Trial – Dark Nights

Defence Statement of Adit, Anarchist Prisoner in Chaos Star Case (Indonesia)

Posted on 2026/04/15 by darknights

Your Honorable Panel of Judges,

After everything that has happened regarding the act of violence I committed in the case of the burning of this police post, I have gained many things that I must take upon myself. About how the state —long before what I did— has carried out acts of violence on a far greater scale.

To be honest, after the defense I presented in the case of the August 2025 demonstration was rejected, everything feels pointless. My defense in the previous trial was already very long, explaining everything in great detail. Yet my suspicion that the verdict had been determined from the beginning only grew stronger when the decision was finally struck with the gavel. The state has sentenced me to two years in prison, and now the state demands again that I be given the same sentence. And for that, I only have very little room to defend the violence that I have committed.

It has become an open secret that all forms of violence and abuse of power by state apparatus —(read: the police)— have produced forms of human rights violations. One of the most severe and intolerable is the taking of human life. The Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (KontraS) recorded 602 incidents of violence involving members of the Indonesian National Police from July 2024 to June 2025. From the Kanjuruhan tragedy, Randi and Yusuf, Afif Maulana, Gamma, Affan Kurniawan, Arianto Tawakkal, to Eko Prasetyo—the most recent—killed by the police. Continue reading “Defence Statement of Adit, Anarchist Prisoner in Chaos Star Case (Indonesia)” →

Indonesia: Trial update on the anarchist detainees in Bandung (Chaos Star case — Gentong Bomber et al)

Posted on 2026/04/14 by darknights

Five anarchist detainees, namely Albi, Pem, Herdi, Adit, and Naufal, have undergone a hearing for the reading of the charges by the panel of judges on Friday, April 10, 2026. There are still two more hearings scheduled for the five of them: the defence hearing (plea) on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, and the verdict hearing (TBA). The charges given by the judges to the five comrades are as follows:

* Albi: One year, reduced by the time the defendant has spent in detention.
* Pem: One year and six months, reduced by the time the defendant has spent in detention.
* Herdi: One year and six months, reduced by the time the defendant has spent in detention.
* Adit: Two years, reduced by the time the defendant has spent in detention.
* Naufal: Two years, reduced by the time the defendant has spent in detention.

In other news, regarding Dena a.k.a Apip a.k.a Scoobydoomz, this comrade will undergo his first hearing (after over 100 days of uncertainty and delays) on Thursday, April 16, 2026.

No one is free until all are free,

Going Underground.

Athens, Greece: We call for an International Week of Solidarity Action (24-31 March) with the imprisoned comrades for Ampelokipi case and in memory of the anarchist armed fighter Kyriakos Xymitiris

Posted on 2026/03/20 - 2026/03/20 by darknights

These days before the beginning of the trial on the 1st of April at Athens Court of Appeal, we call for comrades around the world to participate, in order to collectively fight for our comrades’ Marianna Manoura, Dimitra Zarafeta, Dimitris, Nikos Romanos and for A.K’s release, as well as defend the memory of our comrade Kyriakos Xymitiris.

Our support and solidarity is non-negotiable and in the battle they are facing -at court this time- we will stand by their side.

Solidarity Manifestation Friday 27/3, 7pm at Syntagma Square (Athens, Greece)

Solidarity manifestation (beginning of the trial) Wednesday 1/4, 8.30am, Athens Court of Appeal

FREE COMRADES MARIANNA MANOURA, DIMITRA ZARAFETA, DIMITRIS, NIKOS ROMANOS AND A.K.

KYRIAKOS XIMITIRIS ALWAYS PRESENT

STATES ARE THE ONLY TERRORISTS

Solidarity Assembly for the imprisoned,

fugitives and persecuted fighters

synelallil@riseup.net

Source: Act for freedom now!

Anarchist comrade Dena in prison transfer to Kebon Waru prison before trial (Indonesia)

Posted on 2026/03/12 by darknights

Imprisoned anarchist comrade and rapper, Dena (Maditya Dena) a.k.a Apip a.k.a Scoobydoomz, has been transferred to Kebon Waru prison in Bandung from West Java paramilitary police headquarters. This has finally occurred due to his charges being filed with the court. Dena is accused of the destruction of Hana Bank in Bandung, along with comrade Adit, who is also accused in the same case and faces trial. Dena is suffering with health condition related to his HIV+ status and in prison it is difficult to consistently obtain the meds, which costs money. Dena had been kept isolated from the rest of Chaos Star comrades. It is expected that Dena and Adit will face two years or less for the property destruction, however Adit also faces 25 years for the bombing of a police outpost, in an adjacent trial, relating to an action in 2024.

Fire to the prisons! Fire to the state!

