Spokane, WA — Twelve national pro-democracy groups published an open letter today in The Seattle Times in support of the Spokane 3, three peaceful protesters convicted in federal court on felony conspiracy charges. The letter comes as a judge considers motions to overturn their convictions.

In June 2025, hundreds gathered for a spontaneous immigrants’ rights protest in Spokane. The following month, federal prosecutors indicted nine protesters on felony conspiracy charges. Richard Barker, then the acting U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, resigned rather than sign the indictments. 

Facing financial pressure and the threat of years in prison, six of the nine pleaded guilty to lesser charges. The remaining three — Jac Archer, Justice Forral, and Bajun Mavalwalla II — known as the Spokane 3, went to trial to defend their rights to speak and assemble. A jury convicted them on May 28, 2026. Each faces up to six years in prison and $250,000 in fines.

“I graduated from law school this year. Instead of studying for the bar exam and beginning my career as a lawyer, I spent my summer as a client,” Spokane 3 defendant, Jac Archer, explained. “This experience has taught me, in a way law school never could, just how vulnerable our rights are, and thus, how essential it is to use them. We have to vote, to speak out, to protest, while we still can. Especially under pressure, we preserve our rights by exercising them.”

“The government charged us with conspiracy despite many of us not knowing or having spoken to each other before. The government and local police had to go above and beyond their duty to make this political trial happen,” said Spokane 3 defendant, Justice Forral. “I am happy to be made an example out of, because we need litmus tests of where we are as a country. We need to test how our Justice system stands not under perfect conditions, but when it is used corruptly.”

“VOTE. Vote like our democracy depends on it. Vote like our future depends on it. Vote now, because history will remember this moment,” said Spokane 3 defendant, Bajun Mavalwalla III. 

The organizational, religious, and civic signers affirm the value of dissent and denounce the prosecutions as an attempt to silence Americans who dare to publicly express views the Trump administration opposes. The letter closes:

“It is our firm belief that federal felony charges against the Spokane 3 should never have been brought. We support their continued resolve in standing up against this miscarriage of justice, and we will continue to speak out against threats to Americans’ freedom to speak and dissent.”

Pro-democracy signatories

The full statement is available at www.supportspokane3.org. Signers include Western States Center, Protect Democracy, Fuse Washington, Washington Community Alliance, Tenants Union of Washington State, SEIU Healthcare 1199NW, Peace and Justice Action League of Spokane, and Working Washington, among others.