Indian Island Defendants in Court Nov. 29

Press Conference and Support Rally Before Hearing,
Candlelight Walk and Peace Vigil follow on November 29

37 defendants who were arrested at the navy base in Jefferson County will appear at the Jefferson Country Courthouse for a pre-trial hearing on November 29. The Indian Island Defendants will hold a press conference and support rally outside the courthouse at 1pm, prior to appearing in court. A candlelight peace walk and vigil from the courthouse to Union Wharf will begin at 5:30, after the hearing.

On September 23, 37 people were arrested outside the gates of Naval Magazine Indian Island, as part of a nationwide campaign called the Declaration of Peace. The local event was one of 375 actions that occurred across the country during the week of Sept. 19-26. The Declaration of Peace was an effort to pressure congress to develop a plan for an end to the Iraq occupation before leaving Washington DC to campaign in their home states.

Almost 300 people were arrested at the protests. The Indian Island action was one of the largest arrests groups in the country. Protesters were also arrested at the port of Olympia and in Representative Rick Larsen’s office in Bellingham. During a recent meeting of the Indian Island defendants, several people said they believe that the collective arrests helped to influence the recent elections and encourage voters to demand a change of course in the Iraq war and occupation.

Supporters are invited to join the Indian Island defendants at 1 o’clock in the park across from the Jefferson County Courthouse for a press conference and support rally before they enter the courthouse for the pre-trial hearing. Supporters are encouraged to wear red to show support for the defendants.

There will be a candlelight walk from the Jefferson County Courthouse, down to Union Wharf, which overlooks Indian Island. Candlelight vigils will be held in several other cities across the Puget Sound area in support of those arrested in protest of the Iraq war, and to continue to show their resolve to continue working for peace.

Donations for legal defense costs are needed. Contact Liz Rivera Goldstein at 379-9094 for more information.