Unofficial ILWU Local 19
History & Education
Memorandum Realizing they had no case and fearing the wrath of the
international labor movement, South Carolina prosecutors caved in and
offered a plea bargain to the Charleston Five that gives them a complete
victory and vindication of their cause. For the last year and a half South Carolina Attorney
General Charles Condon has been aggressively pushing for felony charges of
rioting and conspiracy to riot that carry up to five years in prison. He has called for jail, jail and more jail for the Five.
But this week the prosecution offered a plea bargain a misdemeanor that
carries no prison time and only a $100 fine. The defendants were allowed to plead nolo contendere or
no contest, to the charge, which means they never had to admit any guilt.
And the offense will be expunged from their record in three years if they
have no other arrests in that time. cwa39521
All ILWU Locals, Regions and Affiliates
International President Jim Spinosa
Victory and vindication for the Charleston Five
November 8, 2001
Charleston ILA Local 1422 President Ken Riley called the settlement a
tremendous victory and gave the credit to the unrelenting pressure of the
movement. He has called for the cancellation of the demonstrations planned
for the International Day of Action Nov. 14.
I would personally like to thank and congratulate all the ILWU members and
activists who gave so much time, energy and money to the cause of the
Charleston Five. The ILWU s firm resolve and organizing strength helped free
these brothers, and halt in its tracks the right-wing attack on labor and
workers rights to picket in defense of their jobs. Even in these times when
civil liberties are being limited, we held our position and won.
Congratulations.