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Jan 5, 21
Filed under: Featured, IGDcast, Indigenous, Interviews, Political Prisoners, Radio/Podcast, Repression
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On this episode of the It’s Going Down podcast, we speak with Klee Benally of Indigenous Action out of Kinłani, or so-called Flagstaff and Ryan Fatica of Perilous Chronicle. We discuss the case of Loren Reed, a 26 year-old indigenous activist who is facing up to 10 years simply for making Facebook comments about damaging property in a private chat.
As Fatica wrote:
Loren is charged with one count of “Threats to Damage and Destroy a Building by Means of Fire,” which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The charges stem from comments Loren made in a private Facebook chat while planning a protest against police violence in his hometown. Because federal grand juries were suspended in Arizona for six months due to COVID-19, Loren spent the majority of his time in pre-trial detention without an indictment–in legal limbo. After more than four months of detention, he was finally able to enter a plea of “not guilty” to the charge against him.
With the Trump administration lobbing attacks at those it deems “anarchists” and political divisions igniting violence in the streets amidst a historically contentious election, a 26-year-old Diné (Navajo) man from the small town of Page, Arizona has found himself in the crossfire of a national political melee.
During our discussion, we talk about the case within the broader context of continuing colonialism and resource extraction on Indigenous lands and communities, the ongoing repression of anarchists, anti-border activists, and anti-colonial militants, and how the State has always given white supremacists and the far-Right a pass while targeting liberatory movements and struggles. Hopefully this discussion generates more support and solidarity around Loren’s case as well as presenting a cautionary tale about social media and the internet in an age of mass surveillance.
Get Involved:
- Write to Loren at:
Loren Reed #36045508
CAFCC
P.O. BOX 6300
Florence, AZ 85132
- Send Commissary Money to Loren Reed
You can send funds directly to Loren’s [commissary] by purchasing a money order and mailing it to the above address. The money order is payable to Loren Reed. No personal checks or cash.
- Contribute to Loren’s Legal Fund
Cashapp: $TucsonARC
Paypal: Paypal.me/prisonsupport
Make sure to add the note “For Loren Reed” in your donation.
- Get Updates
Follow Tucson Anti Repression Crew on Instagram for updates of further ways to support Loren.
- Spread the Word
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