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Unauthorized Disclosure—Episode 29: Charlottesville And Anti-Fascist Organizing

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This week on the “Unauthorized Disclosure” podcast, we interview Juan Demetrixx, an organizer of Howard University Resist, and Jared Ware, journalist and producer of the “Beyond Prisons” podcast. Demetrixx talks about what he witnessed on the ground in Charlottesville a little more than a week ago. Ware highlights Redneck Revolt, one of a large contingent of left-wing groups that was present in Charlottesville.

Later in the interview, Demetrixx and Ware share their perspectives on confronting or challenging white supremacists and the response of Donald Trump’s administration to the violence in Charlottesville.

In reply to Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe’s claim that the police were outgunned by the white supremacists, Demetrixx said this statement struck him as surprising.

“Given what [the police] are put here to do, as far as what they claim on paper—to protect and serve, when you have something like a boiling point of white supremacy, where they all come together,” one would expect a greater response.

Demetrixx noted that left-wing groups were outgunned by white supremacists too. Only Redneck Revolt was carrying any kind of weapons, but that did not stop people from standing up and counter-protesting.

While highlighting the anti-capitalist and anti-racist presence of Redneck Revolt in Charlottesville, he says they worked strategically with groups on the ground to figure out how they could provide the most benefit. They provided armed self-defense of a staging area at Justice Park. They worked to create a “safe haven” for community members and others there to protest against neo-Nazis and other fascist groups.

The second half of the show is spent reading a statement from Palestinian American activist Rasmea Odeh, who had her sentencing hearing in Detroit. The judge refused to let her read this statement. She will be deported. And we also discuss a settlement in lawsuit against CIA torture psychologists and pay tribute to the black comic and civil rights activist Dick Gregory, who died on August 19.

To listen to the entire episode, click the above player or go here.

Kevin Gosztola

Kevin Gosztola

Kevin Gosztola is managing editor of Shadowproof. He also produces and co-hosts the weekly podcast, "Unauthorized Disclosure."