WarCriminalsWatch Events

On December 1, 2009, hundreds of people gathered outside West Point at the US Military Academy to protest Barack Obama's announcement that he was vastly expanding the US war on Afghanistan.

Sixteen people sat in front of the main gate to West Point while hundreds chanted. Six were arrested for blocking the entrance (which had been closed by police). See video here. The action was covered by national news; we heard that people in Afghanistan heard about it.

Our message was STOP the US war on Afghanistan. Elaine Brower, Matthis Chiroux, Tarak Kauff, Allison Levy, Richie Marini, and Bev Rice were tried on two counts of disorderly conduct in town court in Highland Falls, NY. The judge convicted them; they appealed, and one count was dismissed. Sentencing was delayed when, according to the town clerk, records of the case were washed away in Hurricane Irene. A new judge has brought them back into court several times, and is threatening harsh sentences to discourage anyone from protesting again at West Point.

The final sentencing date, ironically, is Tuesday March 19, the exact 10th year anniversary of the "shock and awe" launch on Iraq. The war is one in which Matthis refused to fight, and Elaine's son was sent to twice. We're calling for supporters to be present inside and outside the court for sentencing. 

For map go here (50 miles north of NYC).