| resources | contact | about | volunteer | tv news | video | radio | questions |
| |||||||||||
|
|
|
||||||||||
      regionstopic pagesgenresactionsall action pages >> resourcesglobal imc
|
Green Scare
Updated 6/14/07 Updates: According to the Dept of Justice at their January 20th press conference, these arrests & subpoenas are part of a nation-wide effort to target activists in the US under new domestic terrorism legislation, although in reality, the word "terrorism" is not mentioned once in the 83-page indictment. Many of those who were arrested have cooperated with authorities to lessen their prison terms. One activist has died in jail. All of the remaining non-cooperating activists have pled guilty, and all except the activist turned informant, Jacob Ferguson, are now facing long sentences with possible terrorism enhancements added on. The charges are in relation to a string of actions which took place between 1997 and 2001, actions that were claimed by the Earth Liberation Front and the Animal Liberation Front. [Initial Report | Jeff Luers' March 2006 Dispatch] Police Informants gave information about some of the people taken into custody during this sweep, most notably, Jake the Snake. Ferguson's informing work to the FBI has been made publicly available, in the form of the actual arrest and search warrant request submitted December 7th, 2005. Dec 22, 2005 one of the originally indicted activists was found dead in his cell. The authorities claim it was a suicide. Bill Rodgers, 40, was a long-time community activist from Arizona where he ran the 'Catalyst Infoshop' bookstore out of his home. For more information or to see how you can support Bill's life work see: www.supportbill.org. [FSRN Audio Interview about Bill with his friend and supporter] On March 2, the Bush administration dealt yet another blow to the First Amendment, as the SHAC 7 were found guilty of multiple federal felonies for advocating the closure of the notorious animal-testing lab Huntington Life Sciences by running a website educating people about animal abuses, publishing a newsletter, speaking at events, and publicizing protests. Now, six activists face years in federal prison. All six are currently under house arrest while awaiting sentencing in September; The SHAC7 Support Committee and attorneys are planning to appeal. Support has been withdrawn for the following co-defendants, after it has come to light that these people have decided to cooperate with the FBI by giving information on other activists, in exchange for the possibility of reduced sentences: Stan Meyerhoff, Kevin Tubbs, Lauren Weiner, Chelsea Dawn Gerlach, Suzanne Savoie, Kendall Tankersley, Darren Thurston, and Zachary Jensen. Jennifer Kolar of Seattle has also been giving information leading to the arrest of at least one of these activists. Lacey Phillabaum is also providing testimony against others.
From the open publishing newswire:
Today I had my first appearance before the federal grand jury in Davenport, Iowa. I was represented by a federal public defender (although he could not be present in the grand jury with me). After reading a brief statement expressing that I would not testify, I was released with a subpoena to reappear before the grand jury again on the 17th of November at 9:00 A.M. It is likely that at this time I will be held in contempt of court for continuing to remain silent, and could face jail time up to the length of the grand jury (it convenes for 12 months total, which leaves 11 remaining after my November appearance). We are still looking into legal questions regarding how long they could hold me.
Oct 13 press release: "Twin Cities Anarchist Subpoenaed to Federal Grand Jury in Iowa"
From the open publishing newswire:
Final "Free" Free Benefit (we hope)
Support Political Prisoner Jeff Luers during his tansition out of prison after 9.5 years Vegan Benefit Dinner at the Morning Glory Cafe (450 Willamette St., Eugene) Saturday November 7th, 2009 6:30-10:00pm (Seatings at 6:30pm and 8pm only) Reservations Required! Four-course gourmet vegan dinner plus beverage and live flamenco guitar music!
From the open publishing newswire:
Hello friends, We are incredibly relieved to finally be able to tell you that the opening brief for Eric's appeal was filed on September 17. This is only the first step in a very long process, but after over a year's worth of delays, it was a welcome development. The government's response to Eric's brief is due on October 15 - although it is quite possible there will be more delays. We will post the opening brief on Eric's website soon. We also want everyone to know that after a recalculation of his points (what the BOP uses to determine in what security level prison to place someone), Eric realized he qualifies for a low-security facility. He has put in a request to be moved and is awaiting a response. We will let you all know as soon as we hear anything.
Eric's birthday is on October 7. It would be great if everyone could send him a quick note of support to remind him we haven't forgotten about him. You can send cards and letters to: Eric McDavid 16209-097 FCI Victorville, Medium II Federal Correctional Institution Adelanto, CA 92301
From the open publishing newswire:
Environmental activist Justin Solondz has been apprehended in China and has been taken into custody. Justin was named as one of the Green Scare defendants in the University of Washington Genetic Engineering Research arson and was named as a codefendant of Briana Waters, who refused to cooperate, went to trial and was sentenced to 6 years in prison. Justin has been listed as a fugitive by the FBI since the UW indictment was issued several years ago. It is unclear at this time whether Justin will be extradited back to the U.S, and/or when such a transfer would occur. Stay tuned for more updates as they become known.
From the open publishing newswire:
Tre arrived in Portland Monday afternoon. Some folks met him at the airport bringing spring water, yummy food, coconut dates of course, and flowers. Lots of hugs and love before he rode a bike with friends to the halfway house he is staying at.
