Eric McDavid Begins His Next Journey

From:    sacprisonersupport@riseup.net
Date:    Fri, May 30, 2008

Dear Friends,

Yesterday Eric was moved from the Sacramento County Main Jail by the US
Marshals.  This is the beginning of what could be a long journey.  We
still have no idea where Eric is headed, or how long it will take him to
get there.  As far as we know, he is currently at the county jail in
Fresno, CA.  We will keep everyone updated as we get more information.

If you recently sent Eric a letter it may get returned.  Please hold onto
it and send it to him once he reaches his final destination.  Your love
and support will be much needed and welcomed at that time.

Yours,
SPS

More Italian 'Il Silvstre' Raids & Other News

Urgent ELP! Bulletin (30th May 2008)

Dear friends

ELP has three lots of news for you today:

1) Raids in Italy - New Il Silvestre prisoner
2) Sean Kirtley Sentenced to four and a half years imprisonment
3) Rod's mail is too radical


1) On the 29th of May 2008 the Italian police raided a number of houses whose occupants are connected to the eco-anarchist group Il Silvestre (most ELP supporters will be aware the police are constantly harrassing and bringing false prosecutions against the group Il Silvestre). The charge against those raided this time is "subversive conspiracy". It is alleged that Il Silvestre activists robbed a post office to help fund their alleged direct action activities and publish their literature.

One of the people raided yesterday is vegan activist Paola Gori who is linked to the Italian prisoner support group Senza Gabbie. As a result of these latest raids Paola has been remanded into custody.

Paola is known to ELP as a dedicated prisoner support activist and we encourage everyone to support her.

Please send urgent letters of support to:

Paola Gori
Via delle Macchie 9
57124 Livorno
Italy

Paola can read English as well as Italian, so please send her a letter of support today.

2) Today, British vegan animal rights activist, Sean Kirtly, was sentenced to four and a half years imprisonment for running a website which encouraged LAWFUL protest against the vivisection company Sequani Ltd.

Please send urgent letters of support to:

Sean Kirtley WC6977
HMP Birmingham Prison
Winson Green Road
Birmingham
B18 4AS
England

For more info on Sean check out the following websites

http://supportsean.wordpress.com
http://www.myspace.com/supportsean


For more info on the campaign against Sequani visit

http://www.sequani.wordpress.com


3) American vegetarian animal/earth lib prisoner, Rod Coronado, has been told that some of his mail is "too radical" and consequently it is not being passed onto Rod.

It is not yet clear what mail is and isn't getting through to Rod, but for the time being his support campaign are asking "Please no materials regarding ALF, ELF, animal liberation, um…. what else, radical anything. Until further notification, I would suggest these guidelines be followed".

Unradical letters of support should be sent to:

Rodney Coronado #03895-000
FCI El Reno
Federal Correctional Institution
P.O. BOX 1500
El Reno, OK 73036
USA

++++++++

Earth Liberation Prisoners Support Network
BM Box 2407
London
WC1N 3XX
England
www.spiritoffreedom.org.uk

Austrian Update and Global Day of Action

ELP Information Bulletin (29th of May 2008)

Dear friends

The news from Austria is getting worse. Five of the people wrongly arrested are now on hungerstrike. ELP has just received the following update......


Support the imprisoned animal right activists in Austria

14 persons charged, 10 arrested, 5 in hunger strike

On May 21st special forces of the Austrian police forced entry to 23 homes of animal right activists across Austria. 14 persons were charged with suspected forming of a criminal organisation (§278a of the Austrian penal code) in connection with direct animal right actions. Ten persons were arrested and are in prison as suspects. At first nine were sent to the Vienna Neustadt prison and one to Innsbruck who has been brought to Vienna Neustadt on 28.05. Five prisoners are in hungerstrike at the moment, at least one since the 21.05. (date today: 29.05.). The organisation die tierbefreier e.V. is also affected by this wave of repression.

The way searching was done is indescribable. The homes and apartments were entered with pulled weapons; doors were smashed, despite tenants inside, sleeping. A complete chaos was left, PCs, files and other papers confiscated. No evidence of any criminal offence could be proved against the 14 persons; they were arrested purely on suspicion. Apparently only being engaged in animal right activities for some years was enough reason to arrest them.

Since the files handed to the lawyers could not prove any criminal offence, application for immediate release was filed. Imposing remand under these circumstances is absolutely against human rights.

Vegan diet

The vegan diet of the prisoners in Vienna Neustadt was totally insufficient at first. To provide vegan prisoners with animal exploitation products is not only a deep insult; it is far from their liability to take proper care. After intervention it has since improved. However on 28.05. four prisoners were brought to the prison in Wien Josefstadt and two were brought to Eisenstadt. It is not clear yet how the vegan catering is handled there.

Send mails and letters concerning the vegan issue to the prisons in Wiener Neustadt, Wien Josefstadt and Eisenstadt. Anyone living vegan for deep moral and ethical reasons has the right to receive vegan products!!

Addresses:
Justizanstalt Wiener Neustadt
Maximiliangasse 3
2700 Wiener Neustadt
Austria

Justizanstalt Wien Josefstadt
Wickenburggasse 18 - 22
1080 Wien
Austria

Justizanstalt Eisenstadt
Wienerstraße 9
7001 Eisenstadt
Austria

Support demos

We can and will not accept this suspected unlawful and unreasonable way, the searchings and the arrests were handled. Arrange support demos in front of Austrian consulates and embassies.
Just as important: Engage in animal rights activities! Some of the persons arrested have been engaged in animal rights for years, this fully aware. It is not only important to protest against the repression and the arrests, also protest against the daily exploitation und misuse of animals.

Mail

Write letters to morally support them. Letters help!

Do not write anything that could be used against them sooner or later. Please address letters as follows:

First name, Name
Date of birth:
Address of prison
Anyone not knowing above details, like date of birth, send the letters to:
Antirep 2008
Postfach 101
A - 1070 Wien.

And only mention the name or first name, the letters will then be readdressed. Without a name the letter will be copied and will be sent to all prisoners if that is possible.

Legal aid

Tremendous costs will arise for lawyers. Any penny you can spare is welcome. A special account was set up in Austria for this cause, transparency guaranteed.

Account Austria:
Holder: Grünalternative Jugend Wien
Acc.No: 01920013682
Bank-Code: 14000
Bank: BAWAG
Use: Antirep 2008
IBAN: AT551400001920013682
Bic: BAWAATWW

More info:
Backgroundinfos, up-to-date news and demo dates, see: www.antirep2008.tk or www.tierbefreier.de/soli-oesterreich


Also ELP has been told that there will be a Global Day of Action in support of those arrested. Below is the information ELP has been sent regarding this Day of Action.


