Evanston, IL – IL-9 Congressional Candidates State Senator Laura Fine, State Senator Mike Simmons, State Representative Hoan Huynh, Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss, Skokie School Board Member Bushra Amiwala, and Sam Polan released a joint statement condemning the federal indictments of six people, including candidates, local officials, and activists. The leaders called the charges “an appalling abuse of power” and a “direct attack on the freedoms that define this country.”

“We unequivocally condemn the partisan and unethical indictments of the Broadview protestors at the direction of Donald Trump’s weaponized Justice Department.

This is what happens in dictatorships and failed states; we should never accept it here. In exercising their right to protest, these individuals were participating in the most American of traditions - and one that is more necessary and urgent every day. We support these rights unequivocally and support Kat, Cat, Michael, Andre, Joselyn, and Brian in their fight against an unjust prosecution.

They want to make an example of one of us, hoping the rest will fall silent. They want us to believe that fear is safer than truth. But silence has never defined our state. We must stay stronger than ever and never back down to this type of bullying and intimidation.”

Signed:

Laura Fine

State Senator, 9th District

Bushra Amiwala

Skokie School Board Member

Mike Simmons

State Senator, 7th District

Hoan Huynh

State Representative, 13th District

Daniel Biss

Mayor of Evanston

Sam Polan

Resident