At 4:18pm on Tuesday, May 21st, local anarchist Gerald “Jerry” Koch was remanded into custody for his continued refusal to cooperate with a federal grand jury. It is presumed this grand jury was convened to investigate the 2008 “bicycle bombing” of a times square military recruitment center. It’s just as likely that the bombing is mere pretext for what the feds are really after– finding out more about anarchists in NYC, their networks, organizing, and varying philosophies.

In taking a principled position, Jerry has written the following statement:

“By the time you read this, I will be in the custody of the United States government for continuing my refusal to cooperate with a federal grand jury. This is the right thing to do.

I continue to believe that the government is using this federal grand jury in an abusive manner to force me to divulge information about my political associations and social networks.

If we mean what we say when we talk about radical politics, then we do not participate in witch hunts, inquisitions, or the assembly of black lists. As an individual, I will not lend legitimacy to government brutality and intimidation; I will not be used. As an anarchist, I will summon the courage to be stronger than the forces of the State’s all-too-real repression; I will not break.

Your show of truly powerful support has done nothing but strengthen my resolve in refusing to cooperate. We must not let ourselves be isolated by the government’s heavy-handed tactics. We must not give the state that last inch it tries to break in every one of us.

With Love, with Dignity, in Solidarity

Jerry Koch”

Please take the time to write Jerry a card or letter, letting him know that he has support. His current address, at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn is:

Gerald Koch #68631-054

MDC Brooklyn

Post Office Box 329002

Brooklyn, New York 11232

For updates and more ways to help, visit jerryresists.net