This statement concerns the recent police treatment of EXILE Infoshop volunteer member Jeff/Bones.

The EXILE Infoshop stands in solidarity with Bones, an experienced activist who has been the object of state repression and media vilification. EXILE denounces his treatment by the police, specifically the RCMP, and the media.

What the local and national media have ignored is that Bones is a precarious worker: he is a part-time temporary contract worker (5am to 8am), having no union representation, receiving no pension, no benefits or holidays. For the sake of sensationalism, the media have framed him as an anarcho-bureaucrat instead of addressing the real and pertinent issue of the inadequacy and failure of the government’s environmental program.

Repressive states have long histories of targeting individuals as a way of communicating that dissent will not be tolerated. By creating and supporting gross media spectacles designed to instill fear in potential dissenters, police states succeed in controlling their populations. The Conservative government’s communications strategy, incorporating secrecy, intimidation, and centralization, is a strategy that we oppose as we stand in solidarity with Bones.

We admire Bones’ strength and composure in such a difficult time, especially in the face of the carnivorous media who have tactlessly invaded his private life. While he cannot be reached through EXILE, we are happy to pass along any encouragement or support.

Don’t rock the boat – sink the fucker!

In peace, love, & anarchy,
The EXILE Infoshop collective