Just what is this Green Scare, you say? Well, when we use that term, we are referring to the tactics that the US government and all their tentacles (FBI, IRS, BATF, Joint Terrorism Task Forces, local police, the court system) are using to attack the ELF/ALF and specifically those who publicly support them. Similar to Senator Joe McCarthy�s campaign and the House of Un-American Affairs (HUAC) of the 1950's, legislators, property rights advocates and industry spokespeople are using threats and propaganda to crush any public support of underground resistance. Instead of McCarthy we have the likes of representative McInnis (Colorado, home of ELF Vail Action-1998), Hooley (Oregon-home to numerous ELF actions) and Nethercutt (Washington State-home of ELF University of Washington tree genetics lab arson-May 2001). Their strategy-a combination of introducing legislation to make punishments for direct action worse and to take out the support structures of the underground ecological resistance movement.
The newest incarnation of this Green Scare has been the recent Congressional Hearings on Eco-Terrorism held in Washington.As you can see on pages 10-12, the hearings were a sham designed to please the congress people�s corporate funders as well as to intimidate people like former ELF spokesperson Craig Rosebraugh, who was forced to attend the hearing. [Much respect to Craig for his refusal to partake in this farce amidst insults and threats made by the politicians] There is more of course, and we attempt to cover much of the recent state repression in this issue including the two current grand juries in the Northwest (that we know of).
There have been some major changes since the last issue of SoF. Apologies for the tardiness of this issue but we have been devoting more of our energy to direct support for prisoners and compiling a newsletter can be a time drain. We hope to have the next one out in a timely fashion. Our website) has been completely redesigned by our incredibly competent and patient webweaver. There are new writings by prisoners, photos, downloadable fliers, urgent updates, links, graphic and articles on prisoner support. Check it out at www.spiritoffreedom.org.uk We are presently unable to receive checks made out to our group due to unforeseen circumstances- for the time being, please send well-concealed cash or a US postal money order (only!) with the "To" line blank. [If you make this out to our group�s name, we will be forced to return it. Sorry]. Finally, you�ll notice that our address is different-please direct all letter, correspondence etc to our new address at NAELPSN, Box 50082, Eugene, OR 97405. Our email remains the same at [email protected] to Noel, David B, Ernesto, MZ and Leelee for making this issue (and project) possible.
LATE BREAKING NEWS
John Two Names granted an injunction
Andy "John Two Names" Riendeau, a Native American political prisoner in Alabama, was able to obtain a preliminary injunction against the Department of Corrections (DOC) preventing them from destroying and moving the ceremonial grounds at the Staton Prison where John Two Names is incarcerated. The DOC was planning on destroying the grounds on March 20th, unless the Native prisoners at Staton moved them to the spot the DOC designated. The ceremonial grounds were consecrated at the Staton facility by a recognized medicine person in 1988. numerous Native Americans have practiced their religion on the grounds for years. "Moving these grounds would be by definition to desecrate and destroy them. .A ceremonial grounds cannot be rebuilt or rededicated elsewhere without compromising, harming, and burdening the religions significance of our ceremonial life. Ceremonial life would not be as rich and robust as that currently practiced on our ceremonial grounds." writes John Two Names in his affadavit for the preliminary injunction hearing.
John Two Names was recently moved to a new bunk within Staton You can write him at #193786, (C-2-14 top), Staton Correctional Facility, P O Box 56, Elmore, Alabama, 36025-0056.He is also in need of funds for a lawyer. Donations can be made out to Anita C. Riendeau. Mail to J2N Freedom Collective, c/o Anita C. Riendeau, PO Box 310955, Birmingham, Alabama, 35231 U$A [email protected]
Legal Updates
Jon Batchelor
Jon Batchelor was acquitted of both felonies in early April! He was, however, found guilty of misdemeanor simple assault. The jury recommended no jail time with a fine of up to $2500 (hopefully that will change with all the time he has served) He will be sentenced in two weeks and should be out of prison soon.
Santa Cruz 2
Matt Whyte and Peter Schnell, two long-time animal and earth activists, were sentenced on January 28th in federal court in San Jose, CA. Matt was sentenced to 14 months in prison, and 3 years supervised release, and Petey was sentenced to 24 months in prison, and 3 years supervised release. Petey went into custody directly after sentencing, but Matt chose to accept the offer of voluntary surrender, and went to prison on March 4, 2002. Peters anticipated release date is August 27, 2003 and Matt's is February 13, 2003. They were arrested in January of 2001 in Capitola, California in possession of components incendiary devices. Federal charges were filed a few days after their arrest, and state charges were dropped. Matt was held for around a month, and Petey for about two months, before being released on bond Matt and Petey accepted a plea bargain in federal court in October 2001, pleading guilty to one of the two federal charges.
Matthew Whyte #99477-111 Taft Correctional Institution P.O. Box 7001 Taft, CA 93268
Peter Schnell, # 99476111 FCI Otisville PO Box 1000 Otisville, NY 10963
When you write to them you need to have a complete return address on the envelope, and the city in the return address must match the postmark. Newspapers & hardcover books can only come from publisher/ book club/ bookstore. Packages containing magazines, books & educational materials can be sent marked "Authorized by BOP Policy" or "Contains Authorized Publications". Anything sent in a box, padded envelopes, or any object wrapped in paper requires that Matt fill out a form to authorize it in advance. You can not send stamps, stickers or glued paper/cards
Santa Cruz Two Defense, PO Box 583, Eugene, OR 97440, [email protected]
Andy Stepanian
Former animal rights prisoner Andy Stepanian was sentenced to six months imprisonment for both "Verbal Obstruction of Governmental Administration" (translation: he yelled at a cop who was arresting his friend) and for resisting arrest himself.
Andrew Stepanian NCC 0200 1777, C/O Nassau County Corrections, 100 Carman Avenue, East Meadow, NY 11554-1160.
