Bookstore Group Claims Politics Behind Eviction

The proprietors of Revolution Books, a communist bookstore at 233 Mass Ave, yesterday charged that their landlord will evict them from their storefront location because of their politics.

But the landlord, who refused to be identified, said yesterday that when the store's lease ran out in April, the bookshop did not renew it. He added that he will evict them because he has found a "longer-term tenant." He would not identify the new tenant.

Bruce O'Riley, a member of the bookstore's staff, said yesterday the eviction is "a blatantly political attack" and an attempt by the ruling class to "ban revolutionary literature and revolution itself." He added that the store has been "an excellent tenant."

Holding Pattern

O'Riley acknowledged that the store's lease ran out in April, but said the landlord "flatly refused" to negotiate a new lease. He added that those who run the bookstore will fight the eviction in court, but that they will not initiate legal action until they are served with the official eviction papers.

O'Riley added it is likely the papers will be served today.

The landlord denied that he has any political motives in the eviction, adding, "If it was my intention to get rid of them, I could have done it in April." He said he is also attempting to evict Kimmie's disco upstairs from the bookstore.

O'Riley said the eviction reflects a national trend in which "revolutionary bookstores across the country are facing similar attacks." He added that communist bookstores in Seattle, New York City and Berkeley, Calif., have recently faced eviction because "the ruling class feels itself threatened" by revolutionary literature.

Say Ya Wanna Revolution

Revolution Books, which opened on May 1, 1979, is a non-profit store staffed by volunteers and loosely associated with the Revolutionary Communist Party, U.S.A. It sells communist books, periodicals, posters, records and t-shirts.

Betsy A. Evans, a patron and part-time volunteer at the store, said yesterday she believes the eviction is "definitely politically motivated."

Representatives of the store recently circulated a petition in support of Revolution Books in front of the Freshman Union. Several Harvard students signed the statement, but some said yesterday they had never patronized the store and do not know much about the eviction.

Adam F. Lowy '83, who signed the petition at the Union, said yesterday he supports the group because he objects to "the idea of muzzling these people," but added that they "sounded like they were desperate" for people to sign as patrons. Lowy said he had never been to the store.

Kristen M. Nygren '84 said yesterday she "signed it to support free press and free speech," adding that she knew little about the store and the eviction.