The San Francisco Bay Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-SFBA) today announced support for the convening of a People’s Tribunal against Congressman Eric Swalwell, organized by East Bay 4 Ceasefire Now, a diverse coalition of workers, faith leaders, community members, educators, students, and parents within District 14. This process will begin with the serving of a subpoena during a rally on Friday afternoon.
WHAT: Subpoena Rally and People’s Tribunal against Rep. Swalwell for complicity in Palestinian genocide
WHEN: Friday, March 8 | 12:00 p.m.
WHERE: Rep. Swalwell’s District Office, 20990 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley
CONTACT: CAIR San Francisco Bay Area Communications Manager Lorrie Adam, ladam@cair.com, 408.986.9874; East Bay 4 Ceasefire Lead Organizer Vann Jones, eastbay4ceasefire@gmail.com, 510.340.8366
(Activists will separately also be rallying at Rep. Mullin’s San Mateo office on Friday, March 8 at 9:00am to urge him to join the call for a ceasefire.)
BACKGROUND
A People’s Tribunal serves as a community-led court procedure, offering a platform for accountability when government representatives fail to serve the best interests of their constituents. The tribunal will address Swalwell’s complicity as a member of Congress in the ongoing Palestinian genocide and his failure to represent his constituency effectively.
Though not legally binding, the tribunal’s outcome will hold Swalwell ethically and politically accountable and raise awareness among his constituency. Rep. Swalwell has been criticized for his voting record, including his:
Support for House Resolution 894 equating anti-Zionism with antisemitism.
Repeated votes for military aid and weapons sales to Israel.
Sponsorship of anti-BDS legislation.
Rep. Swalwell has refused to acknowledge the genocidal nature of the conflict or the apartheid regime in Israel.
The unfolding Palestinian genocide has garnered significant public outcry, with a Reuter’s poll showing that three-quarters of Democrats and over 60% of Americans support a ceasefire. Clearly, Swalwell is failing to represent the majority opinion. CAIR-SFBA and East Bay 4 Ceasefire Now have actively engaged with Swalwell through rallies, meetings, and written communication, demanding a permanent and immediate ceasefire, humanitarian aid access to Gaza, and the cessation of military aid to Israel.
Despite these efforts, Swalwell has ignored the voices of his constituents, as well as expert opinions in the field. Even Vice President Kamala Harris has acknowledged the crisis in Gaza as a “humanitarian catastrophe.”
The People’s Tribunal seeks to hold elected representatives like Swalwell accountable for their complicity and support of the US-backed Israeli genocide and collective punishment of the Palestinian people.
In a statement, CAIR-SFBA Policy Coordinator Musa Tariq said:
“CAIR-SFBA stands firmly with the community in demanding action and accountability through the ‘Subpoena Rally’ and ‘People’s Tribunal.’ We express our profound disappointment in Congressman Swalwell’s reluctance to support a ceasefire, a stance that contradicts our advocacy for peace and justice for Palestinians. This rally and tribunal serve as critical platforms for voicing the urgent need for change and holding those in power accountable for their actions. CAIR-SFBA is committed to amplifying these voices and pushing for policies that reflect our unwavering commitment to human rights and the pursuit of peace.”
CAIR-SFBA and East Bay 4 Ceasefire Now urge all concerned citizens to attend the tribunal and demand justice for the Palestinian people. Details of the People’s Tribunal to be announced at the Subpoena Rally.
CAIR-SFBA is an office of America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR San Francisco Bay Area Communications Manager Lorrie Adam, ladam@cair.com, 408.986.9874; East Bay 4 Ceasefire Lead Organizer Vann Jones, eastbay4ceasefire@gmail.com, 510.340.8366