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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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