July 20, 2016 | Revolution Newspaper | revcom.us
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Press Release
Gregory "Joey" Johnson Burns American Flag Outside Republican Convention.
He and 15 other Revolutionary Communists and Others Illegitimately Arrested and Detained for Protected Speech
Joey Gregory Johnson burning the American flag outside Republican Convention in Cleveland. He and 12 other revolutionary communists were arrested. (Photo: special to revcom.us)
Money for bail, legal and organizing support needed urgently. Donate now: https://www.crowdrise.com/revolution-club-at-the-conventions
STAY TUNED for a number to call to demand the immediate release of Gregory "Joey" Johnson and the at least 15 others arrested for constitutionally protected speech:
Joey Gregory Johnson, the notorious flag-burner who won the Supreme Court case Texas v. Johnson after burning the American flag outside the Dallas Republican National Convention in 1984, burned the American flag outside the Republican National Convention in Cleveland today.
“Donald Trump's message of America First is a fascist message of control over the people of the world, waging unending war to exploit people all over the planet. America is number 1? America always has been first – at genocide, at slavery, at exploitation, and destruction of the environment, at torture, at coup d'etats,” announced Joey Johnson before burning the American flag. Just before the action, Johnson emphasized that “Bob Avakian, leader of the revolution, says 'American lives are NOT more important than other people's lives.'”
Johnson was violently tackled to the ground by several police, his shirt which read, “BA Speaks: Revolution, Nothing Less!” was shredded, and he was arrested along with 15 other revolutionary communists. As they were taken away, they continued chanting, “1, 2, 3, 4 – Slavery, Genocide, and War! 5, 6, 7, 8 – America Was NEVER Great!” Other communists and unaffiliated protesters joined them in this chant. They also chanted, “What's the problem? The whole damn system! What's the solution? Revolution! Who's our leader? Bob Avakian!”
At least 16 revolutionary communists and others were arrested and are currently being detained. This is illegitimate and must be opposed. Send bail money, support statements, donations for legal and organizing work, and spread the word. Stay tuned for further details.
For media:
Carl Dix, a founding member of the Revolutionary Communist Party, USA available for interview. Carl Dix was on the scene and is a follower of Bob Avakian. Dix refused to fight in Vietnam back in the 60s and did two years in military prison for this stand. Dix also co-founded, together with Cornel West, the Stop Mass Incarceration Network and protests against police brutality around the country.
Joey Johnson, notorious flag burner and revolutionary communist, available for interview upon release from jail.
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