After only around a week, we reached my fundraising goal of $5,000. The outpouring of solidarity I’ve experienced, both online and in person, is something I wish to extend to all. Our power comes from our solidarity. It’s such a privilege to be a member of such a supportive community. Through every step of this process, I’ve received help and support from many people.
This money will be used to pay for legal fees throughout the process. Around $1000 will be set aside for this process. In the meantime, $1000 or less will be used to cover my living expenses so that I’m able to exist between now and the subpoena date. $3000 will be set aside as funding for existing in prison in the event I’m incarcerated. It’s likely more funds will need to be raised, as I could be incarcerated for up to eighteen months.
On August 13, 2024 at 8:00 AM I’m calling for a rally and press conference outside of Hollings Judicial Center at 85 Broad Street in Charleston, South Carolina. I am scheduled to appear in court at 9am, so this rally will be held before I enter the courtroom. It will be a time to celebrate our solidarity and show that our love is stronger than the fear the state instills in us. The date and time for this rally may be subject to change if I am called to testify at a different time.
I am never going to comply with a subpoena or cooperate with a grand jury. I am an anarchist and I reject all grand juries as archaic, opaque, and undemocratic. The state will never be able to coerce me into testifying. Any prison time they threaten me with would be a punishment without trial and a stain on the American legal system. May we live to see a day when none of our friends are held hostage by the state.
With love and rage,
Cyprus Hartford
It/they/she