>
> 4th of june: Global solidarity action day!
>
> The wave of repression which took place last week in Austria was a shock
> for everybody. Anger, fear and consternation is what most of us might
> feel.
> The arbitrary behaviour of the austrian police, the criminalization of
> people dedicated to animal liberation and the imprisonment of them screams
> out for
> action! We must show the responsible people and those connected with them
> our solidary resistance. What happened in Austria is not only a problem of
> austrian people and also not only of animal liberation activists! It is an
> alarming strike against inconvenient opponents, which last week affected
> austrian animal rights activists and could affect any left person in any
> country soon!
>
> Our response has to be a global solidarity throughout the left! That is
> why we call out for a global day of action on june 4th, dedicated to the
> austrian
> prisoners. Do anything to show your support and solidarity. Send e-mails
> to austrian embassies, phone the embassies and tell them how you feel
> about the
> repression wave in austria, do demos in front of the embassies, organize
> events to collect money for the legal support of the activists... support
> the anti
> fur campaign against "Kleider Bauer", which seems to be the main reason
> for the disproportional state repression and which must carry on!
>
> Please use your energy and creativity on the 4th of june to show your
> solidarity with the austrian animal liberation prisoners!
>
> We can give you the following information:
>
> - a sample letter which you can e-mail (in german and english)
> - a homepage of austrian embassies and consulats
> - a list of e-mail addresses
> - a list of phone and fax numbers
>
>
> Sample letter in german and english:
>
> Sehr geehrte Herr/Frau xy,
>
> am 21.05.2008 wurden in Österreich zahlreiche Hausdurchsuchungen bei
> Tierschutz- und Tierrechtsaktivist_innen durchgeführt sowie
> Räumlichkeiten von Tierschutzorganisationen durchsucht. Des Weiteren
> wurden 10 Aktivist_innen verhaftet und befinden sich nun auf Grund des
> Vorwurfs der Bildung einer kriminellen Vereinigung in Untersuchungshaft.
> Es ist meiner Meinung nach an Absurdität kaum zu überbieten, dass
> bewaffnete Spezialeinheiten der österreichischen Polizei einen
> derartigen Rundumschlag gegen eine soziale Bewegung durchführen. Dieser
> Willkürakt ist demokratiepolitisch gesehen ein Armutszeugnis.
>
> Ich schreibe Ihnen, um meine entschiedene Ablehnung gegenüber den gegen
> Tierrechtler_innen ausgeführten Hausdurchsuchungen und Inhaftierungen
> zum Ausdruck zu bringen! Ich fordere Sie, stellvertretend für die
> Regierung Österreichs, auf, die betroffenen Aktivist_innen unverzüglich
> frei zu lassen. Ich verstehe die Durchsuchungs- und Verhaftungswelle als
> Versuch, legitimen Protest zu illegalisieren und spreche mich vehement
> gegen diese Repression aus!
>
> Die Konstruktion des §287a über die mutmaßliche Bildung einer
> kriminellen Vereinigung lehne ich ab und verurteile die Versuche, die
> österreichische Tierrechtsbewegung durch derartige Gewaltaktionen zu
> schwächen, entschieden. Die Befreiung der Tiere aus ihrem Zustand
> gesellschaftlich vermittelter Ausbeutung und Unterdrückung ist weder
> „kriminell“ noch in irgendeiner anderen Form abzulehnen, sondern
> notwendige Bedingung einer freien Gesellschaft. Der Kampf unserer
> Genoss_innen ist ein Kampf, der die tierlichen Opfer vor weiterer Gewalt
> und Ausbeutung bewahren soll. Es ist mir unverständlich, warum der
> österreichische Staat diese Menschen bekämpft, anstatt mit daran zu
> arbeiten, die Ausbeutung der Tiere zu beenden!
>
> Aus diesem Grund fordere ich:
>
> Sofortige Freilassung der Betroffenen österreichischen Tierrechtler_innen!
> Sofortige Einstellung aller eventueller Verfahren!
>
>
>
>
> Dear Mr./Mrs. Xy
>
> On the 21st of May there have been a lot of raids against animal rights
> and animal welfare activists and groups. Furthermore, 10 activists have
> been arrested and are now blamed to be part of a criminal organization.
> In my opinion, it is more than absurd, that armed special forces of the
> Austrian police carried our such a big strike against a social movement.
> This act of arbitrariness
> is an evidence of incapacity for a democratic society.
>
> I`m writing you to express that i´m totally opposed to the raids and
> arrests of the animal rights activists. I demand of you - in place of
> the Austrian government – to release the animal rights activists
> immediately. I understand this amount of raids and arrests as an attempt
> to criminalize legitimate protest and I condemn this repression in every
> way.
>
> I reject the construct of §287a concerning the suspected formation of a
> criminal organisation and condemn the attempt to weaken the Austrian
> animal rights movement with such acts of violence. The liberation of
> animals from their state of socially institutionalized exploitation and
> oppression is neither „criminal“ nor to reject in any other way but a
> necessary condition for a free society. The fight of our comrades is a
> fight to safe the animal victims from further violence and oppression. I
> don`t understand why the Austrian state fights against those human
> beings instead of working for the abolition of animal exploitation .
>
> Therefore I demand:
>
> Immediate release of the Austrain animal rights activists!
> Immediate dismissal of all prosecutions!
>
>
> Find austrian embassies / consulats here:
>
> www.bmeia.gv.at/en/foreign-ministry/service/austrian-representations-in-german.html
>
>
>
>
> E-Mail addresses:
>
> post@bmi.gv.at, berlin-ob@bmeia.gv.at, Oesterr.konsulat@thb-bremen.de,
> oesterreich@konsulat-dresden.de, hamburg-gk@bmeia.gv.at, konsulat@vhv.de,
> austriahoko-kiel@t-online.de, muenchen-gk@bmeia.gv.at,
> info@oesterr-honorarkonsulat-nuernberg.com,
> oesterreich@konsulat-rostock.de, konsulat@raethiery.de,
> info@oesterreichisches-konsulat.de, dominique.kraft@helvetia.ch,
> bern-ob@bmeia.gv.at, wunderlich_law@bluewin.ch, genf-ov@bmeia.gv.at,
> austria@generalkonsulat-genf.org, oe.konsulat.vd@bluewin.ch,
> n.lucchini@fiduciarialucchini.com, Konsulat-at@bluewin.ch,
> info@oe-konsulat-sg.ch, zuerich-gk@bmeia.gv.at
>
> bordeaux@borie-manoux.fr, consulat-autriche-lille@bvp.fr,
> consulat.a.lyon@wanadoo.fr, consulatautriche@renardassocies.com,
> consulat.autriche@wanadoo.fr, paris-ob@bmeia.gv.at, paris-kf@bmeia.gv.at,
> dl.austria@unesco.org, strassburg-gk@bmeia.gv.at,
> strassburg-ov@bmeia.gv.at, toulouse-hk@wanadoo.fr,
> helsinki-ob@bmeia.gv.at, roger.talermo@amersports.com, toimisto@raiha.fi,
> miettiset@koti.luukku.com, ilkka.lantto@antell.fi, erkki.solja@kiilto.com,
> tiina.niemi@kiilto.com, heikki.sippolainen@simsport.com,
> marjatta.vehkaoja@netikka.fi
>
> dirk.boelens@sd.be, bruessel-ob@bmeia.gv.at, bruessel-ov@bmeia.gv.at,
> pol.abt.bruessel-ov@bmeia.gv.at, besucherdienst.bruessel-ov@bmeia.gv.at,
> presse.bruessel-ov@bmeia.gv.at, verwaltung.bruessel-ov@bmeia.gv.at,
> psk.bruessel-ov@bmeia.gv.at, bka.bruessel-ov@bmeia.gv.at,
> bmf.bruessel-ov@bmeia.gv.at, bmgfj.bruessel-ov@bmeia.gv.at,
> bmi.bruessel-ov@bmeia.gv.at, bmj.bruessel-ov@bmeia.gv.at,
> bmlfuw.bruessel-ov@bmeia.gv.at, bmsk.bruessel-ov@bmeia.gv.at,
> bmukk.bruessel-ov@bmeia.gv.at, bmvit.bruessel-ov@bmeia.gv.at,
> bmwa.bruessel-ov@bmeia.gv.at, bmwf.bruessel-ov@bmeia.gv.at,
> post@bruessel.vst.gv.at, stb-bxl@skynet.be, oegemeindebund@skynet.be,
> sabine.meyer@oenb.co.at, eu@eu.austria.be, office@akeu.at, brux@lk-oe.be,
> europabuero@oegb-eu.at, psk.bruessel-ov@bmeia.gv.at, fcbx@eupen.com,
> jean-paul.macharis@vpk.be, j.thomas@metalinject.com,
> philippe.delaunois@verslavenir.be
>
> tallinn-ob@bmeia.gv.at, aneum@talk21.com,
> austrianconsulate@focusscotland.co.uk, richter@candw.ky,
> london-ob@bmeia.gv.at, consulate.london-ob@bmeia.gv.at,
> london-kf@bmeia.gv.at, dublin-ob@bmeia.gv.at, marzio.musolino@emmeemme.it,
> consolatoaustria.bo@libero.it, cons.austria@albinipitigliani.it,
> consolatoaustria.ge@libero.it, mailand-gk@bmeia.gv.at,
> mailand-kf@bmeia.gv.at, consaustriana@virgilio.it,
> consolatoaustria.pa@hotmail.it, rom-ob@bmeia.gv.at, bmlv.vait@austria.it,
> rom-ka@bmeia.gv.at, rom-kf@bmeia.gv.at, cons.austria.ts@alice.it,
> cons.austria.to@gmail.com, consolato.austria@zoppas.com,
> puntigam@puntigam.it
>
> mail@oehgk.nl, den-haag-ob@bmeia.gv.at,
> hans.vanmoorsel@simmons-simmons.com, anders.alm@online.no,
> gerhard.runshaug@dnah-group.net, erikhodne@hotmail.com,
> oslo-ob@bmeia.gv.at, bjorn.conradi@if.no, conra@online.no,
> harald.overvaag@adm.uit.no, egil.tegnander@intra-group.com,
> konsulataustrii.wroclaw@onet.eu, konsulat@prokom.pl,
> krakau-gk@bmeia.gv.at, rektor@wsmib.edu.pl, warschau-ob@bmeia.gv.at,
> warschau-kf@bmeia.gv.at, moskau-ob@bmeia.gv.at, moskau-ka@bmeia.gv.at,
> moskau-ob@bmeia.gv.at, administration@austria-generalkonsulat.spb.ru,
> franziska-vikgren@tcg.nu, lindstrom.lulea@telia.com,
> william.marschall@svedala.mail.telia.com, stockholm-ob@bmeia.gv.at,
> sga@telia.com
>
> barcelona@consuladodeaustria.com, cons.austria.bilbao@corzac.com,
> juan@cullenabogados.com, madrid-ob@bmeia.gv.at, madrid-ob@bmeia.gv.at,
> consulado.austria@bufetejaimelamas.com, oksevilla@yahoo.es,
> consuladoaustriaco@hernandez-marti.com, seb@holst-law.com, ptn@abena.dk,
> kopenhagen-ob@bmeia.gv.at, pma@mollex.dk, bb@mollex.dk,
> president@captaincook.com, ferdinands@seefriedproperties.com,
> consul@austria-bos.org, auskonclt@aol.com, chicago-gk@bmeia.gv.at,
> fbohm@nbbj.com, wegherfirm@aol.com, acwegher@aol.com, aschwarzpc@aol.com,
> otmark@earthlink.net, owensappeal@aol.com,
> info@austrianconsulatelasvegas.com, los-angeles-gk@bmeia.gv.at,
> Brama21@aol.com, plorio@dkslaw.com, new-york-gk@bmeia.gv.at,
> info@austria-ny.org, new-york-kf@bmeia.gv.at, desk@acfny.org,
> new-york-ov@bmeia.gv.at, tobyunwin@austriaconsulate.org,
> edgar.braun@andritz.com, austrianconspit@aol.com, crhermann@stoel.com,
> hcatricva@comcast.net
>
> herbk@crowntonka.com, ausconsutah@kolb1.com,
> pfredericks@austrianconsulatesf.org, Dmorrow269@aol.com,
> austrianconsulaz@cox.net, AustrianConsWa@aol.com, dieteru@ungerboeck.com,
> jhhindels@earthlink.net, washington-ob@bmeia.gv.at,
> consularsection@austria.org, washington-id@bmeia.gv.at,
> austroinfo@austria.org, washington-kf@bmeia.gv.at, culture@austria.org,
>
> eaustria@cable.net.co, autriabot.@intelnet.net.gt,
> austria@isb.comsats.net.pk, buenos-aires-ob@bmeia.gv.at,
> consuladosp@austria.org.br, santiago-de-chile-ob@bmeia.gv.at,
> casilla153@hotmail.com, miampaglia@infodema.cl, taipei@austriantrade.org,
> prague@austriantrade.org, kairo-ob@bmeia.gv.at, kairo-kf@bmeia.gv.at,
> helsinki@austriantrade.org, berlin-ob@bmeia.gv.at,
> muenchen-gk@bmeia.gv.at, tokio-ob@bmeia.gv.at, pressburg-kf@bmeia.gv.at,
> pressburg-ob@bmeia.gv.at, holiday@austria.info, urlaub@austria.info,
> urlaub@austria.info, vacances@austria.info, Holiday@austria.info,
> vacanze@austria.info, vakantie@austria.info, informacio@austria.info,
> info@rakousko.com, aoit@austria.info, austria@austria.info,
> stockholm@austria.info, moskau@austria.info, info@austria.info,
> moskau@austria.info, travel@austria.info, tokyo@austria.info,
> info@antosyd.org.au
>
>
>
>
> Phone numbers of some embassies / consulats in some countries:
>
>
> Belgium:
>
> Antwerpen: phone (+32/3) 201 70 60 fax (+32/3) 212 41 00
> Bruxelles: phone (+32/2) 2890-700 fax (+32/2) 513 66 41
> phone (+32/2) 2345-370 fax (+32/2) 2356-370
> phone (+32/2) 2345-351 fax (+32/2) 2356-351
> phone (+32/2) 2345-363 fax (+32/2) 2356-363
> phone (+32/2) 2345-380 fax (+32/2) 2345-308
> Eupen: phone (+32/87) 55 71 81 fax (+32/87) 55 71 04
> Gent: phone (+32/52) 26 19 14 fax (+32/52) 22 00 64
> Lüttich: phone (+32/4) 239 67 50 fax (+32/4) 239 67 51
> Namur: phone (+32/81) 24 88 09 fax (+32/81) 23 16 00
> Ostende: phone (+32/59) 80 70 60 fax (+32/59) 80 90 60
>
>
>
> Denmark:
>
> Aarhus: phone (+45) 72 25 80 00 fax (+45) 72 25 80 01
> Apenrade: phone (+45) 74 62 74 29 fax (+45) 74 62 74 20
> Kopenhagen: phone (+45) 39 29 41 41 fax (+45) 39 29 20 86
> Odense: phone (+45) 66 19 00 66 fax (+45) 66 19 01 71
>
>
>
> Estland:
>
> Tallinn: phone (+372) 627 87 40 fax (+372) 631 43 65
>
>
>
> Finland:
>
> Helsinki: phone (+358/9) 68 18 60-0 fax (+358/9) 66 50 84
> Kajaani: phone (+358/8) 625 945 fax (+358/8) 629 975
> Mikkeli: phone (+358/15) 66 14 86 fax (+358/15) 66 14 86
> Oulu: phone (+358/8) 55 53 419 fax (+358/8) 55 53 450
> Tampere: phone (+358) 207 710 211 fax (+358) 207 710 314
> Turku: phone (+358/2) 232 39 48 fax (+358/2) 275 14 14
> Vaasa: phone (+358/6) 3121 551 fax (+358/6) 3121 551
>
>
>
> France:
>
> Bordeaux: phone (+33/5) 556 00 00 70 fax (+33/5) 557 87 60 30
> Lille: phone (+33) 320 22 75 00 fax (+33) 320 93 16 70
> Lyon: phone (+33) 630 93 92 74 fax (+33) 630 93 92 74
> Marseille: phone (+33) 491 53 02 08 fax (+33) 491 53 71 51
> Nice: phone (+33) 493 87 01 31 fax (+33) 493 87 59 92
> Paris: phone (+33/1) 40 63 30 63 fax (+33/1) 45 55 63 65
> phone (+33/1) 40 63 30 69
> Strasbourg: phone (+33) 388 35 13 94
> Toulouse: phone (+33/5) 61 20 82 50 fax (+33/5) 61 16 13 62
>
>
>
> Germany:
>
> Berlin: phone (+49/30) 202 87-0 fax (+49/30) 229 05 69
> Bremen: phone (+49/421) 536 86 79 fax (+49/421) 536 86 78
> Dresden: phone (+49/351) 481 704 0 fax (+49/351) 481 704 1
> Hamburg: phone (+49/40) 41 32 95-0 fax (+49/40) 45 29 07
> Hannover: phone (+49/511) 90 74 870 fax (+49/511) 90 74 812
> Kiel: phone (+49/431) 55 25 05 fax (+49/431) 519 27 36
> Lübeck: phone (+49/451) 31 00 150 fax (+49/451) 31 00 142
> München: phone (+49/89) 99 815-0 fax (+49/89) 98 10 225
> Nürnberg: phone (+49/911) 9747-333 fax (+49/911) 9747-365
> Rostock: phone (+49/381) 64 91 22 fax (+49/381) 64 91 49
> Saarbrücken: phone (+49/681) 9 58 15-0 fax (+49/681) 9 58 15-19
> Stuttgart: phone (+49/711) 62 62 60 fax (+49/711) 62 82 64
>
>
>
> Ireland:
>
> Dublin: phone (+353/1) 269 45 77 fax (+353/1) 283 08 60
>
>
>
> Italy:
>
> Bari: phone (+39) 080 562 61 11 fax (+39) 080 562 66 00
> Bologna: phone (+39) 051 26 87 11 fax (+39) 051 26 87 11
> Florence: phone (+39) 055 26 54 222 fax (+39) 055 29 54 57
> Genova: phone (+39) 010 83 93 983 fax (+39) 010 83 93 983
> Milano: phone (+39) 02 78 37 43 fax (+39) 02 78 36 25
> Napoli: phone (+39) 081 28 77 24 fax (+39) 081 28 77 24
> Palermo: phone (+39) 091 68 25 696 fax (+39) 091 68 23 956
> Rom: phone (+39) 06 844 014-1 fax (+39) 06 854 32 86
> Triest: phone (+39) 040 63 37 12 fax (+39) 040 63 37 12
> Torino: phone (+39) 011 440 78 20 fax (+39) 011 563 41 94
> Venice: phone (+39) 041 52 40 556 fax (+39) 041 52 42 151
> Verona: phone (+39) 045 80 10 292 fax (+39) 045 59 67 29
>
>
>
> Netherlands:
>
> Amsterdam: phone (+31/20) 471 24 38 fax (+31/20) 471 24 39
> Den Haag: phone (+31/70) 324 54 70 fax (+31/70) 328 20 66
> Rotterdam: phone (+31/10) 404 21 11 fax (+31/10) 404 24 85
>
>
>
> Norway:
>
> Bergen: phone (+47) 55 33 61 41 fax (+47) 55 32 66 39
> Kristiansand: phone (+47) 38 00 05 55 fax (+47) 38 00 05 51
> Oslo: phone (+47) 22 54 02-00 fax (+47) 22 55 43 61
> Stavanger: phone (+47) 51 58 52 08
> Tromsö: phone (+47) 77 68 26 63 fax (+47) 77 63 41 50
> Trondheim: phone (+47) 73 98 01 00
>
>
>
> Poland:
>
> Wroclaw: phone (+48/71) 361 75 60 fax (+48/71) 361 75 60
> Gdynia: phone (+48/58) 620 19 93 fax (+48/58) 661 19 12
> Krakau: phone (+48/12) 424 99 30 fax (+48/12) 421 67 37
> Lodz: phone (+48/42) 652 72 12 fax (+48/42) 652 72 12
> Warsaw: phone (+48/22) 841 00 81 fax (+48/22) 841 00 85
>
>
>
> Russia:
>
> Moskau: phone (+7/495) 502 95 12 fax (+7/495) 413398
> St. Petersburg: phone (+7/812) 275 05 02 fax (+7/812) 275 11 70
>
>
>
> Spain:
>
> Barcelona: phone (+34) 93 368 60 03 fax (+34) 93 415 16 25
> Bilbao: phone (+34) 94-46 40 763 fax (+34) 94-46 37 432
> Madrid: phone (+34) 91 55 65 315 fax (+34) 91 59 73 579
> phone (+34) 91 55 65 403
> Malaga: phone (+34) 95 26 00 267 fax (+34) 95 22 29 089
> Mallorca: phone (+34) 971 72 80 99 fax (+34) 971 72 84 27
> Sevilla: phone (+34) 954 98 74 76 fax (+34) 954 98 74 76
> Valencia: phone (+34) 96 35 22 212 fax (+34) 96 35 11 220
>
>
>
> Sweden:
>
> Göteborg: phone (+46/31) 16 10 78 fax (+46/31) 104 505 001
> Lulea: phone (+46/920) 22 51 91
> Malmö: phone (+46/40) 79 945 fax (+46/40) 44 72 79
> Stockholm: phone (+46/8) 665 17 70 fax (+46/8) 662 69 28
> phone (+46/8) 29 09 70
>
>
>
> Switzerland:
>
> Basel: phone (+41/61) 271 35 35 fax (+41/61) 280 29 10
> Bern: phone (+41/31) 3565 252 fax (+41/31) 3515 664
> phone (+41/31) 3565 251
> Chur: phone (+41/81) 25 70 195 fax (+41/81) 25 70 191
> Geneve: phone (+41/22) 748 20-48 fax (+41/22) 748 20-40
> Lausanne: phone (+41/21) 617 28 94 fax (+41/21) 613 10 05
> Lugano: phone (+41/91) 913 40 07 fax (+41/91) 913 40 09
> Luzern: phone (+41/41) 210 41 82 fax (+41/41) 210 62 26
> St. Gallen: phone (+41/71) 230 19 70 fax (+41/71) 230 19 71
> Zürich: phone (+41/44) 283 27 00 fax (+41/44) 280 37 65
>
>
>
> United Kingdom:
>
> Birmingham: phone (+44/121) 45 41 197 fax (+44/121) 45 41 197
> Edinburgh: phone (+44/131) 5581955 fax (+44/131) 5581802
> Grand Cayman: phone (+1345) 949 9333 fax (+1345) 949 0635
> London: phone (+44/20) 7344 3250 fax (+44/20) 7344 0292
>
>
>
> USA:
>
> Anchorage: phone (+1/907) 276 6000-2215 fax (+1/907) 343 2211
> Atlanta: phone (+1/404) 264 98 58 fax (+1/404) 266 38 64
> Boston: phone (+1/617) 227 31 31 fax (+1/617) 227 84 20
> Charlotte: phone (+1/704) 827 72 46 fax (+1/704) 827 72 48
> Chicago: phone (+1/312) 22 21 515 fax (+1/312) 22 24 113
> Columbus: phone (+1/614) 224 54 64 fax (+1/614) 224 66 03
> Denver: phone (+1/303) 292 90 00 fax (+1/303) 292 54 45
> Detroit: phone (+1/248) 645 14 44 fax (+1/248) 645 14 82
> Honolulu: phone (+1/808) 923 85 85 fax (+1/808) 597 12 33
> Houston: phone (+1/713) 723 99 79 fax (+1/713) 728 18 96
> Kansas city: phone (+1/816) 474 30 00 fax (+1/816) 474 55 33
> Las Vegas: phone (+1/702) 314 9615 fax (+1/702) 258 1527
> Los Angeles: phone (+1/310) 44 49 310 fax (+1/310) 47 79 897
> Miami: phone (+1/305) 325 15 61 fax (+1/305) 325 15 63
> New Orleans: phone (+1/504) 58 15 141 fax (+1/504) 56 61 201
> New York: phone (+1/212) 737 6400 fax (+1/212) 772 8926
> Orlando: phone (+1/407) 924 38 77 fax (+1/407) 540 96 46
> Pittsburgh: phone (+1/724) 745 75 99 fax (+1/724) 745 95 70
> Portland: phone (+1/503) 552-9733 fax (+1/503) 220-2480
> Richmond: phone (+1/804) 364 86 14 fax (+1/804) 364 86 15
> San Francisco: phone (+1/415) 765 95 76 fax (+1/415) 727 50 00
> San Juan: phone (+1/787) 767 13 81 fax (+1/787) 767 21 63
> Scottsdale: phone (+1/480) 502 85 10 fax (+1/480) 502 24 97
> Seattle: phone (+1/360) 466 02 52 fax (+1/360) 466 11 01
> St. Louis: phone (+1/636) 688 20 00 fax (+1/636) 688 32 67
> Washington DC: phone (+1/202) 895 67 00 fax (+1/202) 895 67 50
> phone (+1/202) 895 67 20 fax (+1/202) 895 67 73
> phone (+1/202) 895 67 75
>
>

+++++++++++

Earth Liberation Prisoners Support Network
BM Box 2407
London
WC1N 3XX
England
www.spiritoffreedom.org.uk

FROM BLACK POWER TO GREEN SCARE

FROM BLACK POWER TO GREEN SCARE:
The Criminalization of Dissent in the United States

Thursday, June 5, 2008
6:30 p.m.

(More details below)

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Join the Center for Constitutional Rights and the
National Lawyers Guild - San Francisco Chapter
for an engaging and important discussion
exploring the criminalization of dissent both
historically and in today's era of the so-called "war on terror."

The government has a long and sordid history of
criminalizing and targeting oppressed communities
and social justice activists and organizations
that challenge its abuse of power - from the "Red
Scare" of the 1920s, to the internment of
Japanese Americans, to the targeting of the Black
liberation struggle and other movements.

And today, under the guise of "anti-terrorist"
legislation, the government is again attempting
to target and intimidate a wide range of
communities and movements, from former Black
Panthers to environmental and animal rights
groups to Muslim, Arab, and South Asian communities.

On Thursday, June 5, hear from directly impacted
communities as well as attorneys and grassroots
organizers struggling against repression.

Featured speakers:

SHAYANA KADIDAL, Center for Constitutional
Rights, Managing attorney of the Guantànamo Global Justice Initiative.

RICHARD BROWN, Committee for the Defense of Human
Rights and one of the "San Francisco 8," former
Black Panthers facing renewed charges based on torture evidence

MICHEL SHEHADEH, Palestinian activist and one of
the "Los Angeles 8," Palestinian and Kenyan
immigrants targeted for their political activity
who won a historic victory in November 2007 after a 20-year struggle

ANDREA LINDSAY, SHAC 7 Support Committee and an
activist involved in combating the "Green Scare"
against environmental and animal rights activists

LAUREN ORNELAS, Food Empowerment Project and an environmental and animal
rights

Location:
The Women's Building
Audre Lorde Room
3543 18th St., #8
San Francisco, CA 94110

Contact 212-614-6466 with any questions. No RSVPs are required.

Rod Coronado Threatened with the Hole for Receiving Radical Literature

From:    "Support for Rod Coronado" <info@supportrod.org>
I have yet to speak with Rod about this, but he called a friend of ours to
report that he is having some trouble due to materials that were sent to
him.

They will not tell him who sent it, what it is, or any details. The point
is: it is too radical.

Too radical? What does that mean? We are not sure. But, the guards have
made it clear that Rod will be back in the hole if he receives more
radical information.

We don’t want to see Rod be put back in the hole. This has negative
consequences for his receiving mail, books, and phone calls. He will not
be allowed visitors, either.

To abide with the conditions, I urge everyone to be extremely considerate
of what you send him. Please no materials regarding ALF, ELF, animal
liberation, um…. what else, radical anything. Until further notification,
I would suggest these guidelines be followed.

I sent him articles on Bio-dynamic farming, and new organizing tactics in
Holland and here (regarding the Yes! men, and etc….) I may be the culprit,
but I may not be.

Thanks for being careful….. they really are keeping a type rope around his
neck. It’s not fair that he would be targeted for our actions, but we know
that prison is far from designed to be fair!

Thank you,

Chrysta

Info on animal rights arrests in Austria

ELP Information Bulletin (28th May 2008)

Dear friends

ELP has some further information about the recent animal rights raids & arrests in Austria.

First off, a solidarity network is being set up for the defendants. The solidarity network have launched a website which although mainly written in German does have some English language information on it. For more information on the solidarity network check out http://www.antirep2008.tk/


Secondly, the following update about the arrests was circulated yesterday:

Several Austrian animal rights organizations raided
and 10 activists arrested.


On Wednesday morning, May 21, 2008 at 6.00 a.m. the
police with battering rams demanded the doors to be
opened of several animal rights activists' homes,
appartments and offices in different towns of Austria.
The places were intensely searched, computers, mobile
phones, videos, cameras, photos,
video tapes, papers, records, databases, and much more
have been confiscated.

Ten animal rights activists have been arrested and
are being held in custody. According to the state
prosecution service their first hearing will be in 2
weeks.

Members of the organizations BAT, VGT, VGÖ, WTV, Vier
Pfoten, and other private persons are amongst the
arrested.

The organisations BAT, VGT, RespekTiere and TierWege
have been left without basic means to continue their
legal work. They cannot communicate, because all phone
numbers were in the confiscated mobile phones, and
email addresses were in the computers, as well as data
to update their websites. It is not even possible for
them, at this point, to collect donations from their
members to set up new technical infrastructure,
because even the members' database were taken with the
seized materials.

The police have stated that the examination of the
computers will probably only start next year, because
they are very busy.

Official reason for this is the dubious Austrian Law ?
278a StGB that describes the ?Formation of a criminal
body?. In the newspapers rumors are spread about
butyric-acid and arson attacks in the ongoing legal
campaign against fur-selling fashion-chain Kleider
Bauer. Apart from general unclear suspicions the state
prosecution has not given any concrete evidence
against the detainees.

The Austrian animal rights scene has gained in
reputation during the last years. Quite a number of
animal protection scandals have been uncovered,
where people up to the highest positions in politics
and media were involved.

Cause and effect of these sudden events can be
questioned. It is clear that actions performed by all
groups disturb several powerful people, Kleider Bauer
directly, but also others who want to
maintain their profits in businesses or political
positions, be this in the fur or circus industry,
factory farming, hunting lobby, etc.

Aganist their will and contrary to Austrian law DNA
samples have been taken from at least 2 of the
detainees. In both cases these samples were taken
violently.

In various countries and in varios cities 'Solidarity
Demos' have been taking place and are likely to
continue.

Not only Austrian organisations are alarmed. Democracy
once more has been abused, and those fighting for the
rights of those, who themselves have no voice to
raise, again endure character assassination, being
called criminals and terrorists, instead of what they
really are ? animal rights activists, people who try
to be a voice for the voiceless.