Five Things You Can Do to Support Andy
1. Visit Andy- To schedule yourself for a visit, call Adam at (212) 947-7744 or email [email protected] 2. Receive phone calls If your phone line can accept collect calls and you are willing to accept the cost of a call your phone number can be given to Andy as a person to call. Please email [email protected] with your name, phone number, and the best day/time to call you. 3. Write See address above. 11554-1160. As with calls, letter are read and monitored, so please use discretion in what you write 4. Send Books and Magazines Andy has requested books on surfing. Mail to the same address as letters. Books and magazines must be sent directly through the publisher or bookseller. 5. Donate to Andy's fund-Andy hopes to file and appeal. Please make checks out to Ceil Stepanian and send to: Ceil Stepanian,10 Lloyd Point Drive, Huntington, NY 11743
Mark Sands
Mark Sands was sentenced on February to 18 years in prison for torching seven luxury homes under construction as he tried to stop development near protected desert areas. judge Bolton also ordered Mark Sands to pay $2.8 million in restitution. Sands cried as he apologized to his family and victims who attended his sentencing hearing. Sands pleaded guilty in November to eight counts of extortion and one count of using fire to commit a federal felony. Arson charges that were part of an original indictment were dismissed. He also admitted writing letters to the media and property owners warning that the fires would continue as long as people continued to build next to the protected land in Phoenix and Scottsdale. One note, found April 29 said, "You build, we burn again." Sands was arrested June 14 on a federal indictment accusing him of setting eight fires in seven homes between April 2000 and January 2001. Sands became a suspect last April after police said he was caught using a red marker on a sign hanging on a home under construction. Police had been monitoring the property since March, when leaflets reading, "Thou shalt not desecrate God's creation," were found there. The notes were signed CSP, or Coalition to Save the Preserve.
Robert Thaxton
Rob los Ricos was sent to the hole on April 10th for his refusal to submit to mandatory DNA testing at Oregon State Penitentiary. We are unsure of the amount of time he will be in lock down. Rob Thaxton #12112716, OSP, 2605 State Street, Salem, OR 97310
Letters must have a complete return address, use only ballpoint ink, avoid anarchist symbols and choose content carefully.
HLS SLAPP Suit
Currently, Huntingdon Life Sciences and its main financier�Stephens Inc,--are taking campaigners to court in a RICO case. RICO stands for Racketeering
Influenced Corrupt Organizations Act, an act passed by Congress in 1970 to battle organized crime, specifically extorting money by intimidation, violence, or other illegal methods RICO ultimately serves two purposes: to intimidate activists with the prospect of being held liable for millions of dollars in damages into agreeing to strict settlement terms, and to financially drain activist organizations by forcing them to hire a lawyer to fend off the lawsuit.
The current lawsuit, which has been filed against individual activists as well Stop Huntingdon Animal Cruelty (SHAC) and the Animal Defense League (ADL), complains that activists have cost the lab and Stephens Inc. $7 million. Activists have vowed that despite the fact that a guilty verdict in this case could leave them liable for millions of dollars that they would refuse to pay, the lab will be shut down.
Donations are greatly needed and can be made payable to SHAC legal, PO Box 22398,Philadelphia, PA 19110. For more information about the fight to shut down HLS see http:// www.shacusa.net or http:// www.shac.net
ELF Press Office Reopens February 2, 2002
After stepping down from the North American Earth Liberation Front Press Office on September 5, Leslie James Pickering has returned to his position as spokesperson for the group. "The Earth Liberation Front Press Office should now be considered at least as open and available to the public and media as it had been up until last September 5th," Pickering said, "the press office has, and will continue to work to explain the importance and necessity of clandestine guerrilla action in a revolutionary movement to liberate the Earth from the stranglehold of the system" "Direct action taken by the Earth Liberation Front, and similar underground organizations, is part of a larger struggle for revolutionary change. The system has long proven that it values profits and property over life, and this underground response is the voice and fist of the people rising in self defense," Pickering said.
North American Earth Liberation Front Press Office PO BOX 14098 Portland, OR 97293503-804-4965 [email protected] www.earthliberationfront.com
Free and Critter Sued by Romania-February 26 Romania Chevrolet is suing Jeff "Free" Luers and Craig "Critter" Marshall in an attempt to recoup the costs of the three torched vehicles. Craig Marshall and Jeffrey Luers were convicted of arson in the May 2000 fires. The lawsuit seeks $28,213 from both men for damage to three pickups. Marshall, who made a plea deal with prosecutors, is serving a 5 1/2 -year prison term. Luers, who was convicted on 10 felonies including an attempted arson (frame up) at a Whiteaker-area fuel company was sentenced to 22 years and 8 months in prison. No one was injured in the arson.
Why we Support Matt and Peter: the Santa Cruz 2
We prepared this statement partially to address a harmful critique put forth by one activist but ultimately to express our full support for the Santa Cruz 2: Matt Whyte and Peter Schnell. We are an autonomous group of former prisoners from the Earth and animal liberation movements and people who engage in prisoner support as a revolutionary practice.
Matt and Peter were sentenced on January 28th to 14 and 24 months respectively for the charge of "possession of an unregistered firearm". Last summer, Matt and Peter were arrested in a Capitola, California park while assembling incendiary devices. They later admitted that they were going to use those devices to target dairy industry trucks at an undisclosed location. In court, Matt and Peter expressed regret for this and showed remorse for their action. We realize that people facing years in prison are often put in extremely difficult positions and thus may sometimes have to express feeling of remorse to judges and other state representatives.
We want to be very clear that we support Matt and Peter regardless of any difference of opinion in relation to legal strategy that we may have. Our support is not based on their agreement with our opinions but rooted in solidarity and a desire to take care of our warriors who get caught by the state. Although we do not impose our legal strategy on our allies, we also do not condone "snitching". [Case in point is Justin Samuel, an individual accused of ALF actions who informed on his co- defendant and thus does not receive support from most people in this movement]. That being said, we support the choices made by Matt, Peter, their lawyers and support team.
