No Jail Time, No Fine! Solidarity is Not a Crime! Free Speech is Not a Crime! Reverse the Conviction!
The National Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression and all its branches is proud to send our warmest and celebratory congratulations to the success of the Uhuru 3, Chairman Omali Yeshitela, Penny Hess and Jesse Nevel. The Uhuru 3 face no Jail time and no fines after being targeted, groundlessly charged, bogusly convicted by the FBI for their organizing for black liberation. The FBI tried to set a legal precedent for criminalizing international solidarity and criminalizing free speech — and they LOST! When we fight we win!
The Uhuru 3 waged a bold defense campaign, in the streets and in the courthouse to fight back against FBI and state repression. On July 29th, 2022 they had their homes, offices, and lives turned upside down for over 2 years. They never strayed from their views and spoke out against this unjust attack.
On December 12th, 2024, three leaders of the African Peoples’ Socialist Party (APSP) and the Uhuru movement were faced with 5 years in prison and 250K fines each for a bogus conviction of conspiracy. The Judge ruled no jail time and no fines. The Uhuru 3 pledged to continue to fight to overturn their previous conviction on bogus charges.
This win is a testament to the strength of the community, particularly the community of St. Pete and Tampa who consistently came out in support of the Uhuru 3 every step of the way. As a mass defense organization, NAARPR is proud to have stood in solidarity with the Uhuru 3 at their rallies, with the Tampa Alliance offering messages of solidarity and defense, regularly updating our members and networks of their case, attending the court proceedings, and even having Jainabah Lumumba, APSP member and daughter of APSP Chairman Omali Yeshetila, speaking on behalf of the Uhuru 3 at the NAARPR Southern Regional Conference. We will continue to stand in solidarity as they wage a battle to reverse the wrongful conviction.
Victory to the UHURU 3!Solidarity is not a crime!Free speech is not a crime!