We'll continue your fight," "Free all political prisoners," "Never
give up hope," "We love you, Lynne" and "Be like Lynne, struggle to
win." Due to a lockdown and possible threats, however, only an
occasional brave prisoner appeared at the windows for brief moments.
Upon leaving, Poynter shouted his final message to Stewart:
"Remember, we're here for you, Lynne. You will never be forgotten.
See ya later. This is not good-bye."
Stewart's supporters were all aware that their greetings to Lynne
might be the last chance to "visit" her in New York, as an impending
out-of-state transfer seems imminent. When that will happen and to
which location is unknown at this time.
After leaving the prison, Stewart supporters attended a commemoration
of the life of another freedom fighter, Puerto Rican Nationalist
Party activist Dolores "Lolita" Lebron. She was incarcerated by the
U.S. government for 25 years for fighting for Puerto Rican
independence. Lebron passed away on Aug. 1.
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