ocap needs help

national | miscellaneous | news report Thursday June 12, 2003 01:05 by john throne - labors militant voice loughfinn at aol dot com

ocap need your help

Most of us on this list know at least a little about the tough times facing
OCAP now. I'm not so sure if everyone realizes what a critical moment this
actually is...

A three year investigation and trial of key OCAP members John Clarke, Stefan
Pilipa, and Gaetan Heroux recently ended in mistrial. The prosecution's
failure to get either conviction or verdict was both a major victory.
Unfortunatly, the looming threat of a new trial also presents a very serious
danger. On the one hand, prosecutors will surely adapt their tactics and
learn from certain mistakes. The other thing we must consider is the heavy
strain which legal defense puts on OCAP, its members, and their families.

The next week or so is critical. At this very moment, Toronto authorities
are considering whether or not to proceed with a new trial. OCAP is asking
all individuals and groups to sign on to their demand for no second trial in
this very decisive moment.

Information on the situation and requested steps are detailed on their
website: www.ocap.ca

Most all of us are very busy with our various important efforts. We are all
also familiar with solidarity campaigns, letter writing,etc... This
situation is a bit different than most. The mistrial was a definate setback
for OCAP’s enemies and the decision to retry OCAP is in the air, and far
from certain. This means our potential efforts would be much more than
abstract acts of general principle. Letters and endorsements may actually
prove to make serious impact on the outcome of events.

John and Stefan are also fathers
of very young children. Consider the effect of their prison terms not just
politically, but in personal and family terms as well.

I strongly urge the most urgent action possible along OCAP’s requested
lines. The clock is ticking and all our support is needed.

ocap.ca