May 27, 2008



Finally, the below Press Release was circulated today about the arrests.

Press Release, 28 May, 2008:

Austria. Indefensible Attack against Animal Welfare
Movement

Twenty-four House and Office Raids, Ten Arrests, No
Concrete Charges, and a String of Human Rights
Violations result in Seven People on Hungerstrike

The morning of 21st May saw the first massive raid
from police against the animal welfare movement
through out the whole of Austria.

A total of twenty-four homes and offices of animal
welfare activists and organisations were raided by
police at 6.15 a.m., Harald Balluch, managing director
of the VGT (Association against Animal Factories)
described the scene in his flat. “I awoke to the sound
of the door being broken in, immediately a group of
armed and masked people surrounded my bed where my
girlfriend and I were sleeping and aimed their weapons
at us. They screamed at me that they would shoot me in
the head if I moved. We have two elderly rescued dogs,
who were brutally manhandled. As you can imagine, all
four of us were absolutely terrified.

Seven organisations have been affected and ten people
were taken into custody. Police have justified this
action by saying that the campaigners are suspected of
belonging to a criminal organisation §278a of the
Austrian criminal code. However, after a week of
keeping these people in custody no charges have been
made against them.

Improvements for animals achieved by the Austrian
movement have set a world wide example

The animal welfare movement in Austria has achieved a
great deal for animals in the last years. The success
list includes a ban on fur farms, a ban on wild
animals in circuses, a ban on caged rabbits used for
meat and a ban on battery cages for chickens. Austria
is regarded world wide as one of, if not the most
impressive country in terms of animal welfare.These
successes are entirely down to researching the
conditions that animals are kept in, giving the public
access to this information and political lobbying.
Harald Balluch distances himself and the VGT from any
illegal activities.” This police action is designed to
discredit the work being done for animals. The
intention is to damage the reputation of animal
campaigners and campaign work. Through the police
raids, our office along with four others, has been
brought to a stand still. Our computers with our
complete data bank have been taken along with all our
mobile phones and years of research material. We have
no possibility of contacting our supporters. Our phone
and fax lines were also out of order for sometime
after the raid making contact with media impossible.”

A String of human rights violations

Lawyers representing the ten campaigners have issued
formal complaints against the police concerning a
string of human rights violations. These include
detention without being charged for all those on
remand, unnecessary force used by the police during
the house raids and DNA samples being taken from two
of the detainees against their will using force.

Hunger Strike

In an effort to protest against this injustice, seven
of the people on remand are on hunger strike. Their
request for diluted fruit juice was denied, so they
are just drinking water

Martin Balluch’s family and girlfriend, who were
allowed to visit him for the first time on 27th May,
on the seventh day after his arrest, commented after
seeing Martin “We were absolutely horrified by
Martin’s condition. This is now his seventh day on
hunger strike and his movements and speech are
extremely weak and slow.”

Please show your support for human rights by writing
protest mails to the following Austrian politicians.
These random acts of police repression could happen to
any one of us, who cares about how animals are
treated:

Home Secretary; Dr Günter Platter
ministerbuero@bmi.gv.at
Minister for Justice; Frau Dr Berger
minister.justiz@bmi.gv.at
Federal President; Dr Heinz Fischer
heinz.fischer@hofburg.at
Federal Chancellor; Dr Alfred Gusenbauer
alfred.gusenbauer@bka.gv.at



+++++++++++++

Earth Liberation Prisoners Support Network
BM Box 2407
London
WC1N 3XX
England
www.spiritoffreedom.org.uk

Briana Waters Sentencing 6/2

From:    olycivlib@riseup.net
Date:    Wed, May 28, 2008 12:20 am

This is a public list for announcements and discussion regarding civil
liberties issues in Olympia. List membership is not restricted. To reply
off-list directly to Olympia Civil Liberties Resource, send mail to
olycivlib@riseup.net .

Briana Waters sentencing is June 2nd at 9am at the Tacoma Federal
Courthouse with Judge Burgess presiding. Please come and bear witness to
this process. It is important for us to continue our support in this
politically motivated case.

Carpools leave Olympia Grovery Outlet at 7:30 am on June 2nd.
1717 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, WA.


Thanks

Two bits of American news

ELP Information Bulletin (28th of May 2008)

Dear friends

On the 3rd of June 2008, American eco-activist, Tre Arrow, is due in court due to his non-cooperation plea bargain, where he is admitting his own involvement in ELF activity but refusing to name anyone else as part of his plea.

The hearing is at 11am and Tre's support campaign are asking that people show their support for Tre by attending the hearing. The address of the court is:

1000 S.W. 3rd, Portland, courtroom #1527

Secondly, Rod Coronado's support campaign have told ELP that they are trying to raise funds to help Rod's partner pay a surprise visit to Rod (please do not mention this to Rod in any letters of support as it is a surprise visit). Rod's support campaign is therefore desparately trying to raise funds for Rod & his family to make this trip happen. If you can help in any way, either by doing a fund raising event or by making a small donation, please contact either Rod's support campaign directly (details at www.supportrod.org) or if you prefer, contact ELP and we will forward on any mail we receive.

++++++++

Earth Liberation Prisoners Support Network
BM Box 2407
London
WC1N 3XX
England
www.spiritoffreedom.org.uk

6/14-Cuban 5 Working Conference Bronx

FREE THE CUBAN 5! Saturday June 14, 2008

NY/Tri-State Area WORKING CONFERENCE on the Cuban 5 @ Hostos Community College 149th St. and Grand Concourse in the Bronx

Take the 4,5,or 2 train to 149th and Grand Concourse

8am-REGISTRATION

9:30am-5:00pm-Conference

Plenary Speakers:

• Leonard Weinglass, Cuban 5 Legal Team
• A Representative of the Cuban Mission to the United Nations

pre register: http://www.freethecuban5conference.com/id2.html

An Appeal to organize a "WORKING CONFERENCE IN SOLIDARITY WITH THE CUBAN 5!"

September 12, 2008 marks the 10^th year of the arrest of five Cuban citizens – Fernando Gonzales, Rene Gonzalez, Antonio Guerrero, Ramon Labanino, Gerardo Hernandez –who were portrayed as "spies" and "murderers" in the service of "Castro's Cuba." They were tried and convicted in an atmosphere of hype and hysteria in Miami, Florida. The verdict was goaded by ultra-right politicians and a highly orchestrated media campaign of disinformation with the tone of a lynch mob.

At the trial there was not a single page of classified information produced showing evidence of espionage or any action directed against the US government. The frame-up charges were packaged as a necessarily vague "conspiracy" to, as the prosecutor actually put it to the jury, "destroy the United States of America." In the period of 17 months between arrest and trial, the five Cubans were subjected to brutal conditions of solitary confinement and near-total isolation to hinder the preparation of their defense. This psychological torture was aimed at breaking their will, in blatant violation of their rights under US law. The hope was to break their spirit and force "confessions" to the trumped-up "conspiracy" charges. But this failed and the trial was finally held in November 2000. They were convicted in June 2001.

The truth is that the Cuban Five infiltrated ultra-right Cuban-American organizations, with a clear history of terrorist attacks organized on US soil against the sovereign Cuban state in violation of US law. Over 3,500 Cuban citizens have died in such attacks since the Cuban Revolution triumphed against the Batista dictatorship in 1959. Many tens of billions of dollars worth of damage have been done to the Cuban economy. These attacks stepped up in the mid-1990s as the Cuban economy reeled from an economic depression. Tourist hotels were bombed resulting in death and destruction. Low flying planes – originating from US territory in violation of US law – repeatedly violated Cuban airspace. Only after the Cuban government presented clear evidence of such terrorist and criminal activities and repeatedly implored, to no avail, the Clinton Administration to do something about it did the Cuban Five carry out its courageous and dangerous work which the record shows saved lives in Cuba.

Today, a panel of the 11^th Circuit Court of Appeals is considering the range of egregious violations committed by the prosecution in the original trial. In August 2005 a panel from the same Appeals Court ruled, in a stunning decision with virtually no precedent, to overturn the original trial verdict on the grounds that there could not be a fair and impartial hearing in the hostile climate of Miami, Florida. This ruling was subsequently reversed by the full court under heavy pressure from the Bush Administration's Justice Department.

Around the world, and increasingly inside the United States, the case of the Cuban Five, stands as one of the most brutal and outrageous injustices in modern history. As the facts have emerged and the truth about the Cuban Five becomes more known and publicized, Committees to support the Cuban Five have spread all over the world. Their incarceration continues under brutal conditions that have included solitary confinement and denial of family visitations and other violations of formal US laws.

Washington is paying an increasing political price as this ongoing travesty of justice enters its second decade. On May 2005, the Working Group on Arbitrary Detentions of the Human Rights Commission of the United Nations issued a stinging exposure of the arbitrary and iniquitous nature of the trial and conviction. The UN body emphasized that the Cuban Five were held in solitary confinement for 17 months, weakening their ability to mount an adequate defense; that most of the evidence against them was withheld from their attorneys, undermining an equal balance between the prosecution and the defense; and that the trial was held in Miami where it was impossible to select an impartial jury in a case linked with Cuba.

On January 2006 Amnesty International condemned the Bush Administration and US authorities for the treatment of the Cuban Five, specifically for the denials of family visitation rights for some of the Cuban Five prisoners.

An international call for world protests in solidarity with the Cuban Five in September and October 2008 has been issued. Now is the time for all supporters of the Cuban Five and all supporters of civil liberties and justice to step up our work on their behalf. Now is the time to reach out to broad layers of the US population, whatever their political views in general and on the Cuban Revolution in particular. Supporters of the Cuban Five begin by demanding that US authorities comply with US law and allow family members to visit their loved ones. In this Presidential and Congressional election year we aim to raise the issue of the Cuban Five and to reach out and win support from elected officials. To mark the 10^th anniversary of their arrests there will be organized public protests on Saturday, September 13. Out of this activity we aim to build support for a National Conference in October 2008 in New York City to support of the Cuban Five.

In this spirit, activists in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut are issuing this Appeal to Organize a Working Conference in Solidarity With the Cuban Five on Saturday, June 14, 2008. The Working Conference will be just that, a Working Conference, not a political rally or solely a gathering of already engaged and committed activists. We want this Working Conference to generate activity and concrete campaigns from the grass roots – from religious communities and organizations; from the trade union movement; from young people, students and the broader academic community; from African-American and Latino communities; from fighters for women's rights; from gay and lesbian rights organizations; from consistent advocates for civil liberties and constitutional rights; from artists and cultural workers.

This is our challenge. This is our appeal. Now is the time. Please Join Us June 14!

The Free the Cuban 5 Conference Committee: Casa de las Americas, The Popular Education Project to Free the Cuban 5, Cuba Solidarity New York, National Committee to Free the Cuban 5, IFCO-Pastors for Peace, Venceremos Brigade, Bolivarian Circles, Peoples Organization for Progress, Fuerzas de la Revolucion Dominicana, La Igelsia San Romero de las Americas, El Partido Nacionalista de Puerto Rico, International Action Center, New York Jericho, The ProLibertad Freedom Campagn, Young Socialists, Socialist Workers Party, Workers World Party, Frente Socialista de Puerto Rico

FOR MORE INFORMATION: FreeTheCuban5Conference@gmail.com

Ramon Labanino is moved to Kentucky prison

May 26, 2008

National Committee To Free The Cuban Five Bulletin Ramón Labañino has been movedto a Kentucky prison Ramón Labañino, one of the Cuban Five heroes, has been transferred to McCreary federal prison in the state of Kentucky. He was moved last week as part of a general transfer of inmates from the Beaumont Texas prison to other facilities. Kentucky is in the eastern part of the United States, surrounded by the states of Tennessee, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia, and Missouri. The prison is near the Tennessee border. Ramón's wife, Elizabeth Palmeiro, says he is doing fine, and is in good health and spirits, but the family is anxious to visit him. It has been two years since Elizabeth and Ramón's three daughters have been able to see him, due to the U.S. government's delays in granting visas. Ramón's oldest daughter Aili received a visa for January but when she traveled to Beaumont, she could not visit her father due to a lockdown of all the prisoners. Meanwhile, the U.S. government continues to defy international law and commit an outrageous violation of human rights by continuing to deny visas to Adriana Pérez, wife of Gerardo Hernández, and Olga Salanueva, wife of René González, who have not seen their husbands for more than ten and eight years, respectively. Elizabeth has been waiting 9 months for an interview with U.S. officials in Cuba, to be granted a visa. She says, "Laura was 13 when she last saw her father, now she is going to be 16 in August. Lisbet was 8 and she is going to be 11. "Please let all our friends and supporters of the Cuban Five know that Ramón sends his love and appreciation for all the support that the Cuban Five receive. I thank everyone on behalf of Ramón, all our families and the Cuban people." Map of Ramón's new location Write to the Five Send Ramón and Gerardo Hernández birthday greetings! There is still time to send birthday greetings to Gerardo and Ramón by direct mail. And if you live in a distant country, you can write to them also at: Info@freethefive.org We will mail them your email greetings as well. Ramón Labañino was born June 9, 1963. He is registered in prison as Luis Medina, so you have to address the envelope as: Luis Medina, #58734-004 U.S.P. McCreary P.O. Box 3000 Pine Knot, KY 42635 Then inside the cards and letters, you can write to him as Ramón. Gerardo Hernández was born June 4, 1965. His address is: Gerardo Hernández, #58739-004 U.S.P. Victorville P.O. Box 5500 Adelanto, CA 92301 Contact us: info@freethefive.org Or call: 415-312-6042 Web: http://www.freethefive.org Free the Cuban Five Now! Allow the families' visits! Grant entry visas to Adriana Pérez and Olga Salanueva!

Forward email

From the H-Blocks to a Texas Jail: The Long Incarceration of Pol Brennan

May 23, 2008
www. counterpunch. org

By SANDY BOYER and SHAUN HARKIN

TWENTY-SIX years ago, Pol Brennan was an Irish Republican Army (IRA) prisoner in the H-Blocks of Long Kesh, watching his friends die on hunger strike. Today, he is in solitary confinement in a Texas immigration holding center.


His story reveals a great deal about the evolving Anglo-American attitude toward the IRA wrought by the Northern Ireland Peace Process. It is also where the war on "terrorism" meets the war on immigrants in the United States.


Pol Brennan was born in 1953 in one of the poorest neighborhoods of Belfast, Northern Ireland. While growing up, being detained and beaten by British soldiers or the pro-British police force was almost routine. By 1972, when he was 19, like many of his generation, he joined the IRA to end British rule in Northern Ireland.


In 1976, Brennan was convicted of possessing explosives and immediately joined the blanket protest in the H-Blocks of Long Kesh prison. Here, IRA men refused to wear the prison uniform, demanding to be recognized, rightly, as political prisoners. They lived for years in cold prison cells, covered in nothing but a blanket.


Brennan shared a cell with Bobby Sands, the first man to die on the 1981 hunger strike for political status. As 10 men died, he lost several other friends. Along with British miners, Irish hunger strikers were on the vicious cutting edge of the Thatcher regime's attack on working people everywhere.


In 1983, two years after the hunger strike ended, Brennan was one of 38 IRA prisoners who escaped from the H-Blocks. It was the largest prison break in British history from Her Majesty's Prison Maze, considered one of the most secure prisons in Europe.


Pol made his way to the Bay Area, where he met and married Joanna Volz, a U.S. citizen. They lived quietly until January 1993, when federal agents arrested Brennan on a British extradition warrant. He was forced to spend more than seven years fighting extradition, and was imprisoned for three of those years, half the time in a building with no windows. A campaign to block his extradition received wide support, with Noam Chomsky, Christy Moore and Alexander Cockburn among the many who spoke out on his behalf.


The British government finally withdrew its extradition request in October 2000. By that time, Northern Ireland had changed dramatically. The IRA had ended its war. Sinn Fein, the main Republican political party, had agreed to govern Northern Ireland in coalition with Unionist political parties whose bottom line has always been preserving British rule in Ireland. In this new environment, Britain released IRA prisoners and withdrew its extradition requests.


The U.S. government also dramatically changed its attitude toward the IRA. In response to the 1994 IRA ceasefire, it suspended deportation proceedings against some former Republican prisoners. However, even after the extradition request was withdrawn, Pol Brennan still faced deportation proceedings. But they were put on hold while his application for political asylum was pending.


Pol, Joanna and her daughter Molly were able to live a peaceful and relatively normal life in the Bay Area. He worked legally as a carpenter, she as a legal clerk with the public defender's office. Brennan was able to indulge his passion for astronomy by volunteering at the local planetarium. The couple adopted two whippets. They named one Marley, after Pol's late friend Larry Marley, the architect of the escape from Long Kesh.


* * *

THEIR NORMAL life was suddenly interrupted on January 26. Brennan and Volz were driving from Oakland to Texas to visit her relatives when they were stopped at an immigration checkpoint, 100 miles inside the U.S. border. Brennan produced his work authorization, but the two were detained because it had expired. Brennan was able to reach his lawyer, who faxed the Border Patrol agents documentation that he had an asylum case pending and had applied to renew the work permit.


But the agents ran Brennan's name through their computers and came up with the 1983 escape from Long Kesh. Brennan says, "They acted as if they had caught the terrorist al-Zarqawi, as they as they huddled around their computer screens. Their little eyes were jiggling in their heads with excitement.
"

The Border Patrol agents ignored the evidence faxed to them by Brennan's lawyer. As Brennan describes it, "They said, 'Well, just because you have an application pending doesn't mean you have a legal right to be in the United States. So we are going to detain you.
'"

Pol Brennan was taken to the Port Isabel Detention Center in Los Fresnos in southern Texas. He was initially placed in the general population with men from Central and South America, Trinidad and Jamaica, and even Palestine.


Brennan was soon moved to solitary confinement, because, apparently, he was considered an escape risk since he broke out of Long Kesh 25 years earlier. It was as if they expected the IRA to invade South Texas to free him.


Today, Pol is locked in a cell 23 hours a day. He spends the other hour in the TV room. He sustains himself with books and phone calls to the outside world. When it is his turn to use the phone, the guards bring it on a trolley and hand it to him through the cell door. Brennan then has to hold the phone at an angle and punch in the 10-digit code for the prison phone system. He can only make collect calls or use a phone card.


Joanna Volz has moved to Texas, where she can be near Pol. She visits for half an hour once a week. They talk through a telephone, separated by a plastic wall. Sometimes, he has been handcuffed throughout the visit.


An immigration judge denied Brennan bail, saying he is a "flight risk" and "a danger to the community." The judge, who is notoriously anti-immigrant, ignored numerous letters of support from the Bay Area, including one from Brennan's employer saying his job was being held open for him. Brennan was deemed a "flight risk" despite the fact that he had twice reported back to prison in California after his bail was revoked.


