AFSC speaks out against federal indictment targeting civil rights group

This week the Department of Justice filed a federal indictment against the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) for their work infiltrating and exposing right wing hate groups. The move immediately drew criticism from civil rights groups, nongovernmental organizations, and legal experts as another example of the Trump Administration's efforts to silence dissenting voices. The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) spoke out against the indictment:

"As a Quaker organization that has worked tirelessly for peace and justice for over a century, we know our collective solidarity is our greatest strength," said Aura Kanegis, AFSC's Director of Global Policy and Strategy. "The Trump Administration is targeting civil rights organizations like Southern Poverty Law Center specifically because they know the vital role these organizations play in expanding and protecting free speech, democracy, and basic protections from discrimination.

We will not sit by silently when our rights and our partners are under threat. We will continue to offer support and solidarity to organizations facing repression and we will continue to advocate, agitate, and organize for peace and justice in the U.S. and around the world."

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The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) promotes a world free of violence, inequality, and oppression. Guided by the Quaker belief in the divine light within each person, we nurture the seeds of change and the respect for human life to fundamentally transform our societies and institutions. We work with people and partners worldwide, of all faiths and backgrounds, to meet urgent community needs, challenge injustice, and build peace.