Send solidarity post to comrade Dena, English language or Bahasa Indonesian:

Maditya Dena
JI. Jakarta No.42-44,
Kebonwaru, Kec. Batununggal,
Kota Bandung, Jawa Barat
Indonesia

Palang Hitam/ABC

Cooperating Witness Testimony Contradicts State Case in Second Week of Landmark Prairieland ICE Detention Center Trial (USA)

Posted on 2026/03/11 - 2026/03/11 by darknights

Defense Case is Vindicated by Testimony from Multiple Cooperating Witnesses, as Prosecution Prepares to Call Controversial Expert Witness on “Antifa”

FORT WORTH, TX – Defendants in the landmark Prairieland trial were vindicated by testimony from cooperating state witnesses over the past three days, in a case that stems from a noise demonstration at the Prairieland ICE Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas on July 4, 2025. The prosecution called to the stand multiple defendants who have taken cooperating plea deals, affirming many of the defense’s key arguments about the case. The cooperating witnesses clearly stated that the noise demonstration was intended to show solidarity with those detained at the Prairieland facility, and not to enact violence, as the state has claimed. The witnesses also reiterated that defendants were not part of a unified group, let alone a terrorist organization. Their testimony also highlighted how conditions inside the jail created intense pressure to accept plea bargains, rather than a genuine admission of guilt.

Cooperating defendant Lynette Sharp’s testimony overwhelmingly strengthened the defense’s case, even though she was called as a witness by the federal government. On Thursday, Sharp continued her testimony from the previous day, when she began to cry while identifying the defendants in the courtroom, stating that they were “her friends,” and “[she] love[d] them.” In a major revelation, Sharp agreed with the defense that no one that night intended to hurt a police officer and instead stated, “From my understanding, it was a noise demo.”

Sharp further testified—contrary to the government’s allegations—that she was not a member of “antifa,” and that the left-wing reading group, the Emma Goldman Book Club, which several defendants allegedly attended, was not used to recruit individuals into “antifa.” Continue reading “Cooperating Witness Testimony Contradicts State Case in Second Week of Landmark Prairieland ICE Detention Center Trial (USA)” →

Opening Arguments and Testimony from Alvarado Officer at Center of Prairieland Case Marks First Day of Landmark Trial Against Nine Defendants (USA)

Posted on 2026/02/25 by darknights

Testimony of Lt. Thomas Gross Undermined Government Arguments that the Noise Protest on July 4, 2025 Was an “Ambush” and “Planned Attack”

FORT WORTH, TX – Opening arguments and testimony from the Alvarado police officer at the center of the controversial Prairieland ICE Detention Center case marked the first day of trial yesterday against nine defendants. The federal government offered no new or compelling arguments in their opening statement and relied heavily on First Amendment-protected activity to make their case. However, during cross-examination, Alvarado police officer Lt. Thomas Gross revealed information that undermines the government’s narrative that the noise demonstration on July 4, 2025 was an “ambush” and that police were the targets of a “planned attack.”

During today’s proceedings, the defense team was able to cross-examine Lt. Gross, who was injured at the scene. This is the first time Gross has spoken publicly since the incident. He described a hectic scene with few details, claiming to see only a small handful of male individuals, despite multiple women defendants in the case.

On cross-examination, Lt. Gross said he spent between 2-4 hours in the hospital before being released, and could not explain why he appears to have been shot from the back despite also claiming to have been facing the person who the government alleges fired at him. Gross could not say who drew their weapon first, but he admitted drawing his weapon without any obvious threat. Gross stated that when he arrived on the scene, there was no alleged criminal activity being committed more serious than “criminal mischief.” In response to questions from defense attorney Phillip Hayes, Gross admitted that he was pointing his firearm at a fleeing person’s back, before encountering the individual holding a rifle. This testimony seemed to contradict the government’s claim that the police were ambushed.
Continue reading →

Jury Selection Begins Monday After Judge Declared Mistrial Last Week in Widely Watched Federal Prairieland ICE Protest Trial (USA)

Posted on 2026/02/23 by darknights

Concerns Grow Over Whether the Prairieland Defendants Can Receive a Fair Trial, Based on Severe Trial Restrictions, Prejudicial Statements at Highest Levels of Government—Press Conference Monday at 8am

FORT WORTH, TX – Nine defendants will proceed to federal trial on Monday in a widely watched case that stems from a July 4, 2025 noise demonstration in support of detained immigrants at the Prairieland ICE Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas. Following a mistrial declared last week by presiding U.S. District Court Judge Mark Pittman for a defense attorney’s attire featuring civil rights leaders, jury selection is scheduled to begin again on Monday, February 23. The trial is expected to last at least three weeks. Defendants Savanna Batten, Zachary Evetts, Autumn Hill, Meagan Morris, Maricela Rueda, Daniel “Des” Rolando Sanchez Estrada, Benjamin “Champagne” Song, Elizabeth Soto, and Ines Soto were indicted in November on a variety of charges including riot, discharging a firearm, attempted murder, material support for terrorism, and conspiracy to conceal documents.