Now Brennan will have to go through a pro-forma hearing before the same judge on his political asylum application. From there, he will go to the Board of Immigration Appeals and, if necessary, to the Court of Appeals. He will almost certainly remain in prison at least through September.


* * *

POL BRENNAN is collateral damage in the war on "terrorism." His 32-year-old IRA conviction and the escape from Long Kesh are keeping him from receiving a green card or U.S. citizenship. In the present political climate, unlike when the IRA declared its ceasefire, there is no great urgency to helping former Republican prisoners.


Brennan is also a victim, like many millions of others, of the U.S. government's anti-immigrant dragnet. Pol was stopped at the immigration checkpoint because the Department of Homeland Security hadn't renewed his work authorization. His bail application was refused by an immigration judge so biased that he routinely rules against all immigrants, even Cubans.


Now, Brennan's asylum application will almost certainly be decided by the Board of Immigration Appeals.
Pol describes what's happening to immigrants in this situation:

Regretfully, current policy has been shaped by post-9/11 paranoia, and to some extent xenophobia that we can see in such actions as the USA PATRIOT Act and the hundreds of miles of border fencing and walls now under construction along the U.S.-Mexico border.


The vast majority of detainees here are from Central and South America (Mexico included). who suffer the ill effects of U.S. trade, industrial and agricultural policies that undercut key sectors of their home economies and directly necessitate their seeking greener pastures to survive. Meanwhile, my case inches along.


Joanna Volz sums up Pol's situation: "This is just old news. The war is over. It's time this was over. The incident Pol was involved in happened 30-odd years ago. But this all keeps repeating itself. It's like a roundabout. Everybody else is trying to move on, but he's held back. It's just not fair.
"

The Irish government can certainly demand Brennan's release and call for an end to deportations proceedings. Born in Belfast, under the Irish Constitution, he is as much an Irish citizen as if he was born in Dublin. The then-Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Albert Reynolds convinced Bill Clinton to let Gerry Adams visit the U.S. over the heated objections of the British government. On April 30, the outgoing Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, was given the unusual honor of addressing a joint session of Congress.


Ireland's economic importance to the U.S. should guarantee a hearing. U.S. companies have invested $84 billion in Ireland, more than double the total for China and India combined. In 2005, U.S. exports to Ireland were valued at $9 billion, while Irish exports to the U.S. totaled $28 billion. Unfortunately, the Irish government has shown no interest in fighting for Pol Brennan, and it will require political pressure at home to change their minds.


Popular mobilization and political pressure aimed at both the U.S. and Irish government is the best way to fight for Pol's release. The California Ancient Order of Hibernians, the largest Irish organization in the U.S., has passed a resolution urging the "Department of Homeland Security to withdraw its opposition to bail and allow Pol Brennan to live and work legally in the U.S, until his political asylum case is adjudicated." His neighbors in Oakland are pressing his Congresswoman, Barbara Lee, to intervene.


* * *

What you can do

For more information on Pol Brennan's case and to find out how you can show your support, go to the Pol Brennan Support Web site. Supporters are circulating an online petition demanding that Pol not be deported from the U.S.


Sandy Boyer is the co-host of Radio Free Eireann on WBAI in New York City and a veteran organizer for Irish political prisoners.


Shaun Harkin is an immigrant rights activist in Chicago and contributor to SocialistWorker. org.

Tre Arrow's Plea Hearing Date

Following the announcement yesterday that Tre has agreed to a non-cooperation plea bargain, ELP has learnt that Tre's plea hearing has been set for 11am on th 3rd of June, at the Federal
Courthouse in downtown Portland (620 SW Main). "All are welcome to attend!"

Tre Arrow update

ELP Information Bulletin (25th of May 2008)

Dear friends

ELP has just learnt that American eco-activist, Tre Arrow, has reached a non-cooperation plea agreement with the authorities concerning the ELF charges against him. Below is a statement which his support campaign has circulated.

At this momenet, no further details are held by ELP about this plea agreement. As everyone knows Tre is a raw energy vegan who asks that letters of support are sent on either the re-used scrap paper or on tree-free paper.

Once ELP has more news we will circulate it.



Forwarded message from tre@riseup.net

apologies, if you are on more than one list, you will get this more than
once...

From Tre Arrow:

Blessings to all of you.

Perhaps you've heard that I'm set to take a plea bargain on June 3rd. In
the aftermath of Briana Waters' and Eric McDavid's trials, I have
weighed the options and decided that i don't want to take the risk of
potentially being convicted and spending the rest of my life in prison.

I want you all to know that this is a non cooperation plea agreement: I
am in no way selling my soul just to receive a sweet deal from the
prosecution. By this I mean I am not giving them any information about
anyone or any thing which could lead to others being prosecuted. They
offered me a deal I couldn't refuse, which takes into account the time I
served in Canada. For those who supported me through all of this, I
thank you deeply.

I continue to stand firm in my commitment to being a voice for the
Earth. I speak for the trees, for our fellow co inhabitants, and for the
voices commonly ignored. This is our home, our one and only Earth
Mother. Just as I will protect my birth mother from violation and harm,
I am dedicated to being a force to stop the unnecessary and egregious
assault on this precious planet. To this end I devote my music, my
passion, my life. I look forward to seeing everyone on June 3rd.

Namaste,

Tre
Tre Arrow Defense Committee



Environmentalist and refugee hopeful, Tre Arrow has been incarcerated in Canada since March 2004.
"I am innocent of the charges the U.S. government is trying to pin on me. Just As many activists have experienced, I am being targeted by the U.S. government and the FBI, not because I am guilty, but because I have chosen to challenge the status quo."
-Political Prisoner Tre Arrow-

+++++++++

Earth Liberation Prisoners Support Network
BM Box 2407
London
WC1N 3XX
England
www.spiritoffreedom.org.uk

press release about raids in austria

Press Release from the Legal Defense about the Wave of Repression against Activists in Austria

(Austria) – Around 7:00 am on Wednesday May 21 members of the Viennese elite police force (WEGA) stormed several apartments in Vienna. Some of the residents were woken up in their beds with guns drawn on them. A total of twenty-three (23) apartments, houses and offices were searches in Vienna, Lower Austria, Styria and Tirol.

In many of the apartments the WEGA kicked in the doors. The officers stormed the apartments like in bad Hollywood movies. Only after the residents had been intimidated, “secured” on the wall and/or put in handcuffs did the police start the searches.

The grounds for the searches was the accusation Formation of a Criminal Organization according to §278a of the criminal code. There were arrest warrants for 10 of the people targeted by the searches. The basis of the arrest warrants was the accusation of Danger of the Destruction of Evidence (because, for example, the targeted people communicated via encrypted e-mails) as well as Danger of Committing a Crime (partially because the targeted people have been active in the animal rights scene for a long time). Both lines of argumentation stand in blatant opposition to the presumption of innocence. A criminal organization is completely arbitrarily constructed to be made responsible for all unsolved criminal offenses of the last few years. The accusations are not substantiated by any evidence; on the contrary – the authorities apparently hope to find evidence which confirms their suspicions through the house searches. Up til now and also in the future the suspicion of Forming a Criminal Organization can not be corroborated either by evidence or vague assumptions.

The targeted persons were brought directly from their apartments to the police detention center at Rossauer Lände and will be brought before a custodial judge within 48 hours. (Update: the targeted persons are being remanded to Wiener Neustadt, where they will face the above-mentioned custodial judge.) During the house searches a large part of the targeted persons were denied the ability to call a person of their confidence or legal representatives. Friends who wanted to observe the legality of the actions were also denied the possibility to speak to the targeted persons.

The actions of the authorities were out of proportion. The early morning storming of the apartments by masked WEGA officers with drawn weapons can only be described as completely excessive.

It remains unclear what the specific motive for these operations was. It can be assumed that the time and realization of these operations have a political background. In any case unpopular political actions are being criminalized and made impossible. Should this wave of repression which obviously was decreed from those in power remain unquestioned, this wave will certainly hit other forms of resistance and areas of activism.

The repression of leftist structures reached a new high point today with the wave of house searches and arrests. House searches by masked WEGA officers who kick down doors and and wake sleeping persons with drawn weapons have not been employed against the radical left in the past several years. The last time that a similar house search was made was after the Opera Ball Protest in 2001 directed against the EKH (a squat and autonomous center in Vienna).

This sort of action from the officials does not only ignite fear in the targeted persons. Friends and other activists are intended to be frightened by such actions as well. The excessive and sometimes brutal police operations try to communicate that resistance is not worth it. We can not allow ourselves to be isolated from one another. Together we can talk about our fears and develop strategies for dealing with them.

We are asking for solidarity for those targeted by the wave of repression. It does not matter if you are vegan, feminist, antifascist, against surveillance, atomic energy or police brutality – we are all targeted, even if only a few are directly affected at the moment!

Organize benefit parties, donate money for the legal help, network with each other, inform yourself about your rights, learn about and use your right to remain silent and learn about your rights in the case of a house search!

Info hotline for targeted people, friends, and family: + 43 650/5926791
antirep2008@gmx.at

On Monday, May 26 at 10:00 am there will be a press conference from the legal assistance at the press room of the Green Parlamentary Club, located Löwelstraße 12, on the second floor.

(Original text from Wednesday, May 21 2008, translation from Thursday, May 22 2008 ca. 23:00.)

Legal Defense

From: http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2008/05/399441.html (originally from IMC-austria)

Note: An updated statement was released today, you might be able to work a translation out of it from this link:

link to more news (its from IMC-austria again)

Solidarity demonstrations were in Vienna, Wiener Neustadt, Graz, Bregenz, Hamburg, Berlin, Stockholm and Munich. Demos also planned in Romania and Italy.

ELP Information Bulletin (24th May 2008)

ELP Information Bulletin (24th May 2008)

Dear friends

Has has two lots of news for you:

1) Austrian raids/arrests
2) News from Rod's support campaign

1) As people may be aware, earlier in the week Austrian police raided and arrested ten Austrian animal rights campaigners. ELP has been trying to gather as much news on these raids/arrests as possible and if anyone has any further information about these raids please let ELP know. However, here is an Associated Press article about the raids.....

http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/05/24/europe/EU-GEN-Austria-Animal-Rights.php
The Associated Press
Published: May 24, 2008

Austrian police question 10 'militant' animal rights activists suspected
of arson, sabotage

VIENNA, Austria: Austrian authorities say they are questioning 10 animal
rights activists suspected of arson, sabotage and other crimes.

Investigators said six of the suspects have been placed in pretrial
detention for their alleged involvement in "militant" animal rights
groups. Officials allege that the suspects are behind numerous arson fires
and vandalism targeting food, clothing, pharmaceutical and agricultural
companies.

Prosecutors said the 10 were arrested earlier this week after a months
long investigation into radical animal rights groups.

Austrian media reported Saturday that one of the suspects has begun a
hunger strike while in custody.

Investigators said the suspects used various aliases and allegedly had
links to an international network.


2) Below is a mailout from Chrysta, the partner of American vegetarian animal/earth liberation activist Rod Coronado. True to the compassion so characteristic of Rod, he has asked that we, the international prisoner support movement, support his family whilst he is locked away, therefore if you can help Rod and his family please do. For more information about Rod please check out http://www.supportrod.org/


>
> ” the lonely path,
>
> through dust and fog-
>
> sweet home!”
>
> It’s been two weeks now that Rod has been up in Oklahoma, a place that will serve as a residence to him for the next 10 months. It, like the above haiku, is a lonely path, but what awaits is the beacon of inner strength.
>
> He says it is really not so bad; the yard is nice and actually has vegetation, the other prisoners have been very helpful, and it seems as he may navigate his way through there alright. He said he could sit in the afternoons, alone in the soccer yard, leaning on a goal post, reading undisturbed. He said there are spaces of peace there.
>
> The first week went as anticipated~ he being put in the whole as the incoming terrorist……. They needed to make sure he wasn’t going to make any trouble. Once he met with the “captain”, he was allowed to join general population but he would be monitored very closely. That is for certain, as I have only received one letter and he says he is sending one daily. I think that is due to the regulations that every letter must be personally read before it goes out. This is not standard procedure. Also, Rod can call me between the hours of 1-4 pm his time, so that every call is live monitored, as well. This means I can talk to him at 1pm my time, if I am off of work. Such is the game.
>
> At first I was not as disturbed by these limits, understanding the system of hierarchy and what it aims to do. But as I think more on it, I become more concerned. The reasoning on the part of FCI to monitor Rod is that they want to make sure that Rod is not recruiting from within prison. That is heavy. At first I laughed, I know it seems almost silly to think in their terms. But, what it means is that they perceive Rod as a serious threat to National Security, a recruiter who must be monitored from even within his confinement!
>
> I hear in Rod’s voice that he knows he has to be very careful. There is a line in our conversations that we cannot cross. They seem to be looking for something, and that makes me cautious. I have felt how power-hungry and tyrannical this system is, and I have no doubt that once they are able to find a reason to punish Rod, they would. It makes me hesitate to believe that the end of a battle with the government is near.
>
> Sweet Home!
>
> On a lighter note, I am trying to get myself out to Oklahoma, in June to surprise Rod with a visit! It is intended to be a surprise, so if you write him please don’t mention it! At this point, I charged the ticket to his credit card, and I am not sure how I will pay for a hotel and rental car! But, I am determined to make it happen! I know he needs me, I hear it in his voice!
>
> If you could assist in any way, it would be appreciated! We have always considered the community support such a honor to have! I again would be so appreciative of any help in this direction. If you please use the paypal option , that is always easiest for us, as well.
>
> Thanks for keeping us in your hearts on the path through dust and fog-
>
> Chrysta
>
> --

+++++++++

Earth Liberation Prisoners Support Network
BM Box 2407
London
WC1N 3XX
England
www.spiritoffreedom.org.uk

The Lonely Path

From:    "Support for Rod Coronado" <info@supportrod.org>
Date:    Fri, May 23, 2008
” the lonely path,

through dust and fog-

sweet home!”

It’s been two weeks now that Rod has been up in Oklahoma, a place that
will serve as a residence to him for the next 10 months.  It, like the
above haiku, is a lonely path, but what awaits is the beacon of inner
strength.

He says it is really not so bad; the yard is nice and actually has
vegetation, the other prisoners have been very helpful, and it seems as he
may navigate his way through there alright.  He said he could sit in the
afternoons, alone in the soccer yard, leaning on a goal post, reading
undisturbed.  He said there are spaces of peace there.

The first week went as anticipated~ he being put in the whole as the
incoming terrorist……. They needed to make sure he wasn’t going to make any
trouble.  Once he met with the “captain”, he was allowed to join general
population but he would be monitored very closely.  That is for certain,
as I have only received one letter and he says he is sending one daily.  I
think that is due to the regulations that every letter must be personally
read before it goes out.  This is not standard procedure.  Also, Rod can
call me between the hours of 1-4 pm his time, so that every call is live
monitored, as well.  This means I can talk to him at 1pm my time, if I am
off of work.  Such is the game.

At first I was not as disturbed by these limits, understanding the system
of hierarchy and what it aims to do.  But as I think more on it, I become
more concerned.  The reasoning on the part of FCI to monitor Rod is that
they want to make sure that Rod is not recruiting from within prison.
That is heavy.  At first I laughed, I know it seems almost silly to think
in their terms.  But, what it means is that they perceive Rod as a serious
threat to National Security, a recruiter who must be monitored from even
within his confinement!

I hear in Rod’s voice that he knows he has to be very careful.  There is a
line in our conversations that we cannot cross.  They seem to be looking
for something, and that makes me cautious.  I have felt how power-hungry
and tyrannical this system is, and I have no doubt that once they are able
to find a reason to punish Rod, they would.  It makes me hesitate to
believe that the end of a battle with the government is near.

Sweet Home!

On a lighter note, I am trying to get myself out to Oklahoma, in June to
surprise Rod with a visit!  It is intended to be a surprise, so if you
write him please don’t mention it!  At this point, I charged the ticket to
his credit card, and I am not sure how I will pay for a hotel and rental
car!  But, I am determined to make it happen!  I know he needs me, I hear
it in his voice!

If you could assist in any way, it would be appreciated!  We have always
considered the community support such a honor to have!  I again would be
so appreciative of any help in this direction.  If you please use the
paypal option , that is always easiest for us, as well.

Thanks for keeping us in your hearts on the path through dust and fog-

Chrysta

May 17, 2008 Prison Dispatch from Jeff “Free” Luers

It’s been over a month since I’ve written a dispatch. Much has happened in that time. Yesterday, May 16, I became officially 19 months to the gate. The months I have left in prison have fallen to the teens. It still doesn’t seem real to me.


Since I’ve been here at CRCI I have received two letters from friends back at OSP. Both are doing life. One will never go home. The most difficult part about my resentencing and subsequent move to minimum has been missing my friends at OSP.


I am leaving them behind. There is no other way to put it than I’m going home and they aren’t.


It’s not political. It isn’t relevant to anyone other than me. And more than a few readers would probably think they deserve their fate. But they are my brothers. They have stood by me for the last seven years. Together we have war stories, ones I can’t write about.


It seems silly to say; I can hear the echo of ridiculousness. Yet, I cannot justify my going home and their staying behind.


Prison is a horrible place. I have seen and done horrible things. But despite all that, the beauty of the human spirit can be found within this place. When solidarity exists it is not easily broken. When convicts unite they can accomplish many things.


Inside the walls of OSP I built a family. My family went beyond race and politics. Amongst those imprisoned for years a unique and powerful bond builds. When faced with the reality of doing decades behind bars you find strength knowing you have friends doing the same. You do not have to experience it alone. You have support.


My brothers at OSP have become an extended part of my real family and community. I have introduced them to my parents and friends. I have included them in all I have and shared all that I can with them.


I have no doubt years from now I will again sit in the visiting room at OSP, returning to see and talk to one friend in particular who above all will hold my love, respect and loyalty for life.


I look upon the relationships I have built in prison and I find myself wishing that our activist communities could emulate them.


In the face of the ultimate oppression, politics come to mean less and honor to mean so much more. In prison, I have found common cause with an anarchist’s most hated enemy. Indeed that even has extended into a friendship. The irony of which is not lost on me.


When looking beyond these walls I still see a movement factionalized and divided: green and red; black and white; progressive and radical. And I still see a capitalist monstrosity towering over all.


I ask myself, if I can walk the yard of a maximum security prison with a black gang member on my left and a Nazi skinhead on my right, why the hell can’t activists, radicals, and progressives find level amongst themselves when they have so much more in common?

OK. It’s not that simplistic. I know. Still, there are alliances we could and should be building. There are bridges that should not be burning. If we put as much energy into building community and making allies as we have talking shit and leveling criticism we might have already taken that first inch. And in the words of Conflict, “For once we take an inch, you just watch us take the mile.
”

Could it be that we actually have a deeply ingrained fear of success? After all, our ideologies are proven. We’ve made little if any progress toward creating alternatives to this society. We remain stuck in the tearing down, laying blame and pointing fingers stage.


