Courts are not where we win victories, streets are!

In the early hours of January 1st, 2009, Oscar Grant III was murdered by BART police officer Johannes Mehserle. The 22 year old father was shot in the back as he lay face-down on the Fruitvale BART platform with BART officer Tony Pirone's knee in his shoulder.

18 months later and 400 miles from the scene of the crime, the killer's show trial has begun.

We know better than to hope for justice from a court. We know that this murder was no accident, no exception to the usual conditions of our lives, just more typical cop shit.

Except this case is different. Thousands of people have watched videos of the execution. The Jan 7th uprising in Oakland resulted in the first prosecution of a cop for an on-duty murder in California history. We are learning that we have power when we act together. But the trial of a single killer cop is not enough. The decisions we make today will set an example for years to come. Now is the time to escalate the struggle against the police.

Let's mobilize as many people as possible to act on the day of the verdict. Let's send the message that no matter what the courts decide, we declare Johannes Mehserle guilty. We declare the racist police state he serves guilty. We ain't gonna tolerate this shit anymore.

Start making plans for the day of the verdict now. The trial is underway, and the judge has said he wants it over by the 4th of July weekend. Organize rideshares to the community gatherings in Oakland and Los Angeles. Get phone trees and email lists set up for people who want to go. Spread information about the trial on social networking sites. Put up posters and talk to people in your neighborhood. Plan walk-outs or occupations. If you can't make it to one of the community gatherings, organize solidarity actions in your town. Keep updated on how the trial is going so you'll know when the jury begins deliberations. On the day of the verdict everyone should be ready to do what they do best.

Be prepared. This trial's verdict brings hella potential to spread anarchy. Let's seize this historic moment and start a chain reaction to win this struggle- not in some fucking court house, but where it matters- in the streets!

JUSTICE FOR OSCAR GRANT!

More information: http://www.indybay.org/oscargrant

Community gatherings on the day of the verdict -

Oakland: 14th and Broadway, 6PM.

Announcement and flyer: http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2010/06/03/18649730.php

Los Angeles: we will be gathering at the courthouse. If you want to be put on a Text Message list to let you
know when that day will be: Text "TRIAL" to 213-973-3434