The Nuclear Resister

Update December 14:

Kimberly Rivera was released from military prison on Thursday, December 12, after serving over seven months of a 10 month sentence, with credit for good behavior and performing extra work.

Compiled from reports at FreeKimberlyRivera.org

Katie Rivera joins demonstration for her mom’s freedom outside military brig in San Diego, December 1,

PFC Kimberly Rivera gave birth to her son Matthew on the evening of November 25. After last-minute pressure from outside supporters and her attorney, husband and father Mario Rivera was allowed to be present for the birth.

Then, on Thanksgiving Day, November 28, Fort Carson Senior Commander Brig. General Michael A. Bills acted with extreme cruelty to deny Rivera’s request for clemency that would allow her to be excused from serving the last few weeks of her sentence so that she could be with her newborn son. She was taken from the hospital back the brig that morning, and their son was given to his father.

Protests of the action took place in Canada, France and the United States on December 1, which is coincidently also International Prisoner for Peace Day. On Thanksgiving Day, Mario Rivera posted this letter about his family’s ordeal:

November, 2013

Dear friends,

All of us whose names appear below have something in common. At some time between 1980 and today, each of our names appeared on the list of imprisoned anti-nuclear and anti-war activists published by the Nuclear Resister.

This letter is our unhesitating recommendation and appeal to you to support the Nuclear Resister, a “chronicle of hope”.

The Nuclear Resister has been and continues to be a crucial source of information for the community of nonviolent resisters, prisoners of conscience and their supporters. It helps to unify peace communities and build solidarity. It reminds us of the global movement we are a part of and provides a space for us to learn from and be inspired by each other.

One of four drone protesters being arrested. Photo by Ted Majdosz

from dc.indymedia.org

by Luke

On the 18th of November, 26 activists against the US drone killing program packed into pro-drone Senator Schumer’s office demanding he issue a statement denouncing the use of armed drones for assasinations.

His national security staffer was present and refused to even call him to seek such a statement. As a result the protest escalated into arrests.

Sen Schumer’s Foreign Affairs/National Security staffer complained that the protesters were a “fire hazard,” drawing a rebuke that the drones are a worse hazard. He offered to discuss matters in the hallway, protesters knew bettter and stayed in his office. They opened a passageway to allow entry and exit to prevent anyone from using obstructed access as an excuse.

Mario and Kimberly Rivera. Photo courtesy Courage to Resist

from Courage to Resist

By James Branum and Courage to Resist. November 4, 2013

Fort Carson, Colorado – Imprisoned war resister PFC Kimberly Rivera has submitted a clemency application seeking a reduction by 45 days in the 10 month prison sentence she received for seeking asylum in Canada rather return to her unit in Iraq.

The request for clemency was based on humanitarian reasons due to pregnancy. Unless clemency is granted, Private First Class Kimberly Rivera will be forced to give birth in prison and then immediately relinquish custody of her son while she continues to serve the remainder of her sentence.

Unfortunately military regulations make no provision for her to be able to breastfeed her infant son while she is in prison.

HISTORIC ACQUITTAL OF ASH WEDNESDAY ANTI-DRONE WITNESS AT HANCOCK AIR BASE, NY

In a historic decision, five Catholic Worker activists were acquitted October 24 of disorderly conduct charges for blocking the main entrance to Hancock Air Base, home of the 174th Attack Wing of the Air National Guard, Syracuse, New York. Hancock is a Reaper drone hub whose technicians pilot weaponized drones over Afghanistan.

The five went “pro se,” defending themselves in the De Witt town court of Judge Robert Jokl.

In his closing statement Fr. Bill Picard said, “We pray for you, Judge Jokl, to have the courage to do the right and courageous thing.”