Fair enough. There is a lot to be dismantled and done away with. There is even more to build and learn.


I think it is high time to shrug off the chains of isolation and self-exclusion. The rhetoric of pure idealism has been tried and left as wanting.


Of course, it’s nothing I haven’t said before.
A brief review of my dispatches will reveal different versions of the same recycled messages, which in itself says something—I’ve been saying the same things for years!

To succeed we need unity. Judi Bari taught us that. The Battle of Seattle taught us that. Even more state repression has taught us that.


For those who still choose to stand on their own; marginalized by their self-righteous politics and inability to open their own mind (while they demand it of others), I say good luck. Personally, I’m going to try to build a community and movement that realize we must rely on each other to create a healthy, stable, sustainable and safe society. It’s not about politics it is about life. Life needs diversity.


The real question is how do we build it? How do we create a broad coalition to challenge things like global warming and other social injustices?

While I can already here the groans from my green anarchist brethren, I believe a good place to start is by building bonds with the unions and working people. I know it may be a dream years in the making, but imagine a general strike demanding action on climate change. Picture a union action bolstered by direct action and civil disobedience. What if the docks closed as a gesture of solidarity with eco-defense prisoners? Visualize the world’s most powerful corporations capitulating to us, the people.


It is not beyond us to build alliances. It’s part of our own radical history. Our history also teaches us that we are more effective together than alone.


- Jeff “Free” Luers

Jeffrey Luers
#13797671
CRCI
9111 NE Sunderland Ave
Portland, OR 97211-1708

www. freefreenow. org

6-14: Free the Cuban 5 Working Conference

FREE THE CUBAN 5! Saturday June 14, 2008

NY/Tri-State Area WORKING CONFERENCE on the Cuban 5 @ Hostos Community College 149th St. and Grand Concourse in the Bronx

Take the 4,5,or 2 train to 149th and Grand Concourse

8am-REGISTRATION

9:30am-5:00pm-Conference

Plenary Speakers:

• Leonard Weinglass, Cuban 5 Legal Team
• A Representative of the Cuban Mission to the United Nations

pre register: http://www.freethecuban5conference.com/id2.html

An Appeal to organize a "WORKING CONFERENCE IN SOLIDARITY WITH THE CUBAN 5!"

September 12, 2008 marks the 10^th year of the arrest of five Cuban citizens – Fernando Gonzales, Rene Gonzalez, Antonio Guerrero, Ramon Labanino, Gerardo Hernandez –who were portrayed as "spies" and "murderers" in the service of "Castro's Cuba." They were tried and convicted in an atmosphere of hype and hysteria in Miami, Florida. The verdict was goaded by ultra-right politicians and a highly orchestrated media campaign of disinformation with the tone of a lynch mob.

At the trial there was not a single page of classified information produced showing evidence of espionage or any action directed against the US government. The frame-up charges were packaged as a necessarily vague "conspiracy" to, as the prosecutor actually put it to the jury, "destroy the United States of America." In the period of 17 months between arrest and trial, the five Cubans were subjected to brutal conditions of solitary confinement and near-total isolation to hinder the preparation of their defense. This psychological torture was aimed at breaking their will, in blatant violation of their rights under US law. The hope was to break their spirit and force "confessions" to the trumped-up "conspiracy" charges. But this failed and the trial was finally held in November 2000. They were convicted in June 2001.

The truth is that the Cuban Five infiltrated ultra-right Cuban-American organizations, with a clear history of terrorist attacks organized on US soil against the sovereign Cuban state in violation of US law. Over 3,500 Cuban citizens have died in such attacks since the Cuban Revolution triumphed against the Batista dictatorship in 1959. Many tens of billions of dollars worth of damage have been done to the Cuban economy. These attacks stepped up in the mid-1990s as the Cuban economy reeled from an economic depression. Tourist hotels were bombed resulting in death and destruction. Low flying planes – originating from US territory in violation of US law – repeatedly violated Cuban airspace. Only after the Cuban government presented clear evidence of such terrorist and criminal activities and repeatedly implored, to no avail, the Clinton Administration to do something about it did the Cuban Five carry out its courageous and dangerous work which the record shows saved lives in Cuba.

Today, a panel of the 11^th Circuit Court of Appeals is considering the range of egregious violations committed by the prosecution in the original trial. In August 2005 a panel from the same Appeals Court ruled, in a stunning decision with virtually no precedent, to overturn the original trial verdict on the grounds that there could not be a fair and impartial hearing in the hostile climate of Miami, Florida. This ruling was subsequently reversed by the full court under heavy pressure from the Bush Administration's Justice Department.

Around the world, and increasingly inside the United States, the case of the Cuban Five, stands as one of the most brutal and outrageous injustices in modern history. As the facts have emerged and the truth about the Cuban Five becomes more known and publicized, Committees to support the Cuban Five have spread all over the world. Their incarceration continues under brutal conditions that have included solitary confinement and denial of family visitations and other violations of formal US laws.

Washington is paying an increasing political price as this ongoing travesty of justice enters its second decade. On May 2005, the Working Group on Arbitrary Detentions of the Human Rights Commission of the United Nations issued a stinging exposure of the arbitrary and iniquitous nature of the trial and conviction. The UN body emphasized that the Cuban Five were held in solitary confinement for 17 months, weakening their ability to mount an adequate defense; that most of the evidence against them was withheld from their attorneys, undermining an equal balance between the prosecution and the defense; and that the trial was held in Miami where it was impossible to select an impartial jury in a case linked with Cuba.

On January 2006 Amnesty International condemned the Bush Administration and US authorities for the treatment of the Cuban Five, specifically for the denials of family visitation rights for some of the Cuban Five prisoners.

An international call for world protests in solidarity with the Cuban Five in September and October 2008 has been issued. Now is the time for all supporters of the Cuban Five and all supporters of civil liberties and justice to step up our work on their behalf. Now is the time to reach out to broad layers of the US population, whatever their political views in general and on the Cuban Revolution in particular. Supporters of the Cuban Five begin by demanding that US authorities comply with US law and allow family members to visit their loved ones. In this Presidential and Congressional election year we aim to raise the issue of the Cuban Five and to reach out and win support from elected officials. To mark the 10^th anniversary of their arrests there will be organized public protests on Saturday, September 13. Out of this activity we aim to build support for a National Conference in October 2008 in New York City to support of the Cuban Five.

In this spirit, activists in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut are issuing this Appeal to Organize a Working Conference in Solidarity With the Cuban Five on Saturday, June 14, 2008. The Working Conference will be just that, a Working Conference, not a political rally or solely a gathering of already engaged and committed activists. We want this Working Conference to generate activity and concrete campaigns from the grass roots – from religious communities and organizations; from the trade union movement; from young people, students and the broader academic community; from African-American and Latino communities; from fighters for women's rights; from gay and lesbian rights organizations; from consistent advocates for civil liberties and constitutional rights; from artists and cultural workers.

This is our challenge. This is our appeal. Now is the time. Please Join Us June 14!

The Free the Cuban 5 Conference Committee: Casa de las Americas, The Popular Education Project to Free the Cuban 5, Cuba Solidarity New York, National Committee to Free the Cuban 5, IFCO-Pastors for Peace, Venceremos Brigade, Bolivarian Circles, Peoples Organization for Progress, Fuerzas de la Revolucion Dominicana, La Igelsia San Romero de las Americas, El Partido Nacionalista de Puerto Rico, International Action Center, New York Jericho, The ProLibertad Freedom Campagn, Young Socialists, Socialist Workers Party, Workers World Party, Frente Socialista de Puerto Rico

FOR MORE INFORMATION: FreeTheCuban5Conference@gmail.com

Oppose Censorship - Support Sean Kirtly

ELP Information Bulletin (22nd May 2008)

Dear friends

ELP has learnt that two websites have been set up to support the British vegan Animal Liberation Prisoner, Sean Kirtly who has been found guilty of running a website which encouraged LAWFUL protest against a vivisection company.

For more info on the websites check out

http://supportsean.wordpress.com
http://www.myspace.com/supportsean

As people will be aware, when ELP reported the news about Sean's jailing we reported that out of the six defendants on trial, three were found not guilty. Sean was wrongly found guilty. And two other defendants the Jury hadn't reached a decision on. ELP has learnt that with the remaining two defendants the Jury can not reach a decision and therefore we are awaiting to see if the Judge orders a re-trial or not. ELP will keep everyone informed as and when any more news develops. In the mean time, please do support Sean.

Finally, on an unrelated matter. There have been some animal rights raids/arrests in Austria. If anyone has any information about the raids please contact ELP.

+++++++++

Earth Liberation Prisoners Support Network
BM Box 2407
London
WC1N 3XX
England
www.spiritoffreedom.org.uk

Support Chip Fitzgerald NOW!

Romaine Chip Fitzgerald, the longest held U.S.
political prisoner is due for a parole hearing in the
next few months. We are asking all comrades to support
Chip by signing a petition on his behalf.

Chip is a former member of the Southern California
Black Panther Party. He has been incarcerated since
1969 for altercation that took place with a CHP
officer during a traffic stop. Chip and several
Panthers defended themselves against an officer who
later admitted he had orders to shoot and kill any and
all Panthers. During the altercation, the officer was
shot and Chip managed to flea.

When arrested for the incident several weeks later, he
was informed that he was also being charge for a
murder of a security guard during a robbery in a Vons
market in Los Angeles. Chip has steadfast denied the
murder charge, but was sentence life in prison for
both incidents.

Please support our comrade, sign the petition:
http://www.freechip.org/sign-petition.html

For more information:
http://www.freechip.org/about.html

In Solidarity with Chip,
LA ABCF

6-13: Fundraiser for the Puerto Rican Freedom Album

The Puerto Rican Freedom Project Committee Presents:
A FUND-RAISING EVENT FOR THE PUERTO RICAN FREEDOM ALBUM!!

FRIDAY JUNE 13TH, 2008 6-10pm
Live Performances by the Welfare Poets, Alma Moyo, Boricuation Artists, El Grito de Poetas and more performances to be announced!

Afro Carribean Puerto Rican Collectable Art Auction!
Two for one drink specials, Full appetizer menu afterparty included!

Loiza NY Oxygen Lounge 24 Avenue C East 2nd-3td St., Lower Eastside NYC

Sponsored by" The Welfare Poets-Borucation.com Art by MIA-AWEAR Clothing
__________________________________________________________

http://prfreedomproject.org/

The Welfare Poets, Boricuation and other concerned organizations and individuals have come together to collaborate on a fund raising project to directly aid the current Puerto Rican Political Prisoners and Prisoners of War, incarcerated for fighting for the independence and self-determination of Puerto Rico.

The Freedom Album will be a musical CD/compilation dedicated to the welfare of our political prisoners. We have united under the name The Puerto Rican Freedom Project Committee. Additionally, we also want this album to assist past Political Prisoners and Prisoners of War who have been freed and are now attempting to survive in a system where many channels have been closed to them, and even possibly aid future Political Prisoners and Prisoners of War.

The Puerto Rican Freedom Project Committee has begun mailing Puerto Rican artists of all genres across the U.S., on the island and elsewhere to let them know about the project and to initiate the process of song submission. Our desire is to get a wide range of Puerto Rican artists from the local grass-rooted bands to those who are mainstream and have the eye of the world press.

Support Books for Prisoners

Support Changes that Increase Prisoners' Access to Books.

Dear ***Name Omitted****,

The Oregon Department of Corrections is proposing an amendment to its Incoming Mail rules that will permit incarcerated people to receive used books. This is a very positive change that will benefit prisoners and the larger community. We need to send comments supporting the amendment of these rules to the Rules Office of the Oregon Department of Corrections.

Background:

Oregon has been one of the few states in the nation that did not allow people in prison to receive used books. This made prisoners’ access to books more difficult because they or their families were forced to buy expensive new books or no books at all. Also, programs around the country that send free copies of used books to people in prison could not send books to incarcerated people in Oregon. One of these programs, Books to Oregon Prisoners, spent many years advocating for these changes to Oregon’s rules.

Access to Used Books Benefits Incarcerated People and the Community:

By permitting used books, more people in prison will have access to reading materials. The change will also enable prisoners enrolled in college classes to purchase used books and decrease their overall education costs.

Increasing access to education in prison benefits everyone. Participation in prison-based education programs has been shown to decrease recidivism, and making making educational materials more available and affordable is a step in the right direction to expanding access to educational programs.

Action Needed:

Click the "act now" button below to send an email message to Ms. Birdie Worley in the Rules Office of the Oregon Department of Corrections supporting these changes to the Incoming Mail rules. You can read proposed changes to the Incoming Mail rules here.

Deadline for responding: The deadline for comments is May 26th.

Police Attack Protest At Minnesota Sesquicentennial Event

ST. PAUL (WCCO ) During the Minnesota Sesquicentennial celebration in St. Paul, a protest by a couple dozen American Indians carrying nooses turned violent.

A protester hit a Minnesota State Trooper on the head as police tried to clear the area at the state capitol. Police arrested at least three people for disorderly conduct.

Demonstrators want the state of Minnesota to apologize for breaking Indian treaties and removing Indians from the land.

"That's all we are asking the state of Minnesota on the 150th anniversary is to tell the truth. Talk about Ramsey and Sibley. Talk about the genocide and policies they put into effect," said Clyde Bellecourt of the American Indian Movement.

After the Dakota War of 1862, 38 Indians were hanged in Mankato, which remains the largest mass execution in U.S. history.

non-corporate account of protest

Tonight, around 8:15 PM, one of our attorneys (in the 1805 Treaty
litigation), Barb Nimis, called and said that my younger daughter, Waziyata
Win (Dr. Angela Cavender Wilson) had been arrested, again.  Waziyata Win
told the officers that she is a Dakota person, that Minnesota is Dakota
land, and that she was only telling the truth.  In addition, two other
Anishinabe persons had been arrested, Steve Blake, and a woman called
Flower.
   These people were peacefully protesting, with signs, posters, banners,
drums, and a gallows with 38 nooses hanging from it.  Angela was arrested
for Disorderly Conduct and let go.  Steve Blake, with a hand drum, was
singing a honor song for the 38 Dakota (hence, the 38 nooses) men who were
hanged at Mankato, MN on December 26, 1862 in what was and is the largest
mass execution in the history of the United States.  Four officers descended
upon Steve and attacked him, who is a sickly man and had just gotten out of
the hospital.  The woman named Flower rushed to help and, apparently, hit an
officer.  Steve, now, is in the hospital and Flower is in Ramsey hospital.
   It seems that these officers have instructions to harass, intimidate,
and arrest Dakota People, with the apparent blessing of the Sesquicentennial
Commission, the Minnesota Historical Society, and the other white
supremacists and racists who do not want to hear the TRUTH about bounties,
concentration camps, forced marches, forced removals/ethnic cleansing;
warfare,  massive land theft,  broken treaties,  genocide, etc.
   I urge all of our friends, supporters, and allies to be there with us
when we peacefully demonstrate, show our posters, carry our banners, and
hand out our pamphlets and flyers to tell the TRUTH.  We need all of our
allies - white, black, Mexican, other Indigenous Peoples - to stand there in
support and solidarity, to be there with their cameras, the video cameras,
to observe what happens to the Dakota People and their supporters when they
tell the TRUTH.
   We need white people to march with us.  The cops will think twice before
bashing our heads with their batons, before arresting us, before saying some
of the racist and intimidating things they are fond of saying, if some white
people are there with us.  The cops know that if it is an "Indian's" word
agasint the word of a white cop that there will be NO credence given to the
Native person.  However, if a white person sees what is happening, the cop
will fear, or at least think twice before he does what he wants to do to
Native Peoples.  That is to hit them, beat them.  One cop, at Ft. Snelling,
on Sat. 5/10 was heard to say that he was looking forward to do a little
"thumping", meaning beating the crap out of the Dakota People.
   It seems that the arrests are increasing and the violence is
intensifying against our Dakota People and their Anishinabe supporters and
other allies.  I see this trend continuing as we implement and execute our
other planned and peaceful activities.  As Dakota People, who comprise about
5 10-thousandths of a percent of the total population of approximately
5-and-a-half million people in the state of Minnesota.  We are struggling
against overwhelming odds - "they" have the troops and cops, the horses
(like at Ft. Snelling), the guns, the tanks, the tasers, and their law,
especially their law which is their legal ideology which is used to enforce
the exploitation of the Indigenous Peoples and their continued oppression.
   However, many of us Dakota feel we have TRUTH and our spirituality to
fight against these overwhelming odds, and we are optimistically believing
that TRUTH will prevail.
   I wish to thank all the allies and supporters out there who have
supported our efforts and activities to highlight the Dakota voice, to get
the Dakota perspective out there.  We thank you for being at our EVENT ONE
activities:  1A - the posters and banners on the Mendota bridge during rush
hour, 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, on Fri. 5/09;  1B - the greeting of the wagon
train at Ft. Snelling, on Sat. 5/10, at which seven people, including me,
were arrested;  1C - the public rally at the State Capitol, on Sun. 5/11.
   We are going to need all of you at the remaining four (4) activities
that we have planned for the Sesquicentennial year of 2008 in our efforts to
get the TRUTH out there, the TRUTH of what really happened in this state
between the stealers/settlers and the Dakota People:  EVENT TWO - the
exercising of our original and traditional fishing rights in one of the
lakes in the ceded area, 155,000+ acres, of the Treaty of 1805;  EVENT THREE
- the trial of Ramsey and Sibley for Genocide and Crimes Against Humanity;
EVENT FOUR - which we will mention later;  and EVENT FIVE - a legislative
activity.
   Thank you for listening to me.
Chris Mato Nunpa
   320.981-0206 (cell)
   " matonunpa@earthlink.net "

Yuri Kochiyama turns 87 - starts Asians for the SF8

Oakland activist keeps spirit of revolution strong

By Momo Chang, Correspondent
http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/ci_9312282

Article Created: 05/19/2008 01:51:31 PM PDT

OAKLAND - Yuri Kochiyama embodies the spirit of activism that one might find in an ebullient college student, but this long-time activist for social justice turns 87 today.

Kochiyama is most well known as the woman who cradled Malcolm X in her lap after he was shot Feb. 21, 1965, during a speech at the Audubon Ballroom in New York City.

"I wanted to get up to where Malcolm was," explained Kochiyama, who was in the audience that day. "I sort of put his head in my lap, praying and hoping that he was still alive."

That moment of Kochiyama cradling the revolutionary leader was captured in a Life magazine photo.

Kochiyama, who shares the same birthday as Malcolm X and another revolutionary, Ho Chi Minh, is still an activist today.