We also do not desire the creation of martyrs for our growing movement. The imprisonment of our warriors for prolonged periods of time is not something we want to encourage. Martyrdom is for those who truly no longer control their fate. It is the tragic consequence of state repression and the Earth/animal liberation movement in America should not be eager to see our already too few warriors added to the list. Let's not forget that another brother in this struggle, Free is serving 22 years for offenses with little difference from Matt and Peter. Individuals need to know that they will be supported if they get caught whether or not they plead innocent, whether or not they stand up in court and speak about animal liberation and whether or not we agree with what they feel they must do to get a lighter sentence. We desire our warriors out of prison and back in the struggle, not serving absurdly long sentences just because they made an aggressive statement to the court.
We want to commend Matt and Peter for the principled and intelligent manner that they have conducted themselves the last year awaiting trial and sentencing. Unlike other cases in the past, information was disbursed to supporters in a timely manner and there were not random people speaking on their behalf. The real proof though is the sentence: Matt, expecting up a minimum of 33 months got 14 months (and three years supervised probation), Peter, expecting a minimum of 42 months, got 24 (and the same probation). That any accused animal liberationist member could receive such a lenient sentence in post 9/ 11 anti-terrorist hysteria reveals success in their choice of legal defense strategy.
To the individual admonishing Peter and Matt for their statements to the court. It does nothing for Earth/animal liberationists or the cause of Earth/animal liberation to criticize or pass judgment on our friends who sit in jail, especially when that judgment and criticism comes from someone outside of jail. If there are some who still disagree, then express your dissatisfaction with actions of your own. Attacking warriors facing repression that is impossible to understand to those not under criminal indictment is simply hitting our warriors when they are already down. Supporting Earth and animal liberation prisoners means just that, supporting them always, not just when they do what you think they should do.
Free all Earth and Animal Liberation Prisoners! Support the Santa Cruz 2!
North American Earth Liberation Prisoners Support Network North American Animal Liberation Front Support Group UK Earth Liberation Prisoners Support Network Rod Coronado-Former Animal Liberation Front Prisoner Jeremiah Bowen- Former Earth Liberation Prisoner David Barbarash- Press Officer for the Animal Liberation Front and former ALF prisoner
Noel Molland, former GANDALF prisoner (UK)
Saxon Wood-Former GANDALF prisoner (UK)
Steven Booth-Former GANDALF prisoner (UK)
Adam Marshall-former Hillgrove Farms prisoner (UK)
Mark Eden-convicted Animal Liberation Front activist (New Zealand)
Gina Lynn-No Compromise magazine
David Hayden-No Compromise magazine
Megan Adam, TAO
Darius Fullmer, Convicted ALF activist (US)
Animal Defense League (ADL) US
Animal Liberation Frontline Information Service (ALFIS)
Michael Collins - Former Mayday 2000 prisoner (UK)
Anti Direct Action Bill SB69 in Colorado January 2002 People who destroy experimental crops or cloned animals would face stiff civil penalties under legislation offered in the Colorado Senate. Hillman's SB 69 would let a judge impose triple damages against anyone convicted of destroying an experimental agricultural product. Hillman said he knew of no specific incdents in Colorado where crops or livestock have been damaged.
USA Patriot Act-HR 3162
On October 26, 2001, President George Bush signed into law the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act (H.R. 3162, the USA PATRIOT Act). Rushed through Congress with little debate and even less public input, the USA PATRIOT Act seriously erodes constitutional protections, particularly for immigrants, while giving the government new power to label dissent as terrorist activity. Some of the most disturbing features of the 300+ page statute are listed below
* Creates new crime of "domestic terrorism" for activity within the United States that includes acts dangerous to human life that violate the laws of the United States or any state and appear to be intended: (I) to intimidate or coerce a civillian population; (II) to influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion; or (III) to affect the conduct of government by mass destruction, assassination or kidnapping. The act also adds to the definition of terrorism the use of a "weapon or other dangerous device... to cause substancial damage to property" even if the damage creates no risk of injury.
* Section 411 of the act permits the Secretary of State to designate foreign and domestic groups that have ever engaged in violent activities a "terrorist organization." Non-citizens belonging to such groups can be detained and deported unless they can prove they did not know or should not know they were assisting terrorist activity.
Section 412 requires immigrants certified by the Attourney General as risks be charged with a criminal offense or immigration violation within seven days. Immigrants not deportable for terrorism but with an immigration violation (e.g. overstaying a visa) could be indefinitely detained by the Attorney General following a finding of "reasonable ground to believe" the immigrant was involved in terrorism or activities posing a risk to national security or the safety of the community. While Section 412 requires case review every six months, there is no requirement detainees be given a trial or hearing where the government would provide proof that the detained immigrant was a terrorist. Reviews would not be bound by requirements of "proof beyond reasonable doubt" as used in criminal trials or "clear, convincing, and unequivocal evidence" as used in deportation hearings.
Section 218 amends FISA to permit theFBI to conduct secret physical searches and surveillance to obtain evidence of a crime without demonstrating probable cause. Section 215 gives FBI agents the authority to obtain an order from a FISA court or any federal magistrate to require any person or business to produce books, records, documents, or other items. The judge is not permitted discretion. The order must be issued upon application by the FBI asserting the materials demanded are for a foreign Intelligence investigation.
Section 213 expands the authority to delay notification to searches for any kind of physical or electronic evidence in any kind of case. The government must only show that an investigation may be jeopardized to obtain a "sneak and peek" warrant allowing police to search a person's property before notifying the person that a search has been authorized.
Section 216 removes most probable cause requirements while severely limiting judicial review. Would also allow capture of internet addresses without guarantees on how content will remain confidential.
Section 358 of the act requires banks to provide "suspicious activity reports" not only to law enforcement agencies, but to the Central Intelligence Agency. This same section would also allow the CIA and other federal agencies access to individual credit reports in secret, with no judicial review or notification given to the person whose credit report is being accessed.
Section 203 permits law enforcement agencies to provide teh CIA with sensitive information gathered in criminal investigations including wiretaps and internet captures. No court order is required and the CIA may share information with other agencies, including foreign governments. Section 901 puts CIA in charge of leading intelligence gathering inside the U.S.
