J100-FA24-A

In my opinion, Samidoun should not have 1st Amendment protections under the U.S. Constitution. They have an Anti American ideology, therefore should not be granted its protections. I was present at the Palestine Solidarity Encampment at UCLA, and they referenced the United States/Israel as the Axis Powers. I seen members of the Encampment twist a persons "Johnson", and drag him into the street because they assumed he was Jewish. They are antisemitic, and want the destruction of Israel. "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free" is their goal, and Israel is an obstacle. Samidoun supporting the actions taken on October 7 2023 gets me angry. October 7, 2023 was my 25th birthday, and I will never forget it. Men, Women, Children, and BABIES were murdered while I celebrated my birthday. I seen Hamas Go Pro footage from the Israeli Defense Force, and it made me cry. I am a proud patriot that happens to have Jewish blood, and I do not support; The Free Palestine Mo...

Cathy Kuhlmeier versus Hazelwood East High School in Missouri is historical caselaw directly involving the 1st Amendment. Kuhlmeier and two other students claimed their 1st Amendment rights were violated when their High School Principal removed stories detailing real experiences of teen pregnancy and divorce. Their case reached the U.S. Supreme Court, and ruled against the students claim of the 1st Amendment violations. "In a 5-3 ruling, the U.S. Supreme court held that the principal's actions did not violate the students' free speech rights. The Court noted that the paper was sponsored by the school and, as such, the school had a legitimate interest in preventing the publication of articles that it deemed inappropriate and that might appear to have the imprimatur of the school." I didn't read the fine print of the 1st Amendment stating limits may apply to students. https://www.uscourts.gov/educational-resources/educational-activities/facts-and-case-summary-hazelw...

Background: "The Constitution of the United States of America: Analysis and Interpretation (Constitution Annotated or CONAN) provides a legal analysis and interpretation of the United States Constitution based on a comprehensive review of Supreme Court case law and, where relevant, historical practices that have defined the text of the Constitution."   The U.S. Constitutions First Amendment states "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for redress of grievances." After selecting the "First Amendment Explained", the Constitution Annotated list provides extensive data from "Historical Background" to "Freedoms of Assembly and Petition" allowing the reader to dive real deep into the First Amendment" "Amdt1.7.5.6 True Threats...

Background: The Heritage Foundation mission "...is to formulate and promote policies based on the principles of free enterprise, limited government, individual freedom, traditional American Values, and a strong national defense." American conservative think tank "The Heritage Foundation" presents a different point of view on Samidoun's use of freedom of speech.  In their article "How the Revolutionary Ecosystem Sustains Pro-Palestinian Protestors and the BLM Movement", the authors identify Samidoun as one of the most important activist groups in the Revolutionary Ecosystem. "#3 Samidoun: Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network-an international network of organizers and activists with several chapters in the United States; praised October 7 as Palestinian resistance; the Alliance for Global Justice is a fiscal sponsor." Samidoun used their freedom of speech to approve the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas.  Hamas, a Palestinian Militant Group, m...

Overall, our group has judged  Samidoun:  Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network, to be in violation of various facets of the Constitutional Amendments and various laws which have been instated overtime since the Constitution's ratification. While there are laws which protect the free speech of non-governmental organizations, and Samidoun currently claims no ties with any government, our research has demonstrated that there are many more laws which do not support or protect the group. This is due to their controversial relationship with the terrorist Popular Front For the Liberation of Palestine (PLFP).  By illegally funding the PLFP, Samidoun threatens the safety of both Israeli and U.S. citizens, which we believe transgresses the qualifications for the protection of their First Amendment rights.

My opinion on Samidoun could potentially conflict with the law in some places, depending on local regulations. For example, in countries where support for certain political groups is seen as a security risk or tied to groups deemed terrorist organizations, expressing support for Samidoun could be viewed as endorsing those groups. This could potentially violate national security or anti-terrorism laws. Additionally, in some countries with strict laws around speech, even advocating for human rights organizations can be seen as a form of defamation or incitement, especially if it’s critical of a government or its policies. So while I believe in the importance of solidarity and raising awareness, the legal response can vary greatly depending on where you are.  Samidoun is doing really important work by advocating for Palestinian prisoners and bringing attention to their rights. I think the people in the group are very courageous  courageous for standing up for human rights, especi...

