Two Americans charged with anti-HLS actions - SUPPORTNEEDED

Urgent ELP! Bulletin (20th September 2007)

Dear friends

Two activists from Philadelphia have been charged with acts of
sabotage against HLS (Huntingdon Life Sciences) targets in New
Jersey. One of the two activists, Nick Cooney, faces a mandatory
minimum of 3 years if convicted. Funds are needed to provide
competent legal defense. Please do what you can to help these
dedicated activists avoid prison.

A full statement from Nick is below.

PayPal all donations to:
usababylon at hotmail dot com

or mail to:
720 North 38th Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104

********

From Nick:

Hi,

In July of 2005 my friend Janice and I were arrested and charged with a
variety of charges in connections with two vandalisms in New Jersey. The
alleged actions were in relation to the HLS campaign. For reasons
unknown to us, the case has sat for about two years but now is
proceeding forward. Janice and I were indicted last week (meaning, a
grand jury in NJ [not the scary kind of grand jury] found there to be
enough evidence that we should be put on trial), so there will be
upcoming appearance dates and court dates relatively soon. If this goes
to trial and I'm found guilty of the main charge (3rd degree criminal
mischief), there's a 3 year mandatory minimum for me because of my prior
convictions (6 1/2 year max for all charges, for both of us).Janice's
situation isn't quite as bad in that there's no mandatory minimum, but
both of us are facing jail time and desperately need money for our
attorneys ASAP. We need to raise about $3,500 each for the case, and
very quickly. After being released on bail back in 2005, we never set up
any support websites or put out calls for assistance since the SHAC-7
trial was going on and support was much needed there; and, because our
case was for some reason not going forward. Now, we really are in need
of help from the animal rights community to help us fight these charges
with competent counsel.

If anyone can help out in any way - organizing fundraisers, donating
yourself, or letting any well-off animal rights supporters know, it
would be very much appreciated.


Thanks,
> Nick