From years of experience in working with the struggles of political prisoners, we have learned that conveying concrete conditions can be part of the foundation for taking on political initiatives or winning them back. For that reason, I'd like to briefly describe the situation of my arrest on May 1, 1997. The mood was very aggressive and turbulent right from the beginning. Both police units (Stapo and Kapo) were at odds with one another as to who should be in charge and who would get the credit for their "success". Today, both are still involved. During the raid on my house, they fought over who could take the most stuff with them, and over who possessed the monopoly on violence in this country. The house and garden were "secured" by uniformed Kapo cops. Both my hands and feet were bound, and I was held to the ground by armed cops and pushed around by them as they generally tried to prevent me from protecting my interests as 7 nosy cops (both Kapos and Stapos) did their thing. Despite their overwhelming advantage, they only partially succeeded! True, armed cops at my side, they forcefully kept my head down, but I entered the jail with a raised fist, and one experience richer!
I was alleged to be an "important ringleader", who, according to police, had to be "taken out of action". Two cops had to be present each time my cell door was opened; when I left my cell, my hands were always cuffed behind my back; my time in the yard was always alone, except for the cops there watching me; my cell was raided while I took a shower or walked in the yard or met with my lawyer; full body searches (or attempts!) after every lawyer visit; ... For 5 days, there was no local lawyer who wanted to touch the case.
I'm not describing this situation because I am angry, but rather from a struggling consciousness and the belief that one can learn a lot from, and be strengthened by, concrete experiences.

The struggle continues!

14.5.97