Samidoun is circulating the following appeal from the FreeAnons Anonymous Solidarity Network and encourages wide support for Jon Cowden, targeted by the United States government because of his online actions in support of Palestinians.
Jon Cowden remains in prison #OpPalestine
As many of you may recall, Jonathan (Jon) Cowden was arrested and jailed for one year for his part in #OpPalestine. Freeanons had written an article following his release which explained his incarceration and the issues he suffered as a result of his incarceration.
As you are all aware, when our Anons are released from prison for computer related crimes, computer monitoring is typically a condition of release but this condition prevents most employers from considering hiring these released prisoners as no corporation wants the FBI monitoring their computers. Jon explained to us at one point that even McDonalds wouldn’t hire him because they use computers and they would have to be monitored. His self confidence was squashed in prison and he suffered PTSD also as a result of his incarceration.
Jon was beginning to feel better about himself. With the help of his beloved dog Chazz, an incredibly supportive girlfriend and a job in the works, life was finally looking up for our Anon that the world had forgotten. All of that came to an abrupt halt on 10/25/2015 when Jon was arrested for violation of probation for being in possession of a pocket knife and a tablet computer. He was taken back into custody, transferred from his home in San Diego and sent back to the state of origin, St, Louis, MO in August. He was transferred to a halfway house and ultimately to Victorville where he remains in prison at this time. He was kept from friends and loved ones and to say his life felt like it was falling apart must be an understatement. With some luck, he was eventually transferred back to CA where his girlfriend, although it is 125 miles away and the travel is costly to say the least, was finally able to visit him. He will remain in prison until his parole period has been completed which will be 7/5/2016. Following his release, he will be a free man with a felony record attempting to locate work in computer technology. Of course, we feel that this is a ridiculous issue and certainly nothing that should have resulted in revocation of probation and incarceration for nearly 9 months but today, our only concern is for Jon.
While Jon’s girlfriend is taking care of Chazz the wonderdog and also caring for Jon’s car, it was told to me that someone recently smashed the window in Jon’s care and stole property from it. This is hardly something someone in prison needs to be told. Chazz has been of tremendous assistance in reducing Jon’s PTSD. We thank Jon’s girlfriend for caring for Chazz as they both await his release.
Jon served a one year sentence for his part in #OpPalestine and it’s incredibly sad to say that he served is alone. No letters from supporters, no cards on his birthday and no funds to help him get through this devastating time. We can’t correct the past but we are determined to current the present.
Jon’s girlfriend has set up a wish list of books for Jon and she has even set up a wish list for Chazz as well to assist with his needs while Jon is unable to do so. We are also asking every member of Anonymous, all over the world, and each individual who understands how crippling prison can be, to pick up a pen and paper and write to Jon. Let’s not let the loneliness of his previous incarceration be repeated while he serves this time for a pocket knife and tablet computer.
While Freeanons had recently suspended our fundraising campaign, we are temporarily restarting it for donations to Jon until a personal one can be started. We will transfer any funds to him and provide you with a receipt of that transfer. Please add a note to your donation that says “For Jon” so we know exactly where these funds are to be sent. When an Anon is arrested, it is up to each of us to stand up and show support and love and minimize the trauma of incarceration in any way possible. Freeanons is asking you to stand with us today and make this happen for Jon. As always, we thank you, our Anons thank you and their families thank you.
JONATHAN COWDEN 37215-298
FCI Victorville Medium I
FEDERAL CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION
P.O. BOX 3725
ADELANTO, CA 92301
Jon’s Wishlist: Books for Jon
Chazz’s Wishlist: Dogs have wishlists too
Fundraiser: https://fundrazr.com/campaigns/5114q6/ab/f4yhf6
