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The Cleveland 4 were four Occupy Cleveland
activists—Brandon, Connor,
Doug, and Joshua “Skelly.” They were
arrested on April 30th, 2012, accused of plotting to blow up a bridge.
But it was the FBI, working with an informant, that crafted the plot,
produced the “explosives,” and coerced these four into participating.
Connor, Doug, and
Brandon took non-cooperating plea deals and pled
guilty to all charges. The judge applied a “terrorism enhancement” to
their sentences, elongating their sentences as well as subjecting them
to harsher prison conditions. Doug is serving 11.5 years, Brandon 9
years 9 months, and Connor 8 years 1 month—all to be followed by
lifetime supervised release.
Skelly took his case to trial and acted as his own
lawyer. The government offered him a non-cooperating plea deal with a
3 year sentence, if he would have pled guilty. Josh refused to plead
guilty to something he didn’t do, but he was found guilty on all
counts by his jury and sentenced to 10 years.
All appealed their sentences, and all appeals were denied.
Support them as they continue to fight against the
government's attempt to brand them as terrorists and to expose the
techniques of entrapment used by the FBI.
Donations go directly towards supporting the Cleveland 4 while
they are in prison. Keeping money on their commissary accounts
allows them to buy paper and stamps, make phone calls to loved ones,
and purchase personal care items and other necessities. Donations
are also important for having funds for basic legal expenses that
arise and to help loved ones afford to visit them. Thank you for
whatever support you can contribute.
Visit Cleveland4Solidarity.org to learn more about
their case
and what you can do to support them.