Sample letter for Free
Honorable John Kitzhaber, MD Governor of the state of Oregon State Capitol Building 900 Court Street NE Salem, OR 97301-4047
Dear Governor Kitzhaber,
I am writing you today as the Governor to express my concern over the case of Jeffrey Luers. As you are probably aware, Jeffrey was sentenced to 22 years and 8 months by Lane County Circuit Court Judge Lyle Velure under Oregon's harsh measure 11 guidelines. Thecharges broke down as follows:
*17 years (15 of which are 2 measure 11 charges) for a fire that occurred at Joe Romania auto dealership in Eugene damaging 3 vehicles, two of which were repaired and sold.
*5 years and 8 months for an attempted fire at Tyree Oil Co. that did not ignite.
Jeff admitted to starting the fire at Romania, noting that precautions had been met to safeguard life; all life, any life. In his own words, "I fight to protect life, all life, not to take it. I took every precaution to insure that no one would be injured by this fire. If I thought for any reason that anyone- be it Mr. Kelly or any responding firefighter or police officers- would be injured, I never would have set this fire. It was not my intention to hurt anyone or place anyone at risk." Should his punishment for this have been 17 years?
Allow me to contrast for a moment. In August 1998, 600 firefighters were deployed to the Umpqua National Forest to put out fires caused by a serial arsonist. Later, Forest Service Fire Safety Specialist Tamera L. Meredith was arrested on 35 counts of arson. She was convicted on 2 counts and sentenced to 3 years at a trial in Roseburg. Her motive for those fires was a self seeking one, to gain overtime.
Mr. Kitzhaber, something is very wrong here. Why is it that despite the damages in her case being far greater and done, in my eyes, out of far more malicious reasons, that Jeff's sentence is so much longer? Mandatory minimum sentencing of 90 month, with no good time earned is wrong. I urge you to look into this matter. I also urge you to push for the rewriting of Measure 11.
Tyree Oil Company, on the other hand was an incident that did no damage. The conviction was done entirely on circumstantial evidence. In fact, the fingerprint on the device did not match those of Jeffrey Luers or his co-defendant Craig Marshall. There was much talk at the trial by prosecutor Caren Tracey that in Oregon, circumstantial evidence counts as concrete evidence. How is that possible? How is it that Jeff was convicted of this crime because he may have had access to bolt cutters that may have cut the fence to get in?
This case has been very hard emotionally and financially on the friends and family of Jeffrey Luers. An appeal has been filed and will be handled by the Public Defender's Office. I hope that a decent attorney has been appointed to this case. I believe that a higher court will see through the harsh sentencing and the lack of evidence in the Tyree case. If not, I fear I will lose all faith in this system once and for all.
In the meantime, I will continue to miss my friend and will mourn that loss. You see, Mr. Kitzhaber, it is not just Jeff who is being punished, it is his friends and family as well. I would appreciate a response and any information you could send me to help resolve the questions I have brought up in this letter.
Sincerely, ====
Summary of February "Congressional Hearing on Eco-Terror"
Craig Rosebraugh appeared at the hearing and was asked dozens of questions . He took the fifth amendment to all but two. He answered affirmatively when asked if he had submitted written testimony and if he is a citizen of the United States Eventually the committee realized it was a waste of time to ask Rosebraugh more questions . After he was berated a few more times, it was decided that the questions would be submitted to him in writing and then if he refuses to answer or takes the fifth amendment , Charmin McInnis made it clear he intends to charge him with contempt of Congress. Many of the question s were about his beliefs such as "do you think that science provides anything positive to society? Many were quite silly such as , Have you ever given an interview regarding the ELF? Rosebraugh was asked if the ELF is a non-profit. Many supporters showed up to witness the hearing but almost none were allowed into what was supposed to be public . Some waited in line for hours only to be excluded while others handpicked from the back of the line were allowed in. Independent media was not allowed to film the hearing.
Some Highlights From The Hearing:
*Nethercutt , Hooley and Walden tried to recruit cosponsors for their bills, Nethercutt1s Agroterrorism Prevention Act, HR2795, which would mandate the death penalty for certain "ecoterrorism" crimes, and Hooley1s Environmental Terrorism Reduction Act, HR2583.
*Representative Nick Rahall D-WV stated that timber theft is terrorism. ~A member of the committee stated that the ELF scares the American people out of their forests and their right to use them.
*Constant references to and quotes from Martin Luther King Jr. interspersed with lecturing about how the only right way to do things is the legal way, through the system. I guess they don't realize that Martin Luther King Jr. advocated breaking the law.
*Rep. Peterson said that if someone wants to wear a mink coat that is their business and referring to mink, "I don1t know what else you would use them for".