The walls of her studio apartment in a senior housing complex near downtown Oakland are covered with political posters and signs that say "Free Mumia," "Free Palestine," and "Impeach Bush" alongside family photos, many showing interracial relationships.

Her desk and bed are covered with folders and leaflets and letters - lots of letters. She corresponds with more than 200 political prisoners in the United States, many black activists. "I can never catch up," she says.

But she was not always this radical.

Kochiyama grew up in a solidly middle class Japanese American family in San Pedro, according to Diane Fujino, associate professor of Asian American studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara, who wrote

Kochiyama's 2005 biography.

During World War II, Kochiyama's family was forced to move to an internment camp in Jerome, Arkansas, but not before her father, who had just undergone surgery, was imprisoned and tortured. He died soon after.

Kochiyama moved to Harlem - where she lived for about 40 years - after the war to live with her now-deceased husband, Bill. They, along with their six children, lived in a housing project.

She became involved in local civil rights organizations, such as a Harlem parents' group, and rallied for better schools, safer streets and union jobs for people of color.

It wasn't until she met Malcolm X, though, that her ideology became more radical, one of self-determination for African Americans and all people.

"He was so dynamic, and of course, his message so powerful," Kochiyama said, describing Malcolm X as her biggest political influence.

The petite Asian American woman first met Malcolm X at a courthouse in 1963, when she went up to him to shake his hand. She was in her 40s at the time.

Kochiyama, then known as Mary, was new to the Civil Rights Movement. She did end up shaking Malcolm X's hand and questioned his views on integration. Malcolm X invited her to his office for more discussion. Though she never went, she wrote many letters to him.

Kochiyama later invited Malcolm X to her apartment, which was dubbed "Grand Central Station," because of the many community members they housed.

Daughter Audee Kochiyama-Holman, 58, said that growing up, there was always someone living in their home besides their family, and that her mother would take the kids to demonstrations.

"For us kids, it was a very different kind of upbringing," she said. "It felt like 24/7 it was an activist home."

On June 6, 1964, the Kochiyama family hosted some hibakusha (atomic bomb survivors) from Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The person they wanted to meet most was Malcolm X.

As their apartment filled with guests, they anxiously awaited, wondering if he would show. He did.

Malcolm X also wrote the Kochiyamas many postcards - 11 from nine countries, to be exact. Kochiyama also became a member of his organization, the Organization of Afro-American Unity, and became Muslim for several years.

Poet and activist Amiri Baraka remembers first hearing about Yuri.

"There was a lot of discussion about her, because of the photo of her," said Baraka, of Newark, New Jersey.

He said it was unusual at the time to find an Asian American involved in black liberation struggles, but that he viewed it positively. The two met in 1965 and still keep in touch. Kochiyama recently attended Baraka's jazz opera, The Sisyphus Syndrome, in Oakland.

Richard Aoki, a field marshal of the Black Panther Party, said that he and Kochiyama were two of a handful of Asian Americans active in African American struggles prior to the Asian American movement in the late '60s.

"When the Asian American struggle burst loose, we found ourselves sort of in the forefront because of our exposure and experience in the African American struggle," Aoki said. "It was refreshing to find someone that would agree politically," he added.

Though Kochiyama largely aligned herself with the black liberation movement, she also had a third world outlook, Aoki said. She was one of the people arrested after taking over the Statue of Liberty with Puerto Rico independence activists in 1977, for example.

She moved to Oakland in 1999 to be closer to family after suffering a stroke.

In recent years, she's continued to support various political causes, participating in anti-war demonstrations, immigrant rights' rallies and numerous community events. And she continues to write to political prisoners, many of whom she's known for decades.

She uses a walker to get around, and occasionally a wheelchair, but that doesn't stop her. She's got scores of cross-generational friends to shuttle her around.

"She's been in it for the long haul, since the '60s," said Mary Uyematsu Kao, a friend of the family. "She's represented Asian Americans in a lot of social justice and freedom struggles."

Kochiyama recently started a grassroots group, Asian Americans for the San Francisco Eight. The "SF8" case includes former Black Panthers and affiliates facing trial for the 1971 shooting death of a San Francisco police officer. Kochiyama has known some of them for decades, visiting them in prison when she lived in Harlem.

About half the jury in cases tried in San Francisco is Asian American, but Asian Americans know very little about the case, according to the group.

Sophy Wong, 32, first met the elder Kochiyama when Wong was a college student. Today, they work together side-by-side in the political group, though Yuri is her grandmother's age.

"You realize she's the most humble person, and gives huge props to everyone else but herself," said Wong, an HIV doctor in San Francisco. "At the same time, when injustice happens in the world, she's there and speaks out about it."

Kochiyama will be honored later this month by a local youth group, Asian Pacific Islander Youth Promoting Advocacy and Leadership, for their 10-year anniversary event.

Wong, who says Yuri Kochiyama is a role model for the younger generations, added that in progressive and liberal circles, people are often angry, loud, and not-so-humble - a contrast to the way Kochiyama operates.

"Yuri represents to me the ability to be humble, yet fierce, at the same time," Wong said.

June 14th: Free the Cuban 5 Working Conference

FREE THE CUBAN 5! Saturday June 14, 2008

NY/Tri-State Area WORKING CONFERENCE on the Cuban 5 @ Hostos Community College 149th St. and Grand Concourse in the Bronx

Take the 4,5,or 2 train to 149th and Grand Concourse

8am-REGISTRATION

9:30am-5:00pm-Conference

Plenary Speakers:

• Leonard Weinglass, Cuban 5 Legal Team
• A Representative of the Cuban Mission to the United Nations

pre register: http://www.freethecuban5conference.com/id2.html

An Appeal to organize a "WORKING CONFERENCE IN SOLIDARITY WITH THE CUBAN 5!"

September 12, 2008 marks the 10^th year of the arrest of five Cuban citizens – Fernando Gonzales, Rene Gonzalez, Antonio Guerrero, Ramon Labanino, Gerardo Hernandez –who were portrayed as "spies" and "murderers" in the service of "Castro's Cuba." They were tried and convicted in an atmosphere of hype and hysteria in Miami, Florida. The verdict was goaded by ultra-right politicians and a highly orchestrated media campaign of disinformation with the tone of a lynch mob.

At the trial there was not a single page of classified information produced showing evidence of espionage or any action directed against the US government. The frame-up charges were packaged as a necessarily vague "conspiracy" to, as the prosecutor actually put it to the jury, "destroy the United States of America." In the period of 17 months between arrest and trial, the five Cubans were subjected to brutal conditions of solitary confinement and near-total isolation to hinder the preparation of their defense. This psychological torture was aimed at breaking their will, in blatant violation of their rights under US law. The hope was to break their spirit and force "confessions" to the trumped-up "conspiracy" charges. But this failed and the trial was finally held in November 2000. They were convicted in June 2001.

The truth is that the Cuban Five infiltrated ultra-right Cuban-American organizations, with a clear history of terrorist attacks organized on US soil against the sovereign Cuban state in violation of US law. Over 3,500 Cuban citizens have died in such attacks since the Cuban Revolution triumphed against the Batista dictatorship in 1959. Many tens of billions of dollars worth of damage have been done to the Cuban economy. These attacks stepped up in the mid-1990s as the Cuban economy reeled from an economic depression. Tourist hotels were bombed resulting in death and destruction. Low flying planes – originating from US territory in violation of US law – repeatedly violated Cuban airspace. Only after the Cuban government presented clear evidence of such terrorist and criminal activities and repeatedly implored, to no avail, the Clinton Administration to do something about it did the Cuban Five carry out its courageous and dangerous work which the record shows saved lives in Cuba.

Today, a panel of the 11^th Circuit Court of Appeals is considering the range of egregious violations committed by the prosecution in the original trial. In August 2005 a panel from the same Appeals Court ruled, in a stunning decision with virtually no precedent, to overturn the original trial verdict on the grounds that there could not be a fair and impartial hearing in the hostile climate of Miami, Florida. This ruling was subsequently reversed by the full court under heavy pressure from the Bush Administration's Justice Department.

Around the world, and increasingly inside the United States, the case of the Cuban Five, stands as one of the most brutal and outrageous injustices in modern history. As the facts have emerged and the truth about the Cuban Five becomes more known and publicized, Committees to support the Cuban Five have spread all over the world. Their incarceration continues under brutal conditions that have included solitary confinement and denial of family visitations and other violations of formal US laws.

Washington is paying an increasing political price as this ongoing travesty of justice enters its second decade. On May 2005, the Working Group on Arbitrary Detentions of the Human Rights Commission of the United Nations issued a stinging exposure of the arbitrary and iniquitous nature of the trial and conviction. The UN body emphasized that the Cuban Five were held in solitary confinement for 17 months, weakening their ability to mount an adequate defense; that most of the evidence against them was withheld from their attorneys, undermining an equal balance between the prosecution and the defense; and that the trial was held in Miami where it was impossible to select an impartial jury in a case linked with Cuba.

On January 2006 Amnesty International condemned the Bush Administration and US authorities for the treatment of the Cuban Five, specifically for the denials of family visitation rights for some of the Cuban Five prisoners.

An international call for world protests in solidarity with the Cuban Five in September and October 2008 has been issued. Now is the time for all supporters of the Cuban Five and all supporters of civil liberties and justice to step up our work on their behalf. Now is the time to reach out to broad layers of the US population, whatever their political views in general and on the Cuban Revolution in particular. Supporters of the Cuban Five begin by demanding that US authorities comply with US law and allow family members to visit their loved ones. In this Presidential and Congressional election year we aim to raise the issue of the Cuban Five and to reach out and win support from elected officials. To mark the 10^th anniversary of their arrests there will be organized public protests on Saturday, September 13. Out of this activity we aim to build support for a National Conference in October 2008 in New York City to support of the Cuban Five.

In this spirit, activists in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut are issuing this Appeal to Organize a Working Conference in Solidarity With the Cuban Five on Saturday, June 14, 2008. The Working Conference will be just that, a Working Conference, not a political rally or solely a gathering of already engaged and committed activists. We want this Working Conference to generate activity and concrete campaigns from the grass roots – from religious communities and organizations; from the trade union movement; from young people, students and the broader academic community; from African-American and Latino communities; from fighters for women's rights; from gay and lesbian rights organizations; from consistent advocates for civil liberties and constitutional rights; from artists and cultural workers.

This is our challenge. This is our appeal. Now is the time. Please Join Us June 14!

The Free the Cuban 5 Conference Committee: Casa de las Americas, The Popular Education Project to Free the Cuban 5, Cuba Solidarity New York, National Committee to Free the Cuban 5, IFCO-Pastors for Peace, Venceremos Brigade, Bolivarian Circles, Peoples Organization for Progress, Fuerzas de la Revolucion Dominicana, La Igelsia San Romero de las Americas, El Partido Nacionalista de Puerto Rico, International Action Center, New York Jericho, The ProLibertad Freedom Campagn, Young Socialists, Socialist Workers Party, Workers World Party, Frente Socialista de Puerto Rico

FOR MORE INFORMATION: FreeTheCuban5Conference@gmail.com

STG harassment of PP Alvaro Luna Hernandez

From:    twitchon@hotmail.com
Date:    Sun, May 18, 2008

Dear Comrades, Political Prisoner Alvaro Luna Hernandez needs your help
with phone calls and fax action as soon as possible this coming week, as
well as e-mails, to the Alfred D. Hughes Unit's Senior Warden Dawn Grounds
and Assistant Warden Kenneth Dean, the Texas Senate, and please include
the Region VI Director and TDCJ-CID Directors in that mix too. The problem
stems from what appears to be either from a gungho "points-scoring"
Assistant Warden Kenneth Dean, or a general escalation of STG
hyperactivity against Alvaro the past few months from the Warden's office;
some of my correspondence have been rejected as STG content in recent
months. In an April 29th TDCJ-CID "Inter-Office Communications" notice to
Alvaro, Dean states that... "This is to inform you that Mary Bernal has
been administratively removed from your visitation list. The action of
removing her from your list was taken by the warden's office." "You may
appeal this decision through the Grievance procedure. You must do so
within 14 days of this notice." (Alvaro submitted an I-60 to Dean May 4th,
2008. with no response coming from Dean)  A "Step One" Grievance was filed
on May 11, 2008 following this. This is where we can intercede for Alvaro
with some success if enmasse, even though they are required to exhaust
their grievances through the "Step Two" process of the Program after a
reply/or none from administration.Mary Bernal has been on Alvaro's
approved list for years with no problems; there was no specific reasons at
all for her removal. Visitations are monitored on video camera, and audio
in the phone receivers, and his correspondence to her and from her hasn't
been disturbed; so this is totally arbitrary and serves no logical
penological interest. He's asked that they rescind that order, and claims
these were violations to his protected liberty interests of notification;
a neutral decisonmaker; due process; and the First Amendment.  In a
related condition of Texas' Administrative Segregation (Control Housing)
there at the Alfred D. Hughes Unit, with a nearly 600-prisoner population
in that section, Alvaro stated in a May 15, 2008 letter, that the
prisoners in Ad-Seg. with mental stress problems are being abused in that
"Torture Chamber"...as he calls it...and..."we must stop it"; so if you
can manage all that in one communique - that would be a blow for human
rights. Here is a list of names and numbers to choose from that ought to
stir up some waves; I suggest an emphasis on the OIG, TDCJ-CID Director
Quarterman, Region VI Director Campuzano, for some influencial effects -
and then the Wardens next in priority for calls or faxes: Office of the
Inspector General,Attn: John Moriarity,oigspecialops@tdcj.state.tx.us(936)
437-5122fax: (936) 437-5118 Nathaniel Quarterman,TDCJ-CID Director,(936)
437-2173,fax:(936) 437-6325 TDCJ-CID Region VI DirectorGilberto
Campuzano,(512) 671-2575Fax: (512) 671-2579 Senior Warden Dawn
Grounds,Alfred D. Hughes Unit,Route-2, Box 4400,Gatsville, Texas
76597-0001(254) 865-6663fax: (254) 865-6964 Senator John Whitmire,Chair:
Criminal Justice Committee& Criminal Justice Legislative Oversight
Committee,P.O. Box 12068,Capitol Station,Austin, Texas 78711(512)
463-0115fax: (713) 864-5287 (Houston District Office) Please let me know,
the Central Coordinator for the Committee to Free Alvaro Luna Hernandez,
or let Alvaro know directly by mail any responses you get of interest;
make a copy should they happen to disappear for any reason once they
arrive there at Hughes.TDCJ agencies have a general policy to notify you
after they receive a complaint that a formal investigation will be
assessed before they are required to reply to you again within a 30-day
period; so don't be surprised if they catch you dozing. Yours, in
Solidarity for Political Prisoners Mr. Twitch,ABC Para-Legal Services,
P.O. Box 7187,
Austin, Texas 78712 ..."For Prisoners, there is no alcohol nor flowers,
but the night is so lovely, how can we celebrate it?I go to the air hole
and stare up at the moon, and through th eair hole, the moon smiles at the
poet..."- Ho Chi Minh, Prison Diary

Message from Leonard Peltier and the LPDOC

This is being sent on behalf of contact@whoisleonardpeltier.info URL:
http://www.whoisleonardpeltier.info


May 18, 2008

Greetings.  We hope this message finds you well and in good spirits.

As many of you already know, due to recent circumstances beyond
his control, Leonard Peltier has had no choice but to dissolve the
Leonard Peltier Defense Committee.  However, you should also know
that Leonard's family has no intention of letting this occurrence
prevent us from continuing our efforts on Leonard's behalf. Rather
than being defeated, this occurrence has strengthened our -- and
his -- resolve.

Today, we are very happy to officially announce that a new support
organization has been established for Leonard -- the Leonard Peltier
Defense Offense Committee (LPDOC), incorporated in the State of
North Dakota. Details about the LPDOC will be released in the days
and weeks ahead. We encourage you to often visit our Web site at
http://www.whoisleonardpeltier.info for all the latest information.

Supporters beware!  The LPDOC is the only organization authorized to
raise funds, by any means, for Leonard's legal defense and freedom
campaign. Former Peltier resources -- web site addresses such as
freepeltier.org, leonardpeltier.org, leonardpeltier.net, etc.,
selected MySpace pages, and the Freedom Walk at www.freedomwalk.com
-- are no longer affiliated with Leonard Peltier or his network of
family, friends and other supporters; and in no way do these Internet
resources represent Leonard's views or contribute to Leonard's
freedom campaign -- financially or otherwise. We request that you
immediately link instead to http://www.whoisleonardpeltier.info,
as well as delete the Freedom Walk widget from your Web sites,
blogs, and MySpace and Facebook pages.

All unpleasantness aside, as we make this new beginning, we hope
you will recommit to the struggle and continue to walk with Leonard
towards freedom. Join with us to bring Leonard home.

Please make note of and circulate the LPDOC's contact information:

Leonard Peltier Defense Offense Committee (LPDOC)
PO Box 7488, Fargo, ND  58106
Phone: 701/235-2206
E-mail: contact@whoisleonardpeltier.info
Web: http://www.whoisleonardpeltier.info

If you or others wish to receive e-mail updates from the LPDOC,
please visit our home page at http://www.whoisleonardpeltier.info
and enter your e-mail address in the "Receive Updates" text box
provided on the right sidebar. Please be patient as the program
adds your contact information to our listserv.

Oh, and we have another reason to celebrate today.  For the fifth
consecutive year, Leonard has been nominated for the Nobel Peace
Prize! You can read the press release at
http://www.whoisleonardpeltier.info/mediarelease20080518.htm.

At the Nobel Prize committee's request, we ask that you NOT write
letters in support of the nomination.  The recipient of the 2008
Nobel Peace Prize will be announced later this year.

Sincerely,


Betty Ann Peltier-Solano, Coordinator



A MESSAGE FROM LEONARD PELTIER

Greetings Sisters, Brothers, Friends, and Supporters.

I have sad news.  A long time friend and Elder from the Lakota Oglala
Nation, Ellen Moves Camp, has passed on.  Those of us who really
knew her will dearly miss her as she was a big inspiration to all
of us. She loved and fought for her People and the Nation without
ever once that I know of complaining or asking for something for
her personal use. She had good reason to fight against Dick Wilson
and the corrupt government regime. She lost family members at the
Wounded Knee massacre.  Then in Wounded Knee in 1973, they killed
her nephew Buddy Lamont.  So, for now, I will say this to you,
Auntie Ellen... Soon I too will pass on.  Remember me when I arrive
wherever you're going, as I want to go there, too.  Take care.

Well, the Leonard Peltier Defense Offense Committee (LPDOC) has
officially opened.  We have an office and family members and friends
have volunteered to go in and get files set up and the office
arranged for all the important work that needs to be done.  Wow,
I feel so good about this.  In particular, I feel so good because
so many Indians have come to my aid.  Unbelievable. Thank you.
For the past two or three years, people have been telling me that
Indians don't support me anymore.  Thank you, brothers and sisters,
for proving those people wrong.

