Surveillance

terrorism surveillance of political activistsThe FBI, Homeland Security, and corporations have repeatedly been exposed spying on political activists as “terrorists.” Tactics include informants, wiretaps and undercover cops.

For example:

Here are some recent articles about terrorism surveillance:

What Was it Again the Terrorists Hate?

Oh yeah, our freedom. I love this cartoon from Tom Toles. Seems particularly appropriate to share now, even though it is a bit old, after lawmakers caved to the FBI during Patriot Act reauthorization debates, and a court ruled the Bush administration and the NSA illegally wiretapped two attorneys. Thanks to Jason at Zombie Popcorn [...]

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UK Police Spying Began With Animal Rights Activists Then Expanded to Other Groups

UK police gathered personal information on thousands of activists who simply attend protests or political meetings, and created national databases.

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Government Arrests Activist for Twitter, Army Warns that Vegetarians and Terrorists May Follow

Two activists have been arrested for using Twitter to communicate during the G20 protests, another step in the continued, escalating attack on First Amendment rights in the name of combating “extremism” and “terrorism.” Elliot Madison is a social worker and anarchist who was arrested in Pittsburgh on Sept. 24 and “charged with hindering apprehension or [...]

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FBI Agent: Video Surveillance Used to Track Activist Leafleting

When I first reported on the arrest of four animal rights activists in California under the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act, few details were available. The only information was the FBI press release (which mainstream media outlets have regurgitated nearly verbatim as news articles). I now have a copy of the criminal complaint written by FBI [...]

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5 Reasons for Activists to Cover Their Faces at Protests

“If activists have nothing to hide, why are they wearing masks?” I’ve heard that question over and over again. It usually comes in the form of a soundbite from someone affiliated with a corporation, industry or government agency that is attempting to smear lawful activists as “terrorists.” Their reasoning goes something like this: If you [...]

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Feds Hope to Set an Example With “Eco-terrorist” Who Refused to Snitch: Marie Mason Faces 20 Years

Before Marie Mason ever set foot in the courtroom, before the ink on her indictment had even dried, the government was smearing her as a “terrorist.” At a press conference announcing her arrest, an FBI agent said “domestic terrorism is a top priority of the FBI.” A police chief called the 1999 Earth Liberation Front [...]

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Nuns Put on “Domestic Terrorist” List

Last week I wrote about how some Homeland Security officials don’t think Timothy McVeigh is a terrorist, but peace activists, animal rights activists, pro-choice activists and environmentalists are. You know who else are terrorists? Nuns! The Saginaw News reports that among the 53 non-violent activists labeled as “terrorists” in that Maryland operation are two Dominican [...]

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Humane Society Defends Donation to Eco-Terrorism Witch Hunt

After the recent bombings in California–which the press, industry groups and FBI recklessly rushed to attribute to animal rights activists—I reported that the Humane Society of the United States donated money to the “eco-terrorist” witch hunt. That didn’t sit well with many people, even those who oppose direct action. Now, HSUS’ Wayne Pacelle has come [...]

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UK Handbook on Policing “Eco-Terrorists” and Animal Rights “Extremists”

Check out this handy dandy guide to policing the protests of “eco-terrorists” and “domestic extremists” that activists in the UK obtained. From the UK Indymedia: Sometime during a busy day of policing the Camp For Climate Action, near Kingsnorth Power Station in Kent, an officer dropped a so-called ‘Pocket Legislation Guide on Policing Protest’. The [...]

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Cops Spying on HoneyBaked Ham Protestors and Peace Activists

Two activists who handed out vegan pamphlets outside of a HoneyBaked Ham store– and were harassed, spied on, and arrested for it– can proceed with a lawsuit against the cops, a federal appeals court recently ruled. Caitlin Childs and Christopher Freeman were leafletting in an Atlanta suburb in 2003. Here’s much more from the ACLU, [...]

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