14 DAY TRIAL // As you know, Brandon Michael Darby, one of the figures that played a very important role in the Common Ground Relief organization, was recently proved to be an FBI informant, as he himself admitted in an open letter. An e-mail that arrived today at Softpedia from the grass-root organization tells their side of the story on the Darby incident.
“Brandon Darby was one of many volunteers with Common Ground Relief in its early days. He helped initiate our relief work in the Lower Ninth Ward at the beginning of 2006. He returned to New Orleans to serve as Director of Operations from January to March 2007. His involvement with Common Ground Relief ceased nearly two years ago,” reads the communicate.
The informant recently acknowledged working with the Federal Bureau of Investigations, in building cases that led to the arrest of David McKay and Bradley Crowder, charged for making and intending to use several Molotov cocktail bombs, during the Republican Convention last summer. It is believed that Darby distributed data from within the group, in regard to action plans, protest dates and other sensitive information.
Common Ground Relief's reaction was swift. “[We believe] in transparency and the right of all people to live their lives free of provocation, coercion and fear of entrapment. Misrepresentation and false friendship is unacceptable behavior. This type of behavior by any individual, institution or government should not be tolerated.”
“Common Ground Relief continues to be committed to the right to return for New Orleans residents and has always maintained a policy of non-violence while striving for peace and justice. Our work began after Hurricane Katrina and we will continue our efforts to restore the wetlands, provide job training, rebuild housing, create community gardens and provide legal and advocacy services for those who need them most,” concludes the organization, in the e-mail.