And the non-Indian supporters... Without the help you've been
giving, we would not be this far along.  Thank you for your loyalty.
I love you all, too.

Politically we are as strong as ever.  We'll become stronger, too.

How about this election?  People want a change.  That is all there
is to it. Some politically influential friends tell me that drastic
change is coming that will surprise even me.  But we can't let our
guard down.  We have to keep pushing for change... for our tribal
sovereignty and cultural survival... for Mother Earth.

I can't tell you how much it means to me that so many young people
are standing up, speaking up for the People.  Also for the country,
the whole world.  The Struggle will continue and, to older people
like me, that means so much.  Thank you for your sacrifice.

So, we have a new office, address, and phone number.  We have a new
Web site, too.  Let's rebuild... 10 times stronger than we were in
2000. Instead of a million hits to our Web site a day, let's make
it 10 million. (smile)

To the support groups out there... I know you're still there.
Let's do this!  I know we can.

I'm asking everyone to give their full support to my sister Betty
Ann and my niece Kari Ann. I am certain they're in the office for
no other reason than to win my freedom.

I'll sign up for a parole hearing soon.  Keep in mind that according
to the laws in 1976, when I was indicted, I am eligible for mandatory
release after 30 years.  Under those laws, consecutive sentences
aggregate together.  So, kolas, this means I have served my time!!!
So soon, then... if we work together as a team and don't let anyone
distract us.

Take care.

In the Spirit of Crazy Horse... Doksha (Later),


Leonard Peltier



Freedom Archives
522 Valencia Street
San Francisco, CA 94110

415 863-9977

www.Freedomarchives.org  Questions and comments may be sent to
claude@freedomarchives.org

SF 8 Defendants Herman Bell and Jalil Muntaqim in Court 5/22 1:45

From:    "SF-8 case" <cdhrsupport@freedomarchives.org>
Date:    Mon, May 19, 2008


Come to Court to support Herman Bell & Jalil Muntaqim this Thursday
5/22 at 1:45
Department 26, 850 Bryant Street - San Francisco

Judge Moscone is expected to sign an order to have Herman and Jalil
returned to New York State temporarily to be present for their parole
hearings. Michael Hennessey, the SF County Sheriff, has agreed to
their return and the prosecutor has not raised any objections that
would preclude this move.

This brief hearing is scheduled to formalize the proposed Order.

www.freemarie.org

A website www.freemarie.org has been set up to support the American eco-defendant Marie Mason who is accused of involvement in a series of ELF actions. Marie has been formally charged with involvement in two ELF actions which occured in 1999/2000.

For more info, check out the website.

5/22 Emergency Picket End Grand Jury attack on Puerto Ricans

Emergency Picket Thursday May 22th, End Grand Jury & FBI harassment

NEW YORK
Emergency Picket Thursday May 22th, 2008 at 5:30pm!!


26 Federal Plaza
Take the N/R to City Hall, 4/5/6 to Brooklyn Bridge,
J/M to Chambers, A/C to Chambers, or 2/3 to Park Place

END THE GRAND JURY
STOP FBI HARASSMENT OF THE PUERTO RICAN COMMUNITY!!!
FBI OUT OF PUERTO RICO!!!
UNITE AGAINST REPRESSION

Please add your endorsement and forward

Puerto Rican Nationalist Party
Puerto Rican Nationalist Youth
Fundacion Andres Figueroa Cordero

FRENTE A LA REPRESIÓN
¡UNIDAD Y LUCHA!

Rod Coronado Book wish list and magazine update

From:    "Support for Rod Coronado" <info@supportrod.org>
Date:    Sun, May 18, 2008

(Mailing List Information, including unsubscription instructions,
is located at the end of this message.)
__

If you send a book to Rod from his wishlist, please send an email to us at
info@supportrod.org so we can remove it from the list. Until further
notice, Rod can only receive books from a bookstore, or a publisher.
Online is an easy way and we have links listed to where the books can be
purchased. I am not sure of the quantity of books, but I sent two and they
were allowed. Hard-covers must come from a bookstore or publisher. He was
also interested in magazine subscriptions for anyone who would like to do
so. These were his top choices listed from 1 to 4:

Mother Earth News

ODE

Adbusters

Yes!

Books:

The Biodynamic Farm-Agriculture in the Service of Earth and Humanity by
Dr. Herbert Koepf a classic in the biodynamic approach to farming,
addressing soil, CSA’s, and planting with the moon cycles.

Nemesis: The Last Days of the American Republic by Chalmers Johnson

Second Nature: A Gardener’s Education by Micheal Pollan. Micheal Pollan is
a great, fun to read author, other books like Botany of Desire and
Omnivore’s Dilemma highlight much “food for thought”. ORDER HERE

The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. This is a book a friend recommended to
Rod, and he really wants to read it.

The Hummingbird’s Daughter by Luis Alberto Urrea. I read this book after
it was given as a wedding gift. I could not believe the amount of Yaqui
history and the magic of the story. Rod was waiting till he had more time
on his hands to read it.

From Rod Coronado's support campaign

ELP has just received the following mailout from Rod's support campaign which may be of interest to people on this list.

As ELP reported a few days ago, Rod has now handed himself into prison and deserves all the support we can give him. Rod has never shyed from helping others and now its our turn to help him.


> From: info@supportrod.org
> __
>
> It has been 4 days since Rod left me and our 5 year old last Monday in a hotel in Phoenix. It was 3 am. That morning at about 2:15am, Rod got up, began sifting through photos of our kids, trying almost desperately to organize those last minute details that have seemed less urgent until you realize there really is no more time before you have to go…. and “there” is a place that is a vacuum of emotion, warmth, humaneness. He was on his way to catch a flight to Oklahoma; he had to surrender himself to El Reno FCI by noon that day.

> It was so hard to say good-bye; a part of us both just let the wee hours of the sleepy morning melt our emotions away. We looked at each other, knowing what lie ahead, and wiped the tears away, and the phone rang to remind him that the shuttle was waiting for him. (We decided to have him take a shuttle so Maya would sleep, and not be in that traumatic situation of asking for him to stay, and him having to go…) So he left, and I felt sick to my stomach, and tried to sleep again. But you know how that is. All of the visions that start to play, to lead your mind into the future, remind of the tenderness in the past, and how you can ask to let go but your heart still pleads to change something it cannot.

> Prison. Good for no one. Well, let me restate that, great for empire and all those who profit off of the oppression rampant in this system. But, for anyone who is stricken with having to experience it, it is not good or helpful in any way. I have said this before, and I will again, it has no hope of rehabilitation or solving any social problems. Quite the opposite, it generates the dis-ease of our nation, and breaks up families. It provides room for hate to grow and revenge to foment. Uh…..

> Rod knew that these coming months were going to be difficult, but knew that there was really no better way to deal with shifting to a life that focuses on our family and building strong ties within a community. The plea deal is really no deal; it is paying a price for being willing to take a stand. Unfortunately, things look pretty bad for most activists willing to take a stand these days. I think that is where Rod began to rethink his approach to dealing with the government.

> At no time has he condoned any of the heinous acts that the government and transnational corporations have committed against human and animal peoples. Neither do we believe it is time to shut up and accept what is happening around us. Quite the opposite actually, I think it is more accurate to say that the message is that we need to be OUT OF PRISON to do the good work that needs to be done. We need to be part of the community structures that can be avenues to the world we want to see. We need the passion we feel toward our vision of the future to be funneled into creating networks that exist outside of state systems. Perhaps that sounds difficult to imagine, but start with cooperative models like local food cooperatives, community supported agriculture, housing cooperatives, ect. There are projects happening in cities all over the world that lend to great ideas. One day perhaps we will all have a voice in how our local lands are used, our resources are distributed, and how our time is managed. There are endless possibilities!

> Rod’s time in prison is only (hopefully) 10 months, and then we can move on and begin our journey into creating a better world! The sacrifice is small for the ability to have our lives back and to have the chance to do the community building that we long to do, to support our children in the ways that they deserve. Truly, how can we expect the macrocosm to heal when our own little microcosms are suffering from the attack against their daddy?

> I also want to take this opportunity to apologize for the lack of communication over the last few months. Rod and I moved in February and we, being a living a little bit in the stone ages, never got hooked up to the internet. It meant going to the library to write an update, which I did, but literally as I finished, so did my allotted hour and the hour computer shut down on me, saved document was lost and it was really a Zen moment. If you have ever watched Buddhist monks create a sand mandala over a period of days, only to blow it to the wind once it is finished, well, not that the posting was a Buddhist act, but I felt the same. Let it go. It has been difficult to find enough time to juggle all of the normal family functions with all of the legal dealings that surround Rod. But again, I will be posting regularly and I will do a post on the sentencing and the visit to the FBI office to get his things returned.

> Rod and I have been deeply humbled by the amount of support and warmth that has surrounded us during this time. It has been steady and strong, and there have been kind folks at all steps of this process to let us know we are surrounded in love and gratitude. I always feel held in the love of all those who have stepped forward. But more than anything that has been revealed is that this movement of people who stand for a better world, a just society, and an ecological system in balance is strong. We have seen it! Although at times it seems fragmented, at least under attack, we are witnesses to the strength that exists. We were talking about that as we drove to Phoenix, the last conversations were of this. We want to share with you that the energy which surrounded us has come from far and near, in many forms, and keeps us ready to move forward! We hope you feel warmed in knowing that we, and you, are not alone.

> Much love and thanks!

> Chrysta
>
> PS: Rod’s address is
> Rodney Coronado 03895-000
> El Reno FCI
> PO Box 1500
> El Reno, OK 73036
>
> Only USPS money orders can be sent for his commissary fund at:
> Federal Bureau of Prisons
> Rodney Coronado 03895-000
> PO Box 474701
> Des Moines, IA 50947-0001
>
> You must have his full name and # on them, and your name and return address on the envelope.

Gabriel Villeneuve NOT GUILTY!!!!

ELP Information Bulletin (17th May 2008)

Dear friends

With ELP having to bring you so much bad news recently we thought we'd bring you some good news. Canadian Animal Rights Activist, Gabriel Villeneuve, who earlier this year was jailed for allegedly breaching his bail conditions, has been found not guilty at his trial.

Below is a mailout from the group that has been running his support campaign:


> ----- Original Message -----
From:
Subject: MISE À JOUR DU PROCÈS DE QUÉBEC/ TRIAL UPDATE

Gabriel Villeneuve found not guilty

Last Tuesday was held the trial of the 4 activists arrested in Quebec
while protesting against animal cruelty. The trial last almost all day
long and 6 witness spoke about the event (4 employees and 2 cops). While
watching the video footage taken by the activists at the protest, the
Judge was able to see by himself that what an activist said was not
'Everybody down' has plead by the state prosecutor but something more
likely to be 'Purolator'.

Gabriel Villeneuve was found not guilty right away on every count.
Remember that he was not at the protest and had to spend 27 days in jail.
He now has to do legal procedures to bring the government to court to be
to be compensated for what he went through in connection with his
imprisonment.

The three other activists have to go back to Quebec courthouse on July 15
for their judgment. Because the trial went very well, everyone is very
optimistic about the judgement.

Thanks to everyone who supported the activists and we'll keep you informed
in time.

--
SHAC Canada

Canada west coast-VANCOUVER
#102 - 2250 Commercial Drive
Vancouver BC, V5N 5P9
Canada
778-554-SHAC(7422)

Canada East coast-MONTREAL
PO 47579
1550 rue de Maisonneuve
Montreal,QC
H3G 2V7
Canada
514-966-6460

shaccanada@riseup.net
www.SHAC.net



+++++++++

Earth Liberation Prisoners Support Network
BM Box 2407
London
WC1N 3XX
England
www.spiritoffreedom.org.uk

Taken from this weeks SchNews - More on Sean Kirtly and the Sequani Seven Trial

Today SchNews (Britain's leading activist weekly freesheet) published an article on Sean Kirtly and the very long lasting Sequani Seven trial.

I thought some people might be interested to read it.

++++++++

TAKE ME TO YOUR LEADER

Britain’s longest running animal rights trial is nearing its end after 18 weeks. The result has serious implications for civil liberties. As we reported back in SchNEWS 616 seven defendants were on trial under the new SOCPA Laws for campaigning against Ledbury animal testing laboratory Sequani. As of going to press one man, Sean Kirtley has received a guilty verdict while three others were acquitted and two are still awaiting a verdict. (One plead guilty early in proceedings in attempt to strike a bargain). Sean has now been remanded to HMP Winson Green in Birmingham.

The seven were initially busted two years ago in Operation Tornado, which has ended up costing £4m (2% of the entire police budget for West Mercia for that year). Police seized computers, phones, personal mail and clothing from houses and workplaces They even seized a packet of Rizla!

The case taken out under section 145 of SOCPA, which makes it illegal to ‘Interference with contractual relationships so as to harm animal research organisation” The interesting twist is that instead of a straightforward charge the activists were charged with conspiracy, which not only carries a heavier sentence but allows a much broader range of evidence in.1000s of hours of video footage and a detailed analysis of mobile phone records was used to try and build a picture of a hierarchy within the campaign. Based on records of who called who and when police tried to build a picture of how the campign was structured. Defendants were asked to provide reasons for virtually every phone call they’d made to each other. One supporter told us “They’ve built a ludicrously skewed picture on what were effectivley phone calls between a group of friends – they were desperate to place Sean as the leader – he’s no such thing”.

There was no evidence of intimidation or harassment or section 5 style offences by Sean Kirtley although he has now been found guilty as he was seen as the organiser of most of the demonstrations and was considered by police to be “number 1”. The main plank of the evidence was that forensics from his home computer showed that he had updated the campaign website.

Despite being a keen foxhunter and paid up member of pro-shooting lobby-group BASC, Judge Ross refused to step down. His involvement in the killing of animals and obvious opposition to the idea of animal welfare (never mind animal rights) would have on many levels affected his judgement. The trial went ahead under a fearsome set of reporting restrictions. The jury were bussed in on a daily basis and told that they could be a target for animal rights extremists. At the same time in the same building murder trial witnesses and jury members had to make their own way into the court.

People were frisked as they entered the public gallery and some were ejected for wearing “animal rights” clothing – even down to a shirt which read “Vegan”. One campaigner told us “Human rights organisation Liberty were hassled constantly by ourselves and other activists to get them to shed light on what we could see would be a time bomb clusterfuck for movements other than our own. They told us they were too busy.”

Our court correspondent told us “So to sum up, Sean Kirtley is in prison and facing a possible 5 year sentence for holding placards, attending demonstrations just because people phoned him and said, “shall we go and demo Sequani this weekend”. He was not the organiser but it was far too much of an efficient campaign to go unnoticed by those who stand to profit from vivisection. The campaign is not over,a change of tactics is being strongly discussed within our group and we plan on taking the fight to new levels over the coming months.”

* See also http://sequani.wordpress.com

* Send mail to Sean Kirtley WC6977, HMP Birmingham Prison, Winson Green Road, Birmingham, B18 4AS, England

Eric McDavid's New Address at Sac County and T-Shirt Info

ELP Information Bulletin (17th May 2008)

Dear friends

ELP has just received the following e-mail from Eric McDavid's support campaign. As everyone is aware, Eric was recently sentenced to a highly political prison sentence of just under 20 years for merely thinking about carry out an ELF action. ELP encourages everyone to support Eric and all the other eco-prisoners.

From: sacprisonersupport@riseup.net

Hey all,

Eric is still awaiting his move to a federal facility, but they recently
moved him to a new cell (again) in Sacramento County. His new address is:

McDavid, Eric x-2972521 7E113
Sacramento County Main Jail
651"I" Street
Sacramento, CA 95814

Please keep sending Eric your letters of support during this difficult time.

Also, the wonderful folks at In Our Hearts are still making t-shirts for
Eric. See the info below to order one.

Yours,
SPS

--------------------------
Hello,

I am writing to promote t-shirts to support political prisoner Eric
McDavid. They are available in four colors and four sizes (orange on dark
brown, green on dark brown, green on blue, or black/brown on blue in
small, medium, large or extra large). Small and medium shirts are $15
each as they are printed on organic and fair trade t-shirts, and are
printed brown on blue. Large and extra large are $12 each, as they are
from the last batch printed on standard cotton shirts and are printed
black on blue. Shipping is an additional $3. All proceeds from the sale
of these shirts go to Sacramento Prisoner Support to cover Eric's legal
and commissary expenses. Contact the In Our Hearts Anarchist Network at
inourhearts[at]gmail.com to place an order for yourself or a bulk order
(10 or more shirts) for your group or area, or for any additional
information.


=========

Earth Liberation Prisoners Support Network
BM Box 2407
London
WC1N 3XX
England
www.spiritoffreedom.org.uk

Get involved in the 10/10 March on the UN for PP's and POW's

FORWARD! REPOST! SHARE WITH YOUR COMMUNITY!

SAVE THE DATE!

FRIDAY OCTOBER 10th, 2008

March on the United Nations, New York City!

Mobilization to Demand Freedom for Our Political Prisoners and
Prisoners of War!

October 10th Coalition (list in formation):
Jericho Movement, Malcolm X Commemoration Committee, NYC Anarchist
Black Cross Federation, NYC Free Mumia Coalition, NYC Leonard Peltier
Support Group, ProLibertad, Resistance in Brooklyn, Safiya Bukhari/
Nuh Washington Foundation, Malcolm X Commemoration Committee

GET INVOLVED!
For more information, contact nycjericho[at]riseup[dot]net *
718-853-0893

Download the flyers from http://www.thejerichomovement.com/
events.html or make your own.

ASK HOW YOU CAN PLEDGE YOUR SUPPORT!!!

Support Parole for US Political Prisoner Robert 'Seth' Hayes!]

From:    "Political Prisoner News" <ppnews@freedomarchives.org>
Date:    Fri, May 16, 2008

hey folks,

This callout is based upon the parole
documentation that we used two years ago. Seth's
parole hearing has got moved up a month, so we
don't have a lot of time for this. Can people
please write letters and send them to Susan
immediately and also pass this out over your networks?

*PLEASE FORWARD*

Support Parole for US Political Prisoner Robert 'Seth' Hayes! - Letters
needed by May 30th 2008

Locked down for more than a lifetime: Soliciting letters of support for
a U.S. political prisoner Robert Seth
Hayes’s Parole ­ May 2008

A letter from the Robert Seth Hayes Support Committee -
www.sethhayes.org | info (at) sethhayes.org

Robert “Seth” Hayes is a U.S. political prisoner and former member of
the Black Panther Party who has been imprisoned in New York state for
more than three decades. When Seth was convicted in 1974, his sentence
was 25 years to life. The implicit understanding at the time of his
sentencing was that Seth would serve 25 years as a minimum, after which
time he would be eligible for release based on his record and conduct in
prison.