A press conference will be held at the southeast corner of Burke Burnett Park, across the street from the courthouse, on Monday, February 23 at 8am.

Continue reading “Jury Selection Begins Monday After Judge Declared Mistrial Last Week in Widely Watched Federal Prairieland ICE Protest Trial (USA)” →

Defense Statements of Imprisoned Anarchist Comrades Naufal & Adit (Indonesia – Chaos Star)

Posted on 2026/02/18 - 2026/02/18 by darknights

LEAFLET PLEDOI

Cover – PLEDOI

Defense statement that was read by two anarchists who are defendants in last August’s riot case. They are currently awaiting the final verdict and sentencing. The plea has been printed and distributed here in Indonesia on the streets, including outside the court. The statements were also distributed at Homicide and Balcony gig (hardcore bands) in Bandung. Naufal and Adit have projected sentences of 2 years, 6 months, but it has not been confirmed yet by the judge. Adit already received 6 months for being an admin of Black Bloc Zone, he has further trials for burning a police station and for burning the Indonesian flag. Free the prisoners. Palang Hitam.

Pleidoi or defense plea of Naufal

To the Honorable Panel,

First, allow me to defend myself regarding the treatment I received from the police and the prosecutor’s legal assessment of my actions. This is a summary of the ordeal I endured from arrest to the present.

On 4 September 2025 at approximately 11 a.m., about 10 individuals approached me. They interrogated me about my actions, initially stating they would not detain me. After I admitted them, I was forced into a vehicle: my neck was choked, my head struck near the temple, I was handcuffed, and taken to Polda Jabar.

Upon arrival at the Criminal Investigation Building, I was seated on a sofa. I saw my friend Aditya with his head wrapped in duct tape. A person—identified as the Densus 88 commander—approached me, ordered me to stand, and asked, “You’re an anarchist, right?” Before I could answer, he punched my stomach hard, threw me back onto the sofa, and kicked the back of my head four times with his hard sandals. I was forced to stand with hands raised, threatened with further beatings if I lowered them.

Subsequent BAP sessions involved physical and psychological violence: head beatings with sandals, firearm threats, shouting, and intense stares. One session lasted four days and four nights without rest. I tried to correct inaccurate BAP statements—that the Molotov cocktails wrapped with firecrackers failed to ignite or cause damage, only breaking the bottles—but received threats like “If I’d seen you at the demo, I’d have killed you,” accompanied by pistol display and sandal strikes to my head. Continue reading “Defense Statements of Imprisoned Anarchist Comrades Naufal & Adit (Indonesia – Chaos Star)” →

Nine Defendants Proceed to Federal Trial Next Week in Widely Watched Prairieland ICE Detention Center Protest Case (USA)

Posted on 2026/02/13 - 2026/02/13 by darknights

Jury Selection Set to Begin Tuesday, February 17—for a Trial with Severe Public Access Restrictions, Plagued by Prejudicial Statements at Highest Levels of Government—Preceded by a Press Conference at 8:30am

FORT WORTH, TX – Nine defendants will proceed to federal trial next week in a widely watched case that stems from a July 4, 2025 noise demonstration in support of detained immigrants at the Prairieland ICE Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas. Jury selection is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, February 17, followed by the trial which is expected to last at least three weeks. Defendants Savanna Batten, Zachary Evetts, Autumn Hill, Meagan Morris, Maricela Rueda, Daniel “Des” Rolando Sanchez Estrada, Benjamin “Champagne” Song, Elizabeth Soto, and Ines Soto were indicted in November on a variety of charges including riot, discharging a firearm, attempted murder, material support for terrorism, and conspiracy to conceal documents.

A press conference will be held at the southeast corner of Burke Burnett Park, across the street from the courthouse, on Tuesday, February 17 at 8:30am.

Continue reading “Nine Defendants Proceed to Federal Trial Next Week in Widely Watched Prairieland ICE Detention Center Protest Case (USA)” →

News from the Trial of the Comrades in Bandung (Indonesia)

Posted on 2026/02/10 - 2026/02/10 by darknights

NEWS FROM THE TRIAL OF THE COMRADES IN BANDUNG

Six comrades from the Political Expression Hunting Cluster (also often referred to as the Chaos Star Case) have undergone sentencing today. The outcome of the trial is that comrades AD and MNT were sentenced by the prosecutor to 3 years in prison. Meanwhile, comrades RFK, TAP, MJF, and RS were sentenced to 2 years and 6 months in prison.

A few words from a letter sent by a comrade involved in the Chaos Star case:

“We are particles of an entity called disorder, which is supposed to exist within the spectrum of defiance as our wild instinct, as unique and lazy individuals!”

No one is free until everyone is free.

Going Underground/F.A.A.F