Free Alex Stokes Fundrazr Passes 10% of Goal
A fundraiser for independent journalist, artist, and antifascist Alex Stokes broke past the 10% mark of its stated goal yesterday, and at time of writing, currently stands at 12%. The campaign is being managed by The International Anti-Fascist Defence Fund, who state that the money raised will be used to ensure that Alex's upcoming appeal will not lack resources.
For those unfamiliar with his case, in November of last year, Alex Stokes was sentenced in New York to 20 years in prison for using a knife to defend himself and others from far-right insurrectionists at the state capitol. Stokes, who was at the so-called "Stop the Steal" rally in Albany to cover the event as an independent journalist, witnessed multiple members of the Proud Boys—a nationwide gang well-known for seeking out and starting violent street brawls with progressives—attacking peaceful counter demonstrators. One Proud Boy attempted to use a taser on a Black man who had his hands in his pockets, while another beat a woman over the head with a flag pole. When Stokes stood up to confront the attackers, he was also assaulted, at which point, he managed to fend off multiple attackers with a knife, injuring two of them, and helped get other victims away from the fray.
Despite video evidence from multiple angles showing this very clear cut case of self defense, Alex was found guilty of assault in the first degree, among other charges.
Stokes is currently being held at the Elmira "Correctional Facility" in Elmira, New York. If you would like to support him by writing, you can do so by addressing your letter to:
Alex Contompasis #22B5028
Elmira Correctional Facility
PO Box 500
Elmira, New York 14901
For more information about Alex, or to purchase some of his art work and help fund his appeal in the process, visit FreeAlexStokes.com.
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