Robert Thaxton
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Robert Thaxton (born December 31, 1959) is an anarchist theorist and activist sentenced to seven years in prison for an incident at a Reclaim the Streets protests in Eugene, Oregon on June 18, 1999. Many have argued that his sentence was excessive and was intended to intimidate other protesters.
Thaxton (who also used the name Rob los Ricos) participated in the "International Day of Action Against Global Capitalism" Reclaim the Streets action in Eugene. On September 3, 1999, he was convicted of assault and riot, based on the charge that he threw a rock at a police officer. His plea of self-defense was rejected. He was sentenced to seven years in prison. While there were protests in more than 140 cities around the world that day against the G-8 summit being held in Cologne, Germany, Thaxton is said to have received the longest sentence of any participant. That protest was said to be an important precursor to the 1999 protests against the World Trade Organization in Seattle, Washington.
During his imprisonment at the Oregon State Penitentiary in Salem, Oregon, he has tangled with prison authorities, who charge that he is involved with the Earth Liberation Front. A long time author and political organizer in cities throughout the United States, Thaxton is also notable as one of few publicly acknowledged people of color imprisoned for his activities in the high-profile 1990's Pacific Northwest anti-globalization movement. His case, actions and writings have also been important in the movement's discussions of non-violence and prisoner support.
Rob is the author of a zine entitled Manufacturing Dissent and co-author, with fellow political prisoner Jeff Luers, of Heartcheck. Rob is reachable at #12112716, MCCF, 4005 Aumsville Highway, Salem, OR 97310.