memorandum
TO: All ILWU Locals, Regions and Affiliates
FROM: ILWU International President Jim Spinosa
SUBJECT: Victory and vindication for the Charleston Five
DATE: November 8, 2001
Realizing they had no case and
fearing the wrath of the international labor movement, South
Carolina prosecutors caved in and offered a plea bargain to the
Charleston Five that gives them a complete victory and vindication of
their cause. For the last year and a half South Carolina Attorney General
Charles Condon has been aggressively pushing for felony charges of
rioting and conspiracy to riot that carry up to five years in prison. He
has called for jail, jail and more jail for the Five. But this week the
prosecution offered a plea bargain a misdemeanor that carries no prison
time and only a $100 fine. The defendants were allowed to plead nolo
contendere or no contest, to the charge, which means they never had to
admit any guilt. And the offense will be expunged from their record in
three years if they have no other arrests in that time.
Charleston ILA Local 1422 President
Ken Riley called the settlement a tremendous victory and gave the credit
to the unrelenting pressure of the movement. He has called for the
cancellation of the demonstrations planned for the International Day of
Action Nov. 14.
I would personally like to thank and congratulate all the ILWU members
and activists who gave so much time, energy and money to the cause of the
Charleston Five. The ILWU s firm resolve and organizing strength helped
free these brothers, and halt in its tracks the right-wing attack on
labor and workers rights to picket in defense of their jobs. Even in
these times when civil liberties are being limited, we held our position
and won.
Congratulations.
cwa39521
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