The Criminalization of Solidarity
A Practical Guide for Movements and Communities Navigating Material Support for Terrorism (MST LAWS)
March 7, 2025
The Criminalization of Solidarity: A Practical Guide for Movements and Communities Navigating Material Support for Terrorism (MST) Laws
As governments expand counterterrorism laws to suppress activism and dismantle civil society organizations, this first-of-its-kind guide from Muslims for Just Futures provides essential knowledge for movements facing heightened criminalization. This guide on the criminalization of material solidarity builds upon Muslims for Just Futures’ Guide for Grassroots Groups: Fiscal Sponsorship, Bail Funds, and Mutual Aid Basics, with a focused analysis of material support for terrorism laws. MST laws have been used against humanitarian organizations providing medical aid and food, organizers and advocates pushing for accountability for government repression, and criminal defense attorneys. This document provides a strategic analysis of material support for terrorism (“MST”) laws and their impact on movement organizations and communities.
It includes the following:
Key Terminology & EO 14157 Explainer – Defines essential terms and includes a detailed chart breaking down the Material Support Statute (18 U.S.C. 2339A/B) (“MST”) and Global Terrorism Sanctions Regulations (“GTSR”). It examines EO 14157 designating cartels and organizations as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (“FTOs”) and Specially Designated Global Terrorists (“SDGTs”). It is followed by the potential impacts of these EOs and designations on civil society, social services providers, and communities.
State-Level Legislation & Lawfare – This section includes a mapping of how state governments have increasingly adopted MST laws, mirroring federal counterterrorism statutes and expanding avenues for prosecution. This section notes the importance of state-level advocacy as a crucial battleground for resisting unjust policies and lawfare that threatens our social justice movements, and the broader existence of civil society.
Case Studies – Highlights previous prosecutions, including the Holy Land Foundation, NAIT, KindHearts, and Lynne Stewart’s prosecution. These case studies are followed by key lessons and takeaways for broader social movements.
Limits of Solidarity – Analyzes the legal constraints on organizational solidarity when groups are designated as FTOs or SDGTs. It is essential to recognize that this analysis strictly pertains to legal restrictions.
Recommendations & Scenario Planning – Provides scenarios on legal defense, financial security, and movement resilience for the next four years.
This guide is intended for community organizers, activists, advocates, and movement lawyers with the knowledge to navigate and resist state repression while strengthening movement infrastructure.