A sampling of questions asked To Craig Rosebraugh At The 2/12/02 'Congressional Subcommittee Hearing On Ecoterrorism'
Chairman Scott McInnis: Are you currently affiliated with the ELF? Did you play any role in the making of the ELF "training film?" Is that your voice on the film? Who paid your attorney fees?\ Are your attorney fees being paid for by the ELF? (Referring to the danger of fires spreading to unintended targets): Did you say "they are always dangerous"? Do the ELF and ELF Press Office have tax status? Are they non-profits? Did the ELF Press Office receive outside donations for costs, legal expenses, etc.? What are sources of money? Has the North American ELF Press Office ever received financial support from animal rights groups? Do you know Michael Conn? Have you ever been arrested for trespassing at the Oregon Regional Primate Research Center? Why was there a card with Michael Conn1s address in your house? Was the ELF/ ALF planning an act against Conn? Are the ELF planning future acts? Do you know Leslie James Pickering? Is Leslie James Pickering the new spokesperson for the ELF? Do you know if he has ever taken part in an ELF/ALF action? On September 7, 2001, the Associated Press quoted you in reference e to this committee, "These people are trying to stop the work of the ELF" Do you have information that can lead to the capture of the ELF? Are you aware that your answer could lead to the incarceration of the ELF? Quoted contempt code then asked, "Do you still wish to take the fifth amendment Reads Martin Luther King quote, "Riots can not win and their participants know that". Do you agree with that statement? "Are you familiar with a group"... Talked about a group that could have chosen to blow something up or to do things another way and ended up passing an anti-trapping initiative in Oregon. Are you going to take the fifth amendment on everything? Did you submit this document? (holds up testimony) (Craig answered that he submitted testimony but does not know if that is it). Read quote from p. 5 of testimony, second to last paragraph, "by any means necessary" and last paragraph, "It's my sincere desire..." Mr. Soler: Statement about right and wrong way to do things, legal/ illegal and stated that environmental extremists have hurt working people. Suggested we move on to "legitimate witnesses" who have the "guts and courage not to hide behind the fifth amendment" Mr. Inslee: Statement about this type of action damaging to those of us working on environmental law, damages cause by forcing them to focus on these acts instead of focusing on legislation. Mr. Simpson: "Nice to have a witness so proud of the work he does he's afraid to talk about it" Mr. Tancredo: Would you take this opportunity to ask these groups to stop what they are doing? Mr. ?: Read from testimony "All power to the people..." Is this a call to revolutionary action? Do you believe arson and violence are reasonable acts in a free society? Quoted Mark Sands who was convicted of eco-arson, "..no environmental or religious excuse for terrorism of any kind" Comment about the irony of taking the fifth amendment, "if one has the courage of ones convictions, shouldn't they have the courage to risk conviction?" Mr. McInnis: Commented referring to fifth amendment issue, "We do intend to take full course on this matter". Mr. Walden Commented that taking the fifth seems uncommitted to the cause, "...run and hide behind the laws of the constitution...there is no commitment there". Are you related to Ken Lay? You say protections for the environment are not provided by the government, what protections are needed? Is there something in that answer that could incriminate you? What evidence do you have that the national forests are decimated? Do you think science provides any thing positive to society? Are you familiar with the communiqu� about the St. Paul arson? Are you familiar with the communiqu�s bearing your name? Have you ever given an interview regarding the ELF? Read last sentence of testimony again. Is that your testimony? You indicated that you submitted the testimony and now you won't answer? Stated "I see no further point in proceeding with this witness at this time" Mr. Nethercutt: "Mr. Rosebraugh, are you a citizen of the United States of America?" Mr. McInnis: Request s that Stuart Sugarman (Rosebraugh's legal counsel) instruct his client about his behavior and that "we will pursue this" Commented that this is the kind of forum to express your opinions, hoped we could have a civil debate. Mr. Nethercutt: "Are you a citizen of the United States of America?" Is the U.S. Constitution the law of the land? Mr. McInnis: Obviously the witness has no intention of cooperating, there will be consequences. Stated that they will submit written questions, if he refuses we will resubmit, then if he refuses we will proceed with contempt of congress. Commented that there are a few people that "you probably know" who were just sentenced, reads quotes expressing regrets and adds, "One of yours has now come across". and expresses hope that Craig will come across, I look forward to the day that you "cross that line" and become constructive and contribute to the environmental cause. Stated that within next 5 days they will submit questions to sort out which fall out of fifth amendment privilege, then he will ask for a vote of contempt of congress. +++++++
Environmental Law Conference in Eugene. The Eugene Police Department , concerned about possible attendance by members of the radical Earth Liberation Front or Animal Liberation Front asked the planners of the confernecee for a list of attendees.. Manton said the request came "soon after" the underground activist groups targeted research facilities at a Midwestern university. "Following that event they came to us asking us to tell them if we were contacted by ELF or ALF." Neither group has contacted conference organizers, Manton said. According to a source who declined to be named, UO administrators were concerned that ALF or ELF participation would give the appearance that the conference and the university condoned their illegal activities. The efforts were an attempt "to create an atmosphere of suppression, censorship, fear. Joe McCarthy would be smiling from his grave -- at these antics." Manton said conference organizers are not complying with the university's request for a list of tablers. "We are not releasing that information, and we would encourage anyone who wants to know the table participants to come to the conference."
Eugene Grand Jury
At least one Eugene activist who had expected to face a grand jury last month is off the hook, according to her attorney, Lauren Regan. A U.S. attorney involved with investigating the arsons at Romania Chevrolet last year told Regan on Feb. 20 -- a day before activist Carla Martinez expected to be forced to testify -- that Martinez wouldn't be needed." He said other more important and pressing items came up," Regan explained. It was not clear at press time whether the two other activists known to have been subpoenaed also were dismissed. No information is known about the status of the other two subpoeneas that existed for the current grand jury.
PRISONER WRITINGS
Statement from Matt Whyte
On January 28, 2002, in San Jose Federal Court, Petey and myself were handed sentences of 24 and 14 months, respectively, for pleading guilty to one count of possession of unregistered firearms -- incendiary devices. Disregarding the persistent attempts of the assistant USAttorney Scott Frewing to label us as having a terrorizing effect on animal abusers (he was careful not to label us as "terrorists" directly),the judge ordered a lesser sentence than we anticipated from this fascist government. With rise in the public's sympathetic support for the US government's crusade against terrorism, and with new legislation such as the Patriot Act legalizing the feds' unwarranted snooping, taping, recording as admissible in court, it should be of no surprise that animal/earth liberators are increasingly being watched in their scope. A rise in repression can only account for the rising level of resistance in effect.
Petey and I were in possession of several incendiary devices when we were stopped by the police in Capitola, CA, and after an illegal search of the car, those items were found. Four days later, the ATF took over the case because of our past criminal records as "animal rights activists" and we were charged with one count of possession and one count of making destructive devices/unregistered firearms. The charges were originally introduced into legislation to criminalize the civilian possession/making of sophisticated military- grade armaments. During the anti-war movement, the statute was broadened in an attempt to break the growing underground resistance, making it a federal crime to have simple, unsophisticated incendiary devices, such as we had.
