On December 16, the newly-founded Red Aid chapter in Montréal held a fundraiser to support the May First 2011 defendants. The event was a rousing success and a concrete demonstration of our primary slogan: Solidarity Is Our Weapon! Over 175 people attended; the event was enhanced by the participation of artists from various backgrounds (Pierre Fournier, Mise En Demeure, Micros Armés, SCRAP and Arme Au Poing), who came to show their solidarity. The event was also attended by a number of organizations concerned with the struggle against political repression and these organizations set up literature tables (the People’s Commission Network, Montréal’s Anti-Capitalist Convergence, the Project for Accompaniment and Solidarity with Colombia, DIRA Anarchist Library, the Collective Opposed to Police Brutality, etc.).

The official goal of the evening was to raise money for the defense of the May First 2011 defendants: this was largely achieved. But another goal was to help revive the Red Aid chapter in Montréal, whose priority is to organize the defense of activists and revolutionaries against the bourgeois system, which tries to discourage us from continuing our struggle against capitalism. The armed wing of the capitalist system is trying to intimidate us, hoping to create a deterrent effect on those they believe more fearful. But the December 16 event showed the opposite. People are not afraid to show their solidarity with those who courageously face the repression from the system. In fact, as one worker told us, the event encouraged more people to fight: “If there is repression, there will be people around who will show solidarity, so it is less daunting.”

One of the arrested comrades, Tania, said: “The powers that be may well try to suppress and crush us, but our response will be stronger, more united and organized against their attacks... The bourgeois have a huge state apparatus to maintain their system, with their army, the police, and their judicial system. We need to build our own arsenal to fight them on all fronts! The creation of the Red Aid is a political response to a political attack...”

The Red Aid crew would like to thank everyone who helped make the December 16 event a success. However, solidarity did not end that evening: everything remains to be done. For people who want to get involved (as a member or supporter) and participate in strengthening the Red Aid, you can join us at the following email address: secoursrougecanada (at) yahoo.fr or by leaving a message at the Maison Norman Bethune at 514 563-1487.