INFORMATION LEAFLET NO.5

UNITED has prepared this info-leaflet on security and the Anti-Antifa because of therecent series of letter bombs sent by Austrian neo-nazis.
We present here a short briefing on the history of organised terror by neo-nazi groups, followed by some simple steps for better safety.

All anti-racist organisations need to be aware of the danger to themselves, however small, from attacks by neo-nazis and other violent racists. Think seriously about protecting yourselves!

You may find some of the information inside worrying or even frightening. There is no need to be alarmed - the danger is very small. We believe it is better to be aware and informed than unprepared.

THE ANTI ANTIFA
A short history of terror:
The fascist organised terror movement started in Bologna, Italy, in August 1980, when a neo-nazi bomb attack at the railway station left 86 dead. Two months later, neo-nazis bombed the Munich beer festival, leaving 12 dead. In December 1980, neo-nazis attacked a Paris synagogue, leaving 4 dead. These attacks were all organised in different countries, by different groups, but marked the beginning of a change in neo-nazi terror tactics.
Since 1989, neo-nazis in Western Europe have murdered or tried to murder people. Since October 1990, more than 80 people have been murdered in Germany by neo-nazis (not all these were by the Anti-Antifa). Neo-nazis have been convicted for having guns and explosives. The terror continues today - such as the letter bomb attacks in Austria since December 1993.

Who is responsible for the current attacks:
The Austrian VAPÖ, British Combat 18, German GdNF, French PNFE, Danish DNSB and the Swedish Storm Network are the main organisations. They are all linked to the NSDAP-AO (Overseas Nazi Party - based in the USA for legal reasons) which has distributed bomb-making manuals on computer diskettes, and other infos on computer bulletin boards and by email. Other manuals have been distributed from Scandinavia and Britain.
Some of these groups send their militants on paramilitary training courses, some of whom served as hired soldiers in Croatia on the fascist side, where they have learnt practical ways to kill people, and are now using these techniques at home.
These groups are inspired firstly by Hitler's SA storm troops, and secondly by an American group called The Order which murdered, robbed banks and carried out terrorist activities before it was smashed by the FBI in 1984.
This network has become known as the International Anti-Antifa, and it publishes magazines containing the names, addresses, telephone numbers and other personal information of anyone they consider to be their enemy.

Who is at risk and why:
Everyone is potentially at risk - Jews, Blacks, Roma, gays, the handicapped, the homeless, left-wingers, trade unionists, anti-racist campaigners, couples in mixed-race relationships and ordinary citizens.
Neo-nazis like to present themselves as a pseudo-revolutionary challenge to the existing social order. The use of terror against their "enemies" is just one way to achieve their aims. Unfortunately, it is a method which can sometimes be effective.


PROTECT YOURSELF
It is important to remember that the chance of being attacked is small. However, the risk remains - taking steps to protect yourself will further reduce the risk.
Follow the rules below to improve your safety:


LETTERS - GENERAL POINTS
o Never open even ordinary letters with your fingers. Use a knife or ruler instead. Open from the side or bottom rather than along the flap.
o Don't let volunteers open mail. They are less likely to be aware of danger.
o If your mail is delivered to an ordinary style letterbox in the door of your office, fix a steel safety box to the inside. Sometimes, neo-nazis throw petrol through letterboxes and then start a fire. A steel box will limit damage to your office. It is safer to use a post office box.
o Keep a check list of instructions for opening mail on the wall in the office. Remind your colleagues regularly about the need to be careful.
o File threatening letters in a safe place, noting the date received. Note the date and time of threatening phone calls. Write down what was said. If you get threats on your answering machine, keep the tape safely, labelled with date and time. It could be used as evidence if you decide to go to the police.


LETTER BOMBS
o Letter bombs now are technically very advanced - they can weigh much less than 100 grammes and be as thin as 6 millimetres.
o Beware of unexpected post. If it feels wrong - don't open it. phone the police instead. If you think you have been sent a letter bomb, do not try to disarm it yourself. The police have trained squads to deal with suspicious mail.
o False post - some Anti-Antifa groups have sent mail which seems to come from a well-known anti-racist organisation or individual and looks real. If you have doubts, phone the sender, and check that they really sent it.
o These rules also apply to "firecracker" bombs which can be sent by post. They may not kill, but you can still lose eyes or fingers, or be badly burned.
If in doubt phone the police. They will not mind a false alarm.

OFFICE SAFETY
o Fit secure locks and a solid door to your office, and if possible, a security alarm system. Fit locks to windows, and install metal security strips to doors and windows to prevent them being forced open.
o Ask your local authority about grants for steel shutters or grilles for doors and windows, and install them. Use security lighting at night.
o Set up security procedures for visitors. Make sure visitors are by appointment only and that you know who they are.
Don't let people wander round the building alone. Install a screening system at the main door to the building, so you can control entry.
o If you have a garden in front of your windows, plant thorny or prickly bushes that will stop people climbing through to the windows.
o Make sure you have a fire escape and the necessary equipment for preventing fire. Invest in smoke detectors and a fire alarm system.
o Keep back-ups of important files or archives (including computer data) in a secure place, somewhere else. Switch off and unplug modems when not in use to prevent hacking. At least be sure to keep all important data only on diskette, and lock diskettes and mailing lists in a secure cupboard at night.
o Be especially careful with mailing lists, and who has access to them. If you must publish address lists of any kind, include only public organisations and not personal information, like private addresses and phone numbers.
o Beware of strange telephone calls, where the caller is unknown and tries to get information from you. Never give out unnecessary information about your organisation, your office or your workers, especially private numbers. Take the caller's number and ring them back.
o Review your office safety regularly - do not become too relaxed.


PUBLIC MEETINGS
o Always have proper security to protect your public meetings. Use security stewards who you know and trust to guard all doors to the meeting.
o If possible, groups of 2-3 stewards should patrol the area to look out for any signs of trouble. If they have a car or bicycle and can contact each other and the meeting organisers by mobile phone or walkie-talkie - even better.
o At conferences, register all participants and insist they wear a name badge at all times for easy identification.


PERSONAL SAFETY
o Never give your home address and telephone number to people unless you know them well. If you are in the telephone directory, change your number and go unlisted.
o Never put your name, home address, or telephone number on leaflets, posters or stickers etc for your organisation. If you must print a contact address or number, use your normal office details.
o Organise security at your home - better locks, metal shutters etc. Use the advice above. If you live with others, remind them to be careful too.

BE CAREFUL - BE SAFE

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UNITED for Intercultural Action
European network against nationalism, racism, fascism
and in support of migrants and refugees
Postbus 413, NL-1000 AK Amsterdam, Netherlands
phone +31-20-6834778, fax +31-20-6834582
info@unitedagainstracism.org, http://www.unitedagainstracism.org/