(Atlanta, GA, March 10, 2003) … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) applauded today the arrest of Chester Doles, leader of the Georgia chapter of the National Alliance and former Imperial Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan, on five felony charges, including firearms possession.

"Doles has been a leading voice of hatred, bigotry and intolerance in the North Georgia region for years," said Deborah Lauter, ADL Southeast Regional Director. "We have been very concerned about his activities and are gratified that he has been apprehended before his virulent hate speech turned to violence."

Doles is known to be one of six people allowed to speak on behalf of the National Alliance, one of the largest and most active neo-Nazi organizations in the nation. NA members, in cells throughout the country, have engaged in plotting violent crimes and their propaganda appears to have inspired others to carry out murder, bombings and robberies.

The National Alliance's stated aim is "to build a better world and a better race…and create a new government...answerable to White people only." In the last decade, the NA has enjoyed significant growth and has focused its attention on recruiting young racists through white power music and hate-filled video games. At the same time, the NA has tried to attract middle-class professionals willing to be part of a dedicated cadre that carries out the group's goals. Doles attracted attention for organizing and implementing anti-immigration rallies in Gainesville, GA, over the past two years. If convicted, this will not be Mr. Doles first time serving a jail sentence. In 1993, he was sentenced to seven years for assaulting an African-American man.

More about the National Alliance

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