Reportback on the July 25 International Day of Solidarity with Antifascist Prisoners

From NYC Antifa

The July 25 International Day of Solidarity with Antifascist Prisoners was a resounding success! In addition to comrades in Britain, the United States, Finland, Australia, Germany, Sweden, and Bulgaria taking part, the call to action was translated into five different languages and shared thousands of times on social media. The Day of Solidarity brought awareness to antifas that have been imprisoned in the struggle against fascism, and we have shown them that they have support all over the world!

In Britain, there was benefit with raffle, cakes, cider and a “bash the fash” piñata hosted by Anarchist Black Cross Bristol and Bristol Antifascists. In Pontypridd, Valleys Antifascists/Antiffa’r Cymoedd passed out flyers and stickers. In London, Dywizjon 161organized a photo op in front of the Battle of Cable Street mural, and Brighton Antifascistsand Berkshire Antifascists did similar events. In Corby, supporters of the Corby Anti Fascist Group held a benefit gig. And in Manchester, members of a variety of groups (including “Autonomous anti-fascists from the North West, Liverpool, 161 Crew MCR, ACA MCR and Irish republicans”) called for all antifascist prisoners to be freed, and conducted a moving tribute to our fallen comrades.

Many cities took part in the United States, as well. In New York City, the NYC Anarchist Black Cross hosted a night of videos of the fash getting what they deserve, while supporters ate vegan empanadas and listened to presentations on the prisoners, as well as a speaker from One People’s Project. Portland, Oregon’s Rose City Antifa called for a week of sending postcards to prisoners, asking that they be posted online with the hashtag#PostcardsToPrisoners. In La Puente, California, the Bunny Alliance and Bridgetown DIY hosted a night of music and talks about contemporary fascism, militant anti-fascist resistance, the social revolution in Rojava, and “dealing with fascists and white nationalists within animal liberation and earth liberation movements.” Philly Antifa,Southside Chicago ARA, and Columbus, Ohio’s Sporeprint Infoshop held letter-writings, while the Denver Anarchist Black Cross screened the film 161>88. And RASH USA issued a statement demanding the release of all antifa prisoners without reprisal.unk festival in Finland.

In Finland, the Varis antifascist network distributed literature at the Puntala punk festival in Lempäälä. In Helsinki, they held a small demonstration in support of Russian antifascist prisoners Alexey Sutuga and Aleksandr Kolchenko and painted solidarity graffiti; and in Tampere they also passed out flyers in support of the prisoners.

In Sweden, the Föreningen Fånggruppen, in conjunction with seven antifa prisoners,issued a statement about the importance of prison solidarity.

In Australia, AFA Sydney hung banners for Jock Palfreeman, an Australian man imprisoned in Sofia, Bulgaria for defending two Romani men who were attacked by fascist football hooligans. (The July 25 Day of Solidarity originated in 2014 as a Day of Solidarity with Jock Palfreeman.) And in Bulgaria, antifascists also held an event for Jock.

Last, in Berlin, Germany, Minor Treat held a joint benefit dinner for refugees in Germany, and also wrote letters to the antifascist prisoners.

We are excited by the support this event attracted, and hope it expands to even more countries next year—because until fascism is buried in its grave, our comrades will be imprisoned for helping to bury it. NYC Antifa will keep updating the list of anti-fascist prisoners, in order to facilitate solidarity with antifa prisoners year round. We thank everyone who participated in the July 25th Day of Solidarity, and urge all people to not only write these prisoners, but to also continue their work.

No Pasaran!
Until all are free!