Broad Formation Mounts Mobilization for G-20 Summit Fight Over First Amendment Rights Ensues

Pittsburgh, PA – Since learning of White House plans to hold the next G-20 Summit in Pittsburgh on September 24-25, scores of activists and organizations from multiple sectors of society have been quickly gearing up for a mobilization. They are simultaneously fighting to safeguard their right to free speech and assembly. The mobilization is expected to be the largest expression of political dissent in Pittsburgh in more than a generation.

“Anyone who has lost a job, a home, a loved one to war, or lived without adequate healthcare, water, or food has been directly affected by policies set by the G-20,” says Jessica Benner of the Thomas Merton Center Antiwar Committee, which is organizing a “Peoples’ March to the G-20,” on Friday, Sept. 25.

An extraordinary array of groups from peace & justice, women’s, religious, environmental, Indigenous, African-American, anarchist and student movements – from Pittsburgh and around the globe – are planning marches, rallies, civil disobedience, direct action, educational forums and “tent cities.” (See attached summary of events.)

“Our week-long tent city will represent the millions of refugees who have been displaced by war in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Gaza, and for whom the G-20 turns a blind eye,” says Edith Bell, a member of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom.

As in recent summits and political conventions in the U.S., the Dept. of Homeland Security has claimed jurisdiction. The authorities are delaying or attempting to deny permits and proposing restrictions on free speech, while securing $18 million dollars for 4,000 police and weaponry as well as waging an information warfare campaign that equates protest with terrorism.

Organizers have launched a campaign to protect the public’s 1st amendment rights and have called on the Mayor and City Council to stand up to the Federal takeover of Pittsburgh. “We invite all those who believe in free speech and civil liberties to join us to fight for the right to demonstrate,” says Michelle Gaffey, a Duquesne University graduate student. “Free speech and dissent are the foundation of a democratic society.” Lawyers from the ACLU, Center for Constitutional Rights, and National Lawyers Guild are preparing lawsuits.

“The State’s attempt to suppress dissent calls to mind why we’re protesting in the first place,” says David Meieran of the 3 Rivers Climate Convergence, which is planning an environmental justice camp and protests focusing on the coal industry as the International Coal Conference directly precedes the G-20 Summit. “The closed-door G-20 Summits make policies that benefit corporations at the expense of people, democracy, and the planet.”

Future releases will contain updates around developing stories about the G-20 summit mobilization as keynote speakers are confirmed, organizations announce plans to mobilize, etc.

For more information visit www.g20media.org.