Throughout our year-long case, our legal strategies were solid and handled as well as it could be. It should be understood that those fighting for wildness and liberation are not going to win over any moral high ground in the federal courts, not unless it involves bombing a small, oil-rich, war-ridden country like Afghanistan, and especially not for attempting to disable a few dairy trucks, as it's said. It's their court and it's their rules and it's our choice we made to play their game and be regretful (for getting caught!) to receive lower sentences. It disturbs me when arrogant fucks, who've never experienced -- directly or not -- the hammer of the feds, jump the gun and talk down within their internet-activist circles the choices of those who have worked to get a lower sentence. It's a waste of breath to try and reason with the federal courts and with this genocidal and oppressive government. I trust a roomful of political reformists as far as I could throw them.
Petey, you take care, buddy, so that our tracks may cross under the rising of the moon.
!! Tierra y Libertad !!
Matt Whyte #99477-111 Taft Correctional Institution PO Box 7001 Taft, CA 93268
Free responds to congressman McInnis's comments
Dear Mr Scott McInnis,
I am writing in response to your recent statements and questions about me.
I do not appreciate your deliberate and malicious misrepresentations of my words to further your political goals. Not only have you taken my words and formed new sentences with them attributing them to me, you have quoted me as saying things that I have never said.
As an elected Representative of the people, I believe it is your legal and moral duty to be truthful when carrying out the political and legal activities of your office. However I do appreciate your concern about me " [wasting] away in prison for the next two plus decades." You will be pleased to know that is not the case. I have stayed quite active in my college studies working towards my BA. Also, I have had a unique opportunity to discuss my situation with media from around the globe who have shown a surprising interest in my sentence.
You must realize Scott, that two years ago I was just a young man frustrated by the increasingly severe destruction of the environment. I burned some tires on some trucks as a result of that frustration. Perhaps my actions were misguided. Perhaps they can be rationalized as the lesser of two evils. It is all perspective.
Had I been given a reasonable sentence I would have been forgotten by the public. I would have been one news story.I would have served my sentence and finished my BA. I would have been released, reunited with my family and enjoyed the rest of my life. Yes, I would have continued to be active in efforts to protect the environment, but I would have avoided activities that would lead me back to prison.
By giving me a sentence of 22 years, viewed by a majority of people as overly harsh and extreme, the system has put me in the spot light, giving me international attention. I have been made to be an example. However, that has only served to make me a political prisoner and for some perhaps even a martyr.
This is not a role I chose to fill. It was forced upon me.
It is oppression that creates revolutionaries Scott, and it is injustice that ignites revolutions.
In defense of Mother Earth Sincerely, Jeff Luers
Greetings All,
I'd like to respond to Critter's-my co-defendant-critiques of my statement at sentencing. He's right. I was attempting to get across to the court and all those listening that sabotage, my action in particular, are the actions of desperation, actions taken because all else has failed. For me these actions are the lesser of two evils. I wish that they weren't necessary. But they are. We have no choice but to fight. Literally, fight, in the physical sense of the word. There is to much at stake for us to be tame in our struggles.
For years, decades, we have pleaded and petitioned those in power, those responsible for injustice, genocide and ecocide. This pleading has gone unanswered. It is time to use actions that can not be ignored. In defense of life, these actions are justified. "Strike a match, light a fuse. We only have the Earth to lose."
Don't get caught, Free
Info about John Two Names
John Two Names is a Native American anarchist prisoner being held hostage by the state of Alabama. John has been incarcerated for the past 4 1/2 years for crimes that he did not commit. He was (and continues to be) a victim of the conspiracy set forth by the Sheriff�s Department of Cullman County, agents of the ATF and two ambitious politicians. On September 5th, 1996 John was arrested for supposedly burning down two white schools and for committing a string of burglaries. He was charged with two counts arson 2nd degree, four counts of burglary 3rd degree and one count of unlawful breaking and entering. After a highly publicized trial marked with evidence tampering, perjury, testimony from a jailhouse snitch, John was convicted on all charges and sentenced to 90 years and ordered to pay five million dollars in restitution. However, many witnesses stepped forward to speak the innocence of this brother, and to refute the testimony of the state's only evidence, their witness. John has been active in prison helping form the Brothers in Tears Warrior Society of Turtle Island, a prison activist group designed to address the needs of Native Inmates, as well as develop an effective strategy to stop the exploitation, forceful incarceration and total dehumanization of Native American people as a whole. John also helped form the Social Consciousness Development Group that works as a collective to make their voice heard among the voiceless. With the help of activists outside, they began to create newsletters, fliers and form letters attacking the unjust practice of the Board of Pardons and Parole.
Andy Reindeau #193786 G-5-12T Staton Corr. Fac. P.O. Box 56 Elmore, AL 36025-0056
European updates
Anti GM Farmer Jailed March 21, 2002
Donnie MacLeod, an organic farmer from Ardesier, near Inverness, Scotland, has been jailed for 21 days for contempt of court. He admitted that he'd been present at the trashing of a GM farm scale trial at Rives Farm, Munlochy in June last year, but refused to point out anyone else who took part in the action. ====
Silvano Released!
March 15 2002 According to Asilo Squat from Turin, the italian anarchist Silvano Pelisero has been released. Silvano has served more than 4 years in prison, charged with eco-sabotages against the High Speed Train project in the Susa Valley. He was arrested along with Soledad Rosas and Edoardo Massari, both died in strange circumstances being imprisoned. Silvano can be contacted at the following emails: [email protected], [email protected]
Neil Bartlett Sentenced to four years for making six bomb-hoax telephone calls to various animal & earth abusers.
Marco Camenish
To the comrades
To authority of repression
On 18th April I'll have served a sentence of 12 years in Italy and I'll be extradited to Switzerland for to be submitted to various trials with accusations that provides life sentences too. I do not recognise any legitimacy to Government and repressive machine, consequently I'll exclude any statements in front of this machine and their representatives, except perhaps spontaneously in public/before a court.
