Responding to the Response from FreePeoplePDX, 12/1/23
The word of the day is “controlled opposition”. In the past weeks, my posts have proven controversial and pushed the conversation as to the notion of ideological and controlled opposition within the movement for a Free Palestine. As of today, FreePeoplePDX responded with a statement that is definitely not something controlled opposition would say.
I wrote from a place of wishing to aid and abet the strategy and tactics that could allow us to reach a ceasefire, and liberation for all. I also discussed the violence had unfolded against activists from the “leadership” during the rallies. Actions like vandalism, and even such simple offenses as expressing distrust of law enforcement, were met with physical attacks by the patriarchal men who had placed themselves as authority in the protests.
Some concerns I recorded could be viewed as “ideological” opposition, disagreeing with the plans that led us in pointless parades. However, I had an inclination once I began to monitor the marches, that the men in question were controlled opposition. My views were validated in the response from the organizers.
The letter attempted to paint those of us criticizing the tactics and circle-marches as the real controlled opposition, and “agents of the state”. They stated: “Many individuals have openly expressed their dissent towards our approach and methods of protesting, causing some to question our strategy for action- or in the case of a couple of articles- the lack of action. Multiple FPP members have been subjected to individuals approaching during our protests, rallies and most recently our “Shut It Down at the Portland Tree Lighting Ceremony”. Their intentions are to undermine our movement and approach by encouraging us to ‘take things up a notch’. In simple words, they want violence and destruction. Many of us have been called out for ‘peace policing’, ‘controlled opposition’, and as if it couldn’t get any worse ‘agents of the state’. How ridiculous!!!”.
I’ll add that a part of their response revolved around the articles I had written over the last month. When they added a note, “or in the cases of a couple articles- the lack of action”, they were reading the words I had posted publicly, that called for actual action that will liberate Palestine. To declare that any dissent was undermining the movement is not only wrong, but something that controlled opposition would say.
To clarify once again, I am an anarchist. As much as I understand the value of a diversity of tactics like vandalism, I am not even advocating for such actions. Instead, my articles have always discussed a strategy of Nonviolent Civil Disobedience or Nonviolent Direct Action (NVDA).
They also addressed the allegations that were exposed in the Cryptpad document regarding the organizer Jad. Sexual assault was dismissed in Seattle against Jad, which is often the sign of a police informant. In 2020, we witnessed COINTELPRO tactics attempt to stifle the insurgency. In many cases, sexual predators strike plea deals with the police, and coordinate with the cops to continue to create chaos.
The information was compiled by an anonymous crew that came with the receipts of various conversations conducted with the organizers. One of the screenshots revealed the level of communication with law enforcement. They wrote; “FPP organizers must wisely choose to comply with police demands to keep anyone from getting in trouble”.
Most notably, they posted a story about the level of security and police that would be at the Christmas Tree Lighting Disruption at the Pioneer Courthouse Square. Already a heavily-surveilled event, due to an attempted bombing ten years prior, the cops kept a close eye on the demonstration. They casually discussed with the organizers. No doubt, they knew their job was done for them. Later in the evening, after a confrontation between a concertgoer and a comrade, the men turned over the protester to Portland Police.
In their response, FreePeoplePDX has threatened to sue me and anyone else that shared the sexual assault charges and their status. Without question, they stated that they stood at the side of Jad, and denied all accusations.
“That is why FPP must address the accusations going around against one of our founders, Jad. The things those zionist and hateful organizations are labeling him with, are harmful and defaming to his character. Especially after he has been proven to be innocent from any accusations. FPP is officially starting a lawsuit against those involved in these defaming actions and will not rest until they are all brought to justice.”
To call out violent sexual assault, as you witness the man in question physically attack fellow protesters and directly work with police to arrest activists; is, according to the organizers, “zionist and hateful”.
Their denial has been edited a number of times. The recent iteration removed their response to the charges. It was released on Google. Since then, the link has been hidden, as they set the document to private. One thing that should be noted is that the organizers are not Palestinian, and instead pose themselves as the leaders, based on their being Arab or Muslim.
Their response has been wild to watch. In short, they decided to denounce any of us who wish to see their strategy succeed. FreePeoplePDX has declared themselves the “leaders” of the movement for a Free Palestine. One of their leaders has been revealed to be accused of a string of sexual assault cases that suddenly disappeared.
Do with that information what you will. Sexual abusers have no place in Portland’s protest spaces. As to the organizers, please be aware that I stand by what I have written. I will not be intimidated into silence with the threat of legal action. These men have proven themselves to enact violence against those they disagree with. I will protect myself if I must and will find legal representation should you open a lawsuit over public allegations.
It is not our duty to follow tokenized leadership and peace police.
In Order to Free People, the People Must Be Free.
