It is with a great deal of concern that the National Network on Cuba has learned about an attack against a member organization of the NNOC by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
For those of us who have been involved with this progressive and legendary faith-based civil right organization, IFCO-Pastors for Peace, this new maneuver by the IRS is not surprising. Throughout the years under the leadership of our beloved Rev. Lucius Walker and now under the new leadership of Gail Walker and Father Luis Barrios, this organization has experienced all types of maneuvers and threats to stop their important projects. We are proud to say that the leadership of IFCO has always fought back and this time will not be different.
This attack from the IRS represents an attempt to intimidate, and silence/shut down voices of solidarity in the United States and in the African community. To oppose this and similar attacks on organizations supporting the struggles of peoples throughout the world against all forms of oppression and intolerance including imperialism, colonialism, racism, and zionism is a mission for all people who oppose injustice and love peace.
We express our unconditional support and solidarity with IFCO. The harassment toward one organization that stands in solidarity with the Cuban people is harassment to all of us. The NNOC, its co-chairs, and its member organizations will continue to stand with you in this struggle.
We encourage all justice loving people to take the actions requested by IFCO at this time — contacting elected officials and protesting to the IRS — and increase our activity and mobilization in solidarity with Cuba, to end the genocidal U.S. blockade and to free all of the Cuban 5. An injury to one is an injury to all.
We are confident that once again IFCO will be victorious.
In solidarity,
National Network On Cuba Co-Chairs
