Anarchist Prisoner Eric King Found “Not Guilty” of New Charges

Report from the Civil Liberties Defense Center (CLDC) on the end of anarchist prisoner Eric King’s recent trial, which ended in an acquittal. Originally posted by the Anarchist Black Cross Federation (ABC-F).

On March 19th, a jury acquitted anti-racist and anti-fascist political prisoner Eric King on the count of “assaulting” an officer. CLDC is overjoyed at the return of a not guilty verdict from the jury. After hearing hours of compelling testimony from King himself, the jurors were rightly convinced of his constitutionally protected rights to defend himself against threat of death or bodily injury, even when that threat came from a corrections officer at the Bureau of Prisons.

This victory belongs not only to King, but to his family, community of supporters, and most importantly to all those who have fallen victim to the horrific abuses and torture the Bureau of Prisons metes out on a daily basis in facilities across the country.

Anarchist prisoner Eric King has repeatedly been targeted by guards + fascist prisoners for violence. Currently, the BOP is attempting to frame him with assaulting a guard who attacked him – which would add an extra 20 years to his sentence. Verdict expected tomorrow. A thread. https://t.co/ie8txhcTqy pic.twitter.com/VikO7tSduf

— It's Going Down (@IGD_News) March 18, 2022

CLDC executive director, Lauren Regan was thrilled with the verdict, stating “on behalf of the entire CLDC team, we are thankful for the trust and friendship that Eric King shared with us and we feel fortunate for the privilege to defend him and to work with his family and community in order to bring justice to light within the confines of the federal Bureau of Prisons. This was a long and arduous battle against State power, and we are appreciative for the jury’s earnest deliberation.”

Eric was acquitted of assault today. We are so impressed by Eric's resilience and strength throughout this process. Much love to @CLDC and their vigorous and strong support of Eric. pic.twitter.com/G9DXbgAs9j

— Support_Eric_King (@SupportEricKing) March 19, 2022

“When Eric made the decision to fight back against these trumped-up charges of assault brought against him, he made the choice to extend the same values of anti-racism and anti-fascism that moved him to act in 2014 in solidarity with the uprisings in Ferguson, Missouri,” said Josh Davidson, a member of the Eric King Support Committee. This case was fought not only with the goal of returning King home to his family without any additional years of his life being stolen away, but with the goal of holding the BOP accountable in order to make that place survivable for others by at least shedding light on the secretive system of racism and abuse that has been running rampant within the BOP.

This outcome is even more momentous given the government’s fierce opposition to King’s courageous efforts to tell the world about his plight and that of others held in custody.