From the open publishing newswire:
This June marks the 9th and final year that Jeff Free Luers will spend in prison. Jeff was originally sentenced to 23 years for setting fire to 3 SUV's at Romania Chevrolet to bring attention to global warming. Since then Jeff has won his appeal and was resentenced to 10 years. Jeff will be released this December 2009.
Events for the June 2009 Day of Solidarity with Jeff Free Luers are listed below. Celebrate our victory of helping to bring Jeff home! Donations for Jeff's release and education fund are greatly needed.  http://freejeffluers.org/donate.html
A wish list for specific items is now available here: http://freejeffluers.org/assets/pdfs/WISH_LIST.pdf
http://freejeffluers.org
From the open publishing newswire:
Three amazing PDX benefits are planned for 6 activists charged under the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act (AETA). Your support is needed. [BACKGROUND:] -CALIFORNIA 4 Arrests: On February 19th and 20th, four animal rights activists from California were arrested on charges for their alleged involvement in "terrorist" activity relating to a long running campaign against University of California research facilities. Illuminating yet another dark chapter in what has been termed the "Green Scare," their case represents a sustained FBI mission to criminalize political dissent. Protesting, chalking slogans, and producing leaflets are among the "terrorist" activity of which these activists are being accused. Each of their charges hold 5 year penalties. -UTAH - 2 Arrests: On Thursday March 5th the witch hunt expanded when two Utah activists were also arrested under AETA...[who] are being accused for their alleged participation raid of a South Jordan, UT mink farm in August, and the alleged attempted raid of a second mink farm in October. SHOW YOUR SOLIDARITY: Strong community fundraising and support are need to help pay for the enormous legal bills of all of the AETA defendants. Three great benefits are planned for the next week and the AETA defendants need your help. Come out and show your solidarity!
aeta4.org
From the open publishing newswire:
With the 4 from CA, plus these 2 from UT, that makes a total of 6 (so far)... Two Local Utah Animal Rights Activists; William "BJ" Veihl and Alex Jason Hall, were arrested Thursday March 5th for an alleged raid of a South Jordan, UT mink farm in August, and the alleged attempted raid of a second mink farm in October. Both are being held in Salt Lake County Metro Jail on charges of Animal Enterprise Terrorism...they had an arraignment hearing in which both pleaded "NOT GUILTY". They are scheduled for a Bail Hearing on Tuesday, as of right now they are both being held on Felony 3 retainers with NO BAIL.
At this time it looks like each could face up to 6 years in prison and $350,000 in fines if found guilty. Please send them a letter of support during these first very difficult days behind bars... benefits for the Aeta defendants | Civil Liberties Defense Center | Animal Defense League of Salt Lake City
From the open publishing newswire:
Two animal rights activists have been arrested under the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act in connection to the release of mink from Utah fur farms. The crimes are attributed to the Animal Liberation Front, which the FBI labels the "number one domestic terrorism threat."
William Viehl, 22, and Alex Hall, 20, were arrested in connection with the August, 2008 release of 300 minks from a South Jordan fur farm. It caused about $10,000 in damages. Spray painted slogans were found on the scene, including "No More Mink, No More Murder" and "ALF: We Are Watching." The two are also accused of attempting to damage another mink farm a few months later. http://greenisthenewred.org
From the open publishing newswire:
Adriana Stumpo, 23, of Long Beach, California; Nathan Pope, 26, of Oceanside, California; Joseph Buddenberg, 25, of Berkeley, California; and Maryam Khajavi, 20, of Pinole, California have been arrested and charged with crimes related to actions at the University of California in Santa Cruz and Berkeley. They are being charged under the "Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act". Some of the charges relate to simple protest actions.
From the open publishing newswire:
Dear friends,
Last month marked the 3rd year that Eric has spent behind bars. His arrest and imprisonment were a direct result of government infiltration and entrapment - Eric has spent the last three years of his life in a cage for what amounts to thought crime. Those years have been full of challenges and struggle, but Eric has met all of them with the utmost courage and integrity. The appeals process has been delayed multiple times. Eric's opening brief is now due March 5. He has multiple strong arguments on appeal, and we look forward to getting the process moving. If all goes well, everything could be filed for review by the appeals court sometime this summer. Thank you all for your continued support. Eric has been receiving your letters and they have definitely helped him through these winter months - especially during these lockdowns when he has not been able to have contact with his loved ones. Please remember that Eric has been moved - which means he has a new address: http://www.supporteric.org
From the open publishing newswire:
The longest night of the year has passed. As we move toward the light, we are entering a new era.
(written on 100% Salvaged/scrap paper) The longest night of the year has passed. As we move toward the light, we are entering a new era. Many have a hope that Obama will bring forth some form of restoration to these dilapidated political and economic systems. I see very much of the same people, advisors and policies of previous administrations which have brought about colossal damage to the planet, people's rights and overall health, justice and freedom. If Obama rally does want to bring about positive change, will he be allowed? I pray the hearts and minds of those people in positions of power will be filled with that which is utilitarian-based (and not greed-based). In the meantime, we have much to do... http://trearrow.org/
From the open publishing newswire:
Daniel was just moved back to his designated facility in Marion, Illinois. He is in the Communication Management Unit, a unit created to heavily monitor communications of its prisoners, and will be serving the rest of his time here. We truly hope that his time passes as quickly as possible here.
Please continue to write! http://www.supportdaniel.org |
|
