Resisting FBI attacks on democratic rights

from WBEZ, Chicago

Antiwar Activists Refuse to Appear in Court
Produced by Chip Mitchell on Tuesday, October 05, 2010

Some Midwest antiwar activists say they’ll refuse a federal order to testify this month before a grand jury in Chicago.

The FBI served the subpoenas and raided several homes 11 days ago.

Attorney Jim Fennerty of Chicago is representing many of the activists. He says 14 have told the government they won’t appear. Now, he says, the ball is in the prosecutors’ court.

FENNERTY: They take you before a judge. They get the judge to order you to answer the question. If you don’t answer the question, you can be put in jail and held in civil contempt for the duration of the grand jury. There’s also a possibility later on they could charge you with criminal contempt.

Subpoenas suggest the investigation relates to foreign groups the federal government calls terrorists.

Activists say the feds are trying to silence criticism of U.S. foreign policy.

A spokesman for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Chicago on Tuesday said officials can’t comment on grand jury proceedings.