In June of 2008, Seth will be going before the parole board for the
fourth time. At each of Seth’s previous parole hearings, he was denied
release
due to the serious nature of the crime he was convicted for and given
another two years in jail. The refusal of parole for the serious nature
of the crime seems contrary to the spirit of the law, for it is
something that a prisoner can never change, and the giving of parole is
based upon the prisoner's behavior while behind bars.

Seth is not the only one being subjected to these unfair rules. This has
become common practice for the New York state parole board, who, by
denying parole based on the seriousness of the conviction, are defacto
re-sentencing many prisoners to life in prison without the possibility
of parole.

Seth’s prison record is exemplary, and if a decision about Seth’s parole
were to be based on his conduct and personal growth, he would have
rejoined his family and his community years ago.

Please write a letter to the parole board to let them know that you
think Seth deserves to be released. Write your own letter, or use the
sample letter that has been included in this document.

If you have a personal relationship with Seth, please consider writing
about this relationship in your letter. If you work with a community
organization or union, have a professional job, or are a rock star,
please consider mentioning this in your letter (or writing on
letterhead, etc.).

If you decide to personalize your letter, you may choose to include
information drawn from the short biography also included in this
package, where some of Seth’s accomplishments are highlighted.

More information about Seth can be found on a web page that has been put
together by his supporters at www.sethhayes.org

All letters should be mailed or faxed to Seth’s lawyer, Susan Tipograph,
by no later than May 30th, 2008 as Seth's parole hearing is taking
place in June of 2008. Please send all of your letters to:


Susan Tipograph

Attorney At Law
350 Broadway
New York, NY
10013
fax (212) 625-3939


Sample Letter

Re: Robert Seth Hayes

#74A2280

Dear Senior Parole Officer of Wende Correctional Institute,

I am writing on behalf of Robert Hayes who is scheduled to appear before
the parole board for the fifth time in July of 2006.

Robert Hayes' application for parole was denied when he last appeared
before the board two years ago. At the time of that appearance, his
record was excellent. However, since that time his record is
outstanding. Mr. Hayes has continued to work to help others and improve
himself. While at Clinton Correctional Facility, he facilitated in the
HIV Educators program to assist others as well as becoming a member of
the Lifer's and Long Termers Organization whose primary goal is to
educate and instruct newly arriving inmates in adjustment to and
preparation for final release from incarceration. Since his transfer to
Wende Correctional Facility, he has coached basketball and participated
in a local restorative justice project. These are but a few of his many
accomplishments over his years of incarceration. I am confident that
were he to be released, he would be a great asset to the community and
to society at large.

There is no question that the crime for which Mr. Hayes was convicted
was a serious crime. However, he has shown remorse and takes full
responsibility for his acts. I am sure that you will agree that after
serving almost 33 years Mr. Hayes’ release at this time would not so
deprecate the seriousness of the crime so as to undermine respect for
the law. Moreover, if you examine all of the factors that are used to
predict whether person is most likely to recidivate, those factors
indicate that Mr. Hayes will not engage in any criminal activity. His
disciplinary history during his incarceration indicates that he obeys
the rules in prison; he has a supportive network of family and friends
on the outside available to assist him in his reintegration back into
society and he had an extensive work history prior to being incarcerated
in addition to obtaining marketable skills in prison that will help him
to obtain employment. Nothing is gained by his continued incarceration,
and much is lost, as he has much to offer the community upon his release.

By the time that Mr. Hayes appears before the parole board, he will be
58 years old ­ more than 30 years older and considerably wiser than the
man who was charged with committing the crime. He is a compassionate,
caring individual and deserves a second chance. Please grant Mr. Hayes
parole and give him that second chance.

Sincerely,

_____________________

Biography

Robert Seth Hayes was born in Harlem, New York in October 1948. His
father, John Franklin Hayes, was the child of sharecroppers and came to
New York City from South Carolina; his mother, Francine Washington
Hayes, moved to New York from Pittsburgh. Both of Mr. Hayes’ parents
worked for the U.S. Postal Service, trying to provide a better life for
Seth and his four brothers and sisters. They also instilled in their
children the desire to work for the betterment of their community. Seth
writes, “My mother taught me to visualize family universally, not
individually.” Seth’s father was a World War II veteran and a member of
the United Negro Improvement Association, the Black Nationalist
organization founded by Marcus Garvey.

Growing up in New York City, first in Harlem, later in the Bronx and
Queens, Mr. Hayes saw one Black neighborhood after another suffering
from neglect, despair, anger and defeat. During 1950s and 1960s with the
growing rise of the civil rights and Black power movements Seth recalls
witnessing over the years a birth of hope and determination to overcome
these conditions.

After his schooling in New York City, Mr. Hayes worked as a psychiatric
aide at Creedmoor Hospital. He was drafted into the U.S. Army and sent
to Vietnam. He saw combat, was wounded and awarded the Purple Heart,
National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal and the
Vietnam Campaign Medal.

In the armed forces, Seth underwent a change of consciousness. After
the death of Martin Luther King Junior in 1968, Seth’s troop was ordered
to patrol the city streets with fixed bayonets to put down the
rebellions resulting from Dr. King’s assassination. “It was the saddest
day of my life,” Seth remembers, “and I could never identify again with
the aims of the armed forces or the government.”

Upon returning to the United States from Vietnam, Seth was swept up in
the Black Liberation movement and joined the Black Panther Party. He
worked in the free breakfast for children program and began dedicating
his life to the betterment of Black people. His knowledge of the
effects of racism on the Black community convinced him that the Black
Panthers’ program of community service ad community self-defense was
what was needed. His work, like that of so many others, was disrupted
by COINTELPRO. Fearing further attacks, he went underground, believing
it to be the only way to protect the work of the Black Panther Party and
the Black movement in general.

Robert Seth Hayes had two children prior to his arrest and imprisonment,
and he has remained closely involved their lives and upbringing, despite
the difficulties presented by his long incarceration. His son, Chunga,
lives and works in Atlanta. His daughter, Crystal, herself mother of
14-year-old Myaisha, is a student at the Smith College graduate school
of social work in Western Massachusetts. Seth calls his family “the
loves of my life.” He describes his relationship with Crystal this way,
“She has had the most intense impact on my life, always questioning,
full of joy and insight, grasping lessons and maintaining her own
dreams. She has kept me striving always to expand my knowledge and
illuminate my principles, as I struggle to stay abreast of her
questioning mind.”

Seth has been diagnosed with Type II diabetes and Hepatitis C. He has
been extremely ill and had great difficulty procuring the necessary
healthcare and has needed the help of his lawyers and some state
political leaders in order to get adequate treatment.

While in prison, Seth continues to work for the betterment of the
community in which he lives. He has participated in programs with the
NAACP, the Jaycees and other organizations and has worked as a
librarian, pre-release advisor and AIDS counselor. Whenever possible, he
has taken college courses. He is also a longtime advisor and
collaborator in the annual “Certain Days” Political Prisoner calendar
project. He is dedicated to continuing to work for social justice when
he gets out of prison. At Wende correctional facility where he is
currently incarcerated, Seth is working to put together a "lifers
program" to help rehabilitate prisoners and prepare them to reenter the
community. Seth also coaches basketball and works on assisting a local
restorative justice project taking place in Buffalo.

For more information about Seth, please check out www.sethhayes.org or
e-mail info (at) sethhayes.org.

Alert From: Ella Baker Center for Human Rights

Two weeks ago, we asked you to take action against the Runner Initiative, a potential ballot measure by Sen. George Runner that would divert billions from California's schools, health care, and other public services to fund outdated, ineffective policing and prison policies. One of the biggest early funders of the initiative, the California Association of Healthcare Underwriters (CAHU), received thousands of emails from Ella Baker Center supporters asking them to reconsider. Our efforts worked: at their annual board meeting next Monday, May 19, they will vote on whether or not to withdraw their support of this misguided initiative!

Books Not Bars and other members of the Coalition to Defeat George Runner's Initiative have organized a Virtual Picket Line to encourage CAHU to do what's right by publicly withdrawing their support of the initiative. Send your message to the CAHU board and urge them to join us in opposing the Runner Initiative!

The proposed measure, brought forth by California State Republican Senator George Runner (R-17), would pour billions into the already bloated prison system, money that is currently being spent on schools, health care and other public services. The non-partisan Legislative Analyst's Office estimates the measure will cost $1 BILLION the first year and at least $500 million every year after that, plus an unfunded mandate on city and county governments which will be forced to pay for increased enforcement and additional jails -- all to pursue policies that have failed in the past and have led to California's current budget crisis.

Many respected leaders and organizations have publicly opposed the measure, including California Senate Majority Leader Gloria Romero, Southern California ACLU, Assemblymembers Joe Coto and Sandre Swanson, the cities of San Francisco and Berkeley, and many more -- our movement grows larger every day. In her statement against the initiative, Congresswoman Barbara Lee said, "While we all want our communities to be free of crime and safer for our families, the Runner Initiative doesn't address the core problems or create real solutions. In light of the current California budget crisis, we cannot afford to irresponsibly spend even more California tax dollars on a failed policy of only funding prisons and criminalizing youth; we must make investments that prevent crime, in our communities where the impact is the greatest."

We have a chance to pull the plug on the Runner Initiative -- ask the California Association of Health Underwriters to withdraw their funding. Click here to join our Virtual Picket Line:
http://www.ellabakercenter.org/?p=runner_cahu

Instead of working for genuine solutions to crime and violence, the Runner Initiative singles out our most vulnerable communities for increased scrutiny and punishment. For example, it:
Targets youth for adult incarceration, deeming any youth 14 years or older who is convicted of an alleged "gang-related" felony as unfit for trial in a juvenile court or housing in a youth prison;
Targets poor people, forcing recipients of public housing subsidies to submit to annual criminal background checks with the intention of withdrawing the housing subsidies of people with recent criminal convictions;
Targets undocumented immigrants by denying bail to those charged with violent or gang-related crimes and requiring local sheriffs to inform Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) of the arrest and charges of people who are undocumented.
Between now and November, we'll campaign tirelessly against the Runner Initiative, shifting the debate to focus on positive solutions to crime and violence, such as schools and opportunities for young people. It'll be a long fight, but with your help, I'm sure we will win.

Thank you for all that you do.

Forward ever,

Jakada Imani
Executive Director, Ella Baker Center for Human Rights

Day of Solidarity With Jeffrey Free Luers and All Eco-Prisoners June 14, 2008

from info@freejeffluers.org
June 2008 marks the 8th anniversary of the imprisonment of Jeffrey Free
Luers.

Each June for the past 8 years, a Day of Solidarity has been held to garner
support for Jeff and other eco-prisoners. Throughout the years, support for
Jeff has been widespread and the solidarity has been appreciated more than
words could ever express.

In February 2008, after winning his appeal, Jeff finally received a reduced
sentence and will now be released by December 2009; almost 13 years earlier
than his original sentence would have allowed.

So, this June there are reasons to celebrate. But there is still a lot to
accomplish. One of the most difficult aspects of prison is reintegrating back
into a "normal" life. Jeff has plans to take classes, while maintaining a job
and will be facing many living expenses, as well as dealing with the
emotional
reintegration.

June 14, 2008 will mark the kickoff to a campaign to raise money to help Jeff
with his education and living expenses upon his release. We hope this day
also
helps bring attention to the many eco-prisoners still facing time behind bars
and repression by the state.

We urge everyone around the world and across the U.S. to hold a solidarity
event on this day for eco-prisoners. Large or small, from protest actions to
letter writing parties, it is all worthwhile and helpful.

For information on past solidarity events or ideas, go to
http://freejeffluers.org/howtohelp.html and for information on other
eco-prisoners check out http://greenscare.org/ or
http://spiritoffreedom.org.uk/

Donations to Jeff can be made through various options available here:
http://freejeffluers.org/donate.html

Thank you for your support!

In Solidarity
-Friends of Jeffrey Free Luers

http://www.freejeffluers.org
info@freejeffluers.org

Please comment by May 24th to support ODOC rulechange

Here's a sample letter that people can modify - remember these letters
have to be received by Monday May 26th so they should be in the mail by
Saturday May 24th, which is just a week from this coming Saturday. If you
don't have a stamp or time, please just email your letter to
pdxbookstoprisoners@riseup.net, (including a return address) and we'll be
happy to print your letter and send it off for you.

This rule change is going to make it a whole lot easier to get books into
Oregon prisons, and with the recent extreme media mail rate increases,
it's pretty much the only way our projects can continue to realistically
serve people who are incarcerated in Oregon.

Please write your letter today!

SAMPLE LETTER:

Birdie Worley
ODOC Rules Coordinator
2575 Center St NE
Salem OR 97301 May 12 2008

Dear Ms. Worley,

I am writing in regards to the proposed changes to mail rules to allow
prisoners to receive used books (OAR 291-131-0025).

I fully support this change because I feel that prisoners are under -
served in many ways by not having access to used books.

The new rule will help all prisoners have greater access to books and
educational materials to learn from.

I also feel it's important because indigent prisoners are currently at a
disadvantage in acquiring books, and allowing used books into Oregon
prisons will make it easier to get books at a lesser cost.

Thank you for addressing this issue.

Signed,

--------------------------- Original Message----------------------------
Subject: [freejeffluers] Your input is needed
From:    info@freejeffluers.org
date:    Tue, May 13, 2008 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Friends,
We have just been informed of a proposed rule change for the Oregon
Department of Corrections (DOC) that we are actually in support of! The DOC is
proposing to allow prisoners in Oregon to receive USED books. (Currently they can
only receive NEW books).  This is great news for prisoners and the
environment. The DOC will take public comments on the proposal until May 26.
We are asking everyone to contact the DOC to express your support of this rule
change by the deadline of May 26. Please send your supportive and polite
comments to:
Birdie Worley
Department of Corrections
2575 Center St. NE
Salem, OR 97301-4667
phone: (503) 945-0933
email: birdie.worley@state.or.us
To view the proposed rule change, go to:
http://arcweb.sos.state.or.us/rules/0508_Bulletin/0508_rulemaking_bulletin.html
(scroll down to “Department of Corrections” – it is alphabetical)
Rule Caption: Incoming Mail Services for Inmates Incarcerated in
Department of
Corrections Facilities.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 179.040, 423.020, 423.030 & 423.075
Stats. Implemented: ORS 179.040, 423.020, 423.030 & 423.075
Proposed Amendments: 291-131-0025
Last Date for Comment: 5-26-08
Summary: This proposed amendment will permit inmates incarcerated in
Department of Corrections facilities to receive used books through the inmate mail
system. Rules Coordinator: Janet R. Worley
Address: Department of Corrections, 2575 Center St. NE, Salem, OR
97301-4667
Telephone: (503) 945-0933
Thank you for your support!
-Friends of Jeffrey Free Luers
http://freejeffluers.org
Please donate: http://freejeffluers.org/donate.html
info@freejeffluers.org

The Case of Binayak Sen

Indian Jailbirds May 15, 2008
http://www.counterpunch.org/kampmark05152008.html

By BINOY KAMPMARK

A year on and Dr. Binayak Sen is still being detained in a Chhattisgarh prison. Sen is a public health specialist and national Vice President of the People’s Union for Civil Liberties. In April this year, he was conferred the Jonathan Mann Award for Global Health and Human Rights. He is due to receive it at the end of this month. The Global Health Council was polite in its letter to the President of India and the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh. ‘Please consider finding the means to allow him to receive his award in person.’

The Chhattisgarh authorities barely stirred. For them, the good doctor is knee deep in the Naxalist campaign waged by the Communist Party of India (CPI). In providing medical treatment to Naxalite leader Narayan Sanyal in the Raipur jail, Sen purportedly aided and abetted Sanyal’s ‘anti-national’ activities. The charges were more than suspect: the meeting had taken place with the full knowledge and permission of the Deputy Superintendent of Police.

With his detention on charges of sedition, Sen joined an assortment of human rights activists who are filling India’s jails. Journalist and civil rights activist Lachit Bordoloi was arrested in February for his links with the United Liberation Front of Asom. Praful Jha, a journalist from Chhattisgarh, was arrested in January for alleged links to the CPI. Ditto Govindan Kutty, editor of the monthly journal People’s March based in Kerala and fellow journalist Prashant Rahi. Allegations of torture abound. While India seduces the West with its economic prowess, it is gradually strangling its political dissenters.

The government in New Delhi gives the impression of being under siege. In some ways, it is. A spate of bombings over the last few years, the deadliest being the attacks in Jaipur in March, have rattled officials. In his National Day speech in August 2006, India’s Prime Minister Manmohan Singh saw Naxalism and terrorism in general as the two biggest threats to India’s internal stability. Such threats are being countered with a vigor that is alarming the human rights fraternity.

Anti-insurgency campaigns tend to be fraught with crude euphemisms. Law makers and law enforcers often resemble a cadre of creative writers: they seek to draft statutes that inculpate rather than clarify; they charge suspects with inventive crimes. In such a climate, the Indian Penal Code and the Criminal Procedure Code have been relegated as inconvenient hurdles.

Such campaigns are also characterized by a conspicuous use of ‘irregular’ activity. If insurgents wage war with cloak and dagger (or in the case of the Naxalites, axes), the authorities will respond in kind. Enter the civilian militia organization, Salwa Judum, part of Sen’s prison dilemma.

When it first appeared on the Indian political scene in 2005, the group was described as a spontaneous uprising against the Communist Party of India, a manifestation of indigenous (or adivasi) dissatisfaction with Maoist repression. A closer inspection by the PUCL in April 2006 revealed a ‘state-organized anti-insurgency campaign’. Sen has been vocal in condemning it.

With government assistance, ostensibly to combat Maoist insurgents, the Salwa Judum milita has proven its mettle against tribal minorities. Its violence in Dantewada District within Chhattisgarh is undisputed, a mixture of threats, retaliation and a scorched earth policy. Tens of thousands of residents have been displaced, relocated to ‘relief camps’. These are potential deathtraps, given the dearth of amenities. Authorities underline Maoist excesses and measures – those of the Salwa Judum are hailed as proportionate counter-measures.

The authorities have various legal weapons at their disposal, the Chhattisgarh Special Public Security Act, 2005 (CSPSA), and the particularly brutal Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 1967. These have been collectively known as the ‘Black Laws.’ The previous statute covering the subject, the Prevention of Terrorism Act, had been given a pasting by activist groups. Its abolition in 2004 was cold comfort to reformers. The legislative debris of POTA was merely absorbed into the ‘Black Laws’ of 2004.

The CSPSA, a creature of the Bharatiya Janata Party, broadened the criminal emphasis on ‘unlawful’, targeting those with tendencies to disrupt public order. Reportage on supposedly ‘terrorist’ groups and activities is strictly prohibited, so we are none the wiser as to what is actually going on amongst ‘terrorist’ organizations. The UAPA facilitates lengