Defendants Decry Gov’t Attempt to Label Crimes “Terrorism”

For Immediate Release: May 10, 2007

Contacts:

Lauren Regan, Civil Liberties Defense Center, Eugene, OR, 541-687-9180

Alejandro Queral, NW Constitutional Rights Center, Portland, OR, 503-295-6400, 202-491-6204

Civil liberties groups argue provision does not apply to nonviolent actions

Eugene, OR -- On May 15 defense attorneys representing environmental activists accused of arson and property destruction will argue to U.S. District Judge Ann Aiken that the “terrorism enhancement” provision of the federal sentencing guidelines – which would add an extra 20 years of prison time to each defendant’s sentence – should not be applied to their clients.

A press conference will be held outside the courthouse at noon. Speakers will include defense attorneys for Daniel McGowan, along with representatives from the Civil Liberties Defense Center and the Northwest Constitutional Rights Center. The two organizations have opposed the prosecutors’ attempt to label the actions by the defendants as acts of “terrorism,” because their acts did not cause, nor were intended to cause, any harm to human or animal life. “When everyone is a terrorist, no one is.”

WHAT: Federal Terrorism Enhancement Hearings for all Oregon Green Scare defendants

WHEN: Tuesday, May 15, 2007 – 10 am

WHERE: New Eugene Federal Building (405 East 8th Ave.), Judge Aiken’s courtroom (spillover seating will be available)

Copies of a press packet with current related articles, background information, historical examples of sabotage in the U.S., and a history of F.B.I. repression of political activism will be available at the event.