The Jeremy Hammond support campaign have announced that after approximately 16 months in an Illinois state prison, Jeremy’s brother, Jason Hammond has finally been released into the loving arms of friends and family as of 1 April 2016. Jason, an ardent, lifelong antifascist, was imprisoned for his part in disrupting a meeting of white supremacists in a suburb of Chicago in May of 2012. In January of 2015, he took a non-cooperating plea agreement and was sentenced to 41 months in prison.

Of the action, Jason stated: “I went into this action following the principles of anarchy, equality and freedom which have guided my life. For many years I have been involved in different projects engaging social justice, from volunteering at social centers, community public libraries and food distribution programs. I have also supported and participated in anti-war, environmental and immigrant rights movements. Through these experiences I became more aware of how the system that governs this society depends on the mass exploitation of large parts of the population and in fact the Earth itself for the profit of the rich and powerful. I was inspired and motivated by the people I met in the movement to strive to make change at the root of the problem, even if it meant possibly sacrificing my own personal freedom. Throughout history, any movement that struggled to change this system was considered dangerous by the government and was met with immense repression and state violence. But there were successful moments within these movements not only because they were justified, but because people fought for them and despite how history is presented like a Disney movie, not all of their actions were non-violent.”

Of his brother’s release, Jeremy says he is, of course, “stoked.” He has not seen his brother since his sentencing hearing in May of 2013, and misses him terribly. He supports his brother and his brothers brave actions unconditionally, and urges everyone to support other radical anarchists, antifascists, and prisoners in their fight against racism, oppression, and the state. Some suggestions for some lesser-known prisoners that could really use support are Eric King, an anarchist who just accepted a 10-year, non-cooperating plea deal for resistance against US imperialism, and Alisha Walker, and sex worker and woman of color who was convicted of murder for radical self-defence against a client who was trying to kill her.

Please remember that prison does not end when a comrade is released from prison. Jason is currently on a period of house arrest, which will be followed by a period of probation and supervised released. This will make is difficult for Jason to get a job, and pay for the expenses of daily living. He still needs our help. Please donate to his welcome home fund here.

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