I warn the repressive body not to repeat the extortion of false statements from my family, especially from my elderly mother and from my brother, both not able to be interrogated due to health reasons, through pressures and coercion like it happened after the death of a member of the Swiss Financial Police in 1989, for which I'm charged.
Due to personal reasons like being too old, a prejudicated health and Social responsibilities and needs, it would not be possible and reasonable for me and that long before, to take up arms and underground life again, in the antiauthoritarian struggle. But I continue to revenge the necessity of a radical antiauthoritarian struggle against rule and exploitation always more aggressive and destructive (now by technological capitalism and his total war against individual, societies, cultures and environments of the Earth community) and for ANOTHER NECESSARY WORLD, necessarily based on solidarity and antiauthoritarian and fair relationship among all individuals and communities of the things, the non-human and human lives, that from the terrestrial community.
Marco Camenisch viale dei tigli 14 13900 Biella Italy"
The main languages he can read/write in are French, German, Spanish & Italian, however he can also receive letters in English but does not feel confident to keep up a long conversation in English
Resources for Prisoners
Books to Prisoner Projects
Prisoner Literature Project Project c/o Bound Together Books 1369 Haight Street San Francisco, CA 94117
Women's Prisoner Book c/o Arise Bookstore 2441 Lyndale Avenue S Minneapolis, MN 55405
Books to Prisoners c/o Left Bank Books 92 Pike Street Seattle, WA 98101
Books through Bars 4722 Baltimore Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19143
Books to Prisoners P.O. Box 78005 2606 Commercial Dr Vancouver, BC V5N 5W1
Books through Bars c/o Bluestockings Books 172 Allen Street NY, NY 10002
Prisoner Legal News, 2400 NW 80th Street, #148 Seattle, WA 98117 $18 for prisoner subscriptions. monthly
PRISONER SUPPORT GROUPS/USEFUL CONTACTS
Santa Cruz 2 Defense Fund, POB 583, Eugene, OR 97440. [email protected]
Connor Cash Support Committee [email protected]
Information on Jeff "Free" Luers and Craig "Critter" Marshall can be obtained from http://www.spiritoffreedom.org.uk http://www.breakthechains.net http://www.freefree.now.xs2.net POB 50263, Eugene, OR 97405
Leonard Peltier Defense Committee, POB 583, Lawrence KS 66044 913- 842-774. [email protected] http://www.freepeltier.org
Friends of MOVE POB 19709 Philadelphia, PA 19143 610-499-0979 [email protected] http://www.moveorg.net
International Concerned Family and Friends of Mumia 4601 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA (215) 476-8812 http:// www.mumia.org
Anarchist Prisoner Legal Aid Network (APLAN). Principled support for prisoners and an informative newsletter, We Never Sleep. 818 SW 3rd Avenue, PMB 354, Portland, OR 97204. [email protected]
North American Animal Liberation Front Support Group NA-ALFSG) POB 69597, 5845 Yonge St, Willowdale, Ontario, Canada M2M 4K3 [email protected] back after a hiatus with a new issue of the Underground and a new email.
Northwest Political Prisoner Network-puts out the monthly Break the Chains newsletter. POB 11331, Eugene, OR 97440.
Onward anarchist newspaper -excellent prisoner support. PO Box 2671 Gainesville Fl 32602-2671 [email protected] http:// www.onwardnewspaper.org
Anarchist Black Cross Network. P.O. Box 667233 Houston, TX 77266- 7233 (713) 595-2103, ext. 7585 [email protected] http:// www.anarchistblackcross.org
Prison Activist Resource Center (PARC) PO Box 339,Berkeley CA 94701. This group has the most consistently updated list of political prisoners available online at http://www.prisonactivist.org/pps%2Bpows/index.shtml
Western Prison Project , POB. 40085, Portland, OR, 97240
Midnight Special Law Collective, 1837 8th Avenue, Oakland, CA 94606
Pollitical Prisoners of War Coaltion, POB 554, Linclon, MI 01773
UK Earth Liberation Prisoners Support Network c/o CRC,16 Sholebrooke Avenue, Chapelton, Leeds, LS7 3HB [email protected] http:// www.spiritoffreedom.org.uk
UK Earth Liberation Prisoners Support Network-BM Box 2407, London, WC1N 3XX. [email protected]
Anarchist Black Cross Network Groups
New York City ABC,POB 20449,Tompkins SQ Station, NY, NY 10009
Houston ABC,POB 667614 ,Houston TX 77266.
Austin ABC, POB 19733 Austin, TX 78760-9733.
Philly ABC 4722 Baltimore Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19143
Claustrophobia ABC, P.O. Box 1721, Baltimore MD, 21203
South Chicago ABC, POB 721 Homewood, IL 60430
Dallas/Ft. Worth ABC P.O. Box 202846 Arlington, TX 76006
Anarchist Black Cross Federation (ABCF)
Lancaster ABCF Box 891, Lancaster, PA 17608
Los Angeles ABCF, PO BOX 3671,Anaheim, Ca 92803-3671
Oppositional resources
Website of the Center for the Defense of Free Enterprise http://www.cdfe.org/hearing.htm
Prisoner Address Listings
Eco-defense
Jeffrey Luers, #13797671, OSP , 2605 State St. Salem, OR 97310. Serving 22.5 years for the torching of three trucks at Romania Chevrolets in Eugene, Oregon. He was also framed for the attempted arson of Tyree Oil in Eugene Oregon. His case is in appeal.
Craig Marshall, #13797662, SRCI, 777 Stanton Blvd, Ontario, OR 97914 Serving 5 years 5 months for conspiracy to commit arson and possession of incendiary devices, having used the devices to destroy SUV's to raise attention to the environmentally destructive nature of these vehicles.
Helen Woodson, 03231-045 FMC Carswell, POB 27137, Fort Worth, TX 76127. Serving a total of 27 years for three separate actions.
1)She robbed a federal reserve bank of $26,000 before setting fire to the money whilst distributing a statement denouncing the materialism and obsession with wealth and power that caused environmental destruction.
2)She mailed warning letters with .38 caliber bullets affixed to various Government and corporate officials. These letters stated that their actions were like bullets fired into the heart of creation.
3) Using a jackhammer, she carried out a Ploughshares direct disarmament against a Minuteman II missile silo
Ted Kaczynski (04475-046), US Pen - Admin Max Facility, PO Box 8500, Florence Colorado 81226,. Is serving multiple life sentences for the 'Unabomber' bombings, which were carried out against symbols of technology.
Robert Thaxton #12112716, OSP, 2605 State St, Salem, OR 97310. Serving a seven year sentence for Assault and riot stemming from his involvement in the 1999 International Day of Action against Capitalism-Reclaim the Streets action in Eugene, Oregon. Rob has �security threat� status for his identification as anarchist/
INDIGENOUS
Leonard Peltier #89637-132, PO Box 1000, Leavenworth, KS 66048, . An American Indian Movement activist, serving life after being framed for the murder of 2 FBI agents and an escape from prison
Eric Wildcat Hall, #BL-5355, Unit I/A 10745 Route 18, Albion, PA 16475-0002, Serving 35-75 years for helping ship arms to Central American indigenous activists.
John Two Names, Andy Reindeau, #193786 G-5-12T, Stanton Corr. Facility. P.O. Box 56 Elmore, AL 36025-0056. Convicted of supposedly burning down two white schools and for committing a string of burglaries.
MOVE
MOVE is an eco-revolutionary group. There are currently eight MOVE activists in prison each serving 100 years after been framed for the murder of a cop in 1979. 9th defendant, Merle Africa, died in prison in 1998.
Debbie Simms Africa (006307), Janet Holloway Africa (006308) and Janine Philips Africa (006309) all at: SCI Cambridge Springs, 451 Fullerton Ave, Cambridge Springs, PA 16403-1238
Michael Davis Africa (AM4973) and Charles Simms Africa (AM4975) both at SCI Grateford, PO Box 244, Grateford, PA 19426-0244.
Edward Goodman Africa (AM4974), SCI Camp Hill, PA 17011-0200.
William Philips Africa (AM4984) and Delbert Orr Africa (AM4985) both at SCI Dallas Drawer K, Dallas, PA 18612,
ANIMAL LIBERATION
Andy Stepanian NCC 0200 1777, C/O Nassau County Correction, 100 Carman Avenue, East Meadow, NY 11554-1160. Serving 6 months for resisting arrest, shouting at a cop during a demo and for probabtion violations.
Peter Schnell, Reg. # 99476111, FCI Otisville, PO Box 1000, Otisville, NY 10963 Serving 24 months for possession of incendiary devices that were going to be used to torch dairy trucks.
Matt Whyte, #99477-111, Taft Correctional Institution, P.O. Box 7001, Taft, CA 93268. Serving 14 months for possession of incendiary devices that were going to be used to torch dairy trucks.
International Prisoners
Marco Camenish, Viale dei Tigli, 14 13900, Biella, Italy. See writings by Marco on page
I�aki Garcia Koch, Carcel de Pamplona, C/San Roque. Apdo. 250, 31080 - Iru�ez - Pamplona, Navarra (Espa�a), Spain. Serving just under 5 years for sabotaging the contorversial Itoiz dam construction site.
Neil Bartlett, FW7083, HMP Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 1EA, England. Serving 4 years for making six bomb-hoax telephone calls made to various corpoartions. His targets included customers of Huntingdon Life Sciences, a Council which shoots pigeons and Exxon Mobile because of its support for George W Bush and its oil exploration in the Artic circle.
Dave Blenkinsop EM7899, HMP Bullingdon, Oxfordshire OX6 0PZ England. Serving 3 years for attacking the managing director of HLS, 18 months for rescuing 600 guinea pigs from a lab supplier and is facing further charges relating to animal liberation activity.
Mel Broughton DJ8216, HMP The Mount, Bovingdon, HP3 0NZ, England. Serving 4 years for conspiracy to cause explosions.
Natasha Dellamaigne TE1952, HMP Highpoint, Stradishall, Newmarket, CB8 9YG, England. Serving 12 months for helping to organize the campaign against Huntingdon Life Sciences in England. Nat is due out in early May.
Rae Newlands GN6613, HMP Holloway, London, N7 0NU, England. On remand on various charges including bomb hoaxes, arson, criminal damage, Harassment and conspiracy. All the charges relate to alleged anti- HLS and anti-bloodsports activities.
Geert Waegemans, Begijnestraat 42 2000 Antwerp, Belgium. Serving 4 years for an attempted arson. Awaiting sentencing for 4 more arsons.
LATE BREAKING NEWS
John Two Names granted an injunction
Andy "John Two Names" Riendeau, a Native American political prisoner in Alabama, was able to obtain a preliminary injunction against the Department of Corrections (DOC) preventing them from destroying and moving the ceremonial grounds at the Staton Prison where John Two Names is incarcerated. The DOC was planning on destroying the grounds on March 20th, unless the Native prisoners at Staton moved them to the spot the DOC designated. The ceremonial grounds were consecrated at the Staton facility by a recognized medicine person in 1988. numerous Native Americans have practiced their religion on the grounds for years. "Moving these grounds would be by definition to desecrate and destroy them. .A ceremonial grounds cannot be rebuilt or rededicated elsewhere without compromising, harming, and burdening the religions significance of our ceremonial life. Ceremonial life would not be as rich and robust as that currently practiced on our ceremonial grounds." writes John Two Names in his affadavit for the preliminary injunction hearing.
John Two Names was recently moved to a new bunk within Staton You can write him at #193786, (C-2-14 top), Staton Correctional Facility, P O Box 56, Elmore, Alabama, 36025-0056.He is also in need of funds for a lawyer. Donations can be made out to Anita C. Riendeau. Mail to J2N Freedom Collective, c/o Anita C. Riendeau, PO Box 310955, Birmingham, Alabama, 35231 U$A [email protected]