National SDS condemns charges against the African People's Socialist Party and the Uhuru Movement

Four members of the Uhuru Movement and African People’s Socialist Party were indicted by a federal grand jury in Tampa, Florida on Tuesday, April 18, with charges of "acting as agents of the Russian government within the United States without prior notification." The people indicted include Omali Yeshitela, the chairman and founder of the African People's Socialist Party and the Uhuru Movement (APSP), Penny Joanne Hess, a leader of APSP, Jesse Nevel, a member of APSP, and Augustus C. Romain Jr., also known as Gazi Kodzo, a former leader of APSP. If found guilty, they could face a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
To put it simply, Black activists are being targeted for their opposition to the US’s involvement in the war in Ukraine. As an anti-war organization that currently has members fighting against felony charges, it is imperative for us to stand in solidarity with all protestors facing state suppression.
Students For A Democratic Society is against any attempts made by the U.S. government to target activists within progressive movements in the country. We demand the immediate dismissal of these charges and demand an end to investigations, political harassment, and intimidation aimed at activists and our movements.

Drop the charges!
Hands off our movements!