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ISM members arrested in Chicago Need Your Support

On Monday, January 7th while President George Bush was visiting downtown Chicago, four anti-war activists were arrested as Bush left the exclusive Union League Club following his meeting with Mayor Richard Daley, Cardinal George and a coterie of wealthy businessmen.
Charged with disorderly conduct are Buddy Bell, 25, of the Gay Liberation Network, Kevin Clark, 57, of the Chicago chapter of the International Solidarity Movement (ISM), and Jeff Pickert, 19, of ISM.

Andy Thayer, 47, of GLN is charged with aggravated battery on a police officer - a felony. The ridiculous aggravated battery charge carries a potential 2 to 5 year prison term and/or up to $25,000 fine.

Due to the ongoing prosecution of the charges, the defendants are not at liberty to discuss the specifics of what happened on January 7th, but they do ask for your support.

Funds are urgently needed for the legal defense to defeat the charges Please give whatever you can by making checks payable to "8th Day Center for Justice" and write in the memo section, "Bush Protesters Legal Defense." Please mail the checks to:

8th Day Center For Justice
Attn: Bush Protesters Legal Defense
205 W. Monroe Street, 5th floor
Chicago, IL 60606

The defendants realize that taking time off of work, school and other commitments can be difficult for many, and so will only request your presence in the courtroom when they think it will have the most impact.

The first important court date, for Jeff, Buddy and Kevin, will be at 1:30 pm this coming Wednesday, January 23rd at the Branch 43 Courthouse, 3150 W. Flournoy (one block south of Harrison, just east of Kedzie). Please come out and show your support!