  In 2024, Samidoun was designated under E.O. 13224 for allegedly supporting the  Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) , a group also designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization under U.S. law. This designation aims to cut off Samidoun’s financial resources and disrupt its operations by targeting its global support network​. ( https://www.washingtonids.org/navigating-terrorism-labels-samidouns-controversial-status-and-its-consequences/  )  The Justice Department’s Office of Foreign Agent Registration the Coalition for a Safer Web (CSW) sent a letter to the US Government to investigate Samidoun for alleged violations against The Foreign Agent Registration Act. Samidoun has also been called out for violation of the U.S Code  2339A - Providing material support to terrorists and 2339B - Providing material support or resources to designated foreign terrorist organizations. On October 11, 2024, the Government of Canada officially designated  Sa...

https://www.acludc.org/en/news/five-ways-first-amendment-protects-your-speech-and-three-ways-it-does-not#:~:text=Local%20and%20federal%20governments%20have,receive%20funding%20from%20the%20government. https://www.interaction.org/blog/supreme-court-stands-with-ngos-in-landmark-free-speech-ruling/ Organizations may not limit their members first amendment rights, however like any private company they are free to punish them however they wish. For example, a member could be fired for remarks the organization doesn't approve of.  Furthermore, organizations as a whole may not be limited in any actions that fall under the first amendment. In addition, the government cannot force or influence organizations to make statements or not to make statements. Even if the organizations are receiving funds from the government so long as they are not directly under control by the government. This precedent was set by the United States Supreme Court case USAID vs AOSI. In the ruling of this case Justi...

 Under Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) regulations and Executive Orders (EO) 13224, such a designation restricts the organization’s ability to access the global financial system and makes it illegal for U.S. persons to engage in transactions with them. (https://www.fdd.org/analysis/policy_briefs/2024/10/16/u-s-canada-designate-samidoun-a-sham-charity-front-for-the-pflp-terrorist-group/)  Executive Order 13224, signed by President George W. Bush on September 23, 2001, under the authority of various U.S. statutes, was issued in response to the 9/11 attacks. It declared a national emergency to address the ongoing threat of terrorism. The order empowers the U.S. government to disrupt terrorist financing by blocking the assets of foreign individuals and organizations involved in terrorism or providing support, services, or assistance to terrorists. It also targets entities associated with these groups, including front organizations and subsidiaries, thereby broadening the s...

 Mei Khin  Hi, my name is Mei! I’m an international student from Myanmar, studying communications at Mt San Antonio College. It’s my first year in Mt Sac and I’m 18 years old. I want to be a communications officer and work in the United Nations in the future. I enjoy dancing, listening to music, late night drives to the beach, and food ~ ! 

U.S. Treasury Department's designate Samidoun, a Palestinian prisoner solidarity network, as a terrorist organization. The decision is based on its links to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), which the U.S. recognizes as a terrorist group. The Treasury claims Samidoun supports PFLP recruitment and fundraising efforts. This designation aims to restrict Samidoun's financial activities and its global network's influence. Germany banned Samidoun in 2023, citing its support for violent acts, and Canada’s government recently imposed sanctions on the group. The organization denies any material or organizational ties to terrorism, arguing that the designation is politically motivated due to its advocacy for Palestinian prisoners and criticism of Israeli policies.  Samidoun operates under the guise of a charitable organization while allegedly funneling funds to support terrorist activities. According to U.S. Treasury officials, Samidoun diverts humanitarian fu...

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2646#:~:text=In%20a%20coordinated%20effort%2C%20the,as%20being%20associated%20with%20terrorism. The US Department of the Treasury seeks to label Samidoun as funding terrorist organizations despite no evidence of this being done. This has barred the group from conducting activities in public. In addition several key members are not allowed to engage or be present at protests.  This has further infringed upon the group's 1st amendment rights to peaceably assemble and their right to petition. 

The case of Samidoun and it's labeling as a terrorist organization is entirely against their first amendment rights. This is if the US Department of the Treasury is unable to prove with evidence their monetary support to known terrorist organizations, which they currently haven't. Regardless of the popular opinion, groups should be able to be Pro-Palestinian or Pro-Israeli as long as they follow the counterterrorism authority Executive Order (E.O.) 13224 and any other laws that would prevent them from peaceably assembling or protesting. 

  El-Sabawi, Yasmine. “US-Canada Jointly Target pro-Palestinian Samidoun, Labelling It a ‘sham Charity.’” Middle East Eye , 16 Oct. 2024, www.middleeasteye.net/news/us-canada-target-pro-palestinian-samidoun-label-sham-charity . According to a Canadian advocacy leader for  Canada’s foremost advocacy organizations for Palestinians: the Canadian pro-Israel lobby and Conservative party are unfairly seeking to put Samidoun on the terror list. This is in order to delegitimize Pro-Palestinian groups that provide multiple forms of aid for affected people within Palestine. Samidoun in general is being labelled as a terrorist group supporting Palestinian terrorist groups but both Canada and the US have found no evidence of Samidoun funneling money into these groups. This is indicative of these governments objective of decrying Pro-Palestinian groups as terrorists organizations which is harmful to Palestinians in the US, that want to help the innocent civilians within Palestine.

  Aidan Barlow   Hello! My name is Aidan Barlow and I've been a student here at Mt.SAC since 2021. I'm an avid reader, adventurer, "wild child," and self proclaimed writer. I'm also an active member of Mt.SAC speech and debate team. I enjoy getting to know new things as every person, place, and thing has their story which is their own little book, so I hope you enjoyed reading this tiny, tiny book about me. 

Current Event The Samidoun: Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network group, an anti-Israel and pro-Palestinian rights group, has recently been declared as an illegal organization by the U.S. Treasury Department. This is the fault of the group's consistent support and funding of an established terrorist group: The Popular Front for Palestinian Liberation (PLFP). The PLFP has committed multiple massacres in the interest of defending the Palestinian people. Samidoun has repeatedly fundraised money for the PLFP to buy supplies and artillery, with which the terrorist group accomplishes violent and illegal acts. This project explores the U.S. laws relative to this case, and whether Samidoun's rights to free speech and assembly should still be protected by the Constitution. Weichselbaum, Simone, and Chloe Atkins. “When Does Free Speech Cross the Line into Breaking U.S. Anti-Terrorism Laws?” NBCNews.Com , NBCUniversal News Group, 1 Nov. 2024, www.nbcnews.com/news/investigations/free-spe...

The Samidoun organization is currently labelled by the U.S. as a terrorist entity due to their continued support of an established terrorist group. Currently, Samidoun has been charged with evidence of material support of a terrorist entity, which falls under the exception outlined in the First Amendment which exempts true threats from the protection of the Constitution.  Based on the research my group and I have done, Samidoun's outwardly projected values-- preserving and protecting Palestinian forces-- is seemingly an admirable goal. Even so, any assembly that actively supports, promotes, and instigates violence against human livelihood poses a serious hazard to the integrity of the U.S. and its values as a country.

 Hello my name is Angel David Arellano, and I am 26 years old. I was born and raised in the City of Pomona, home to the LA County Fair. I graduated from Ganesha High School in 2016, and am pursuing higher education at Mount San Antonio College. My goal is to obtain an Associate in Arts for Transfer Degree in Communication Studies by 2026. Outside of class I am a Present Father, and Homeschool Teacher for my 6 year old son named Elias. I am Self-Employed and provide Photography Services in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Orange County. During my free time I enjoy cruising on Route 66, Pacific Coast Highway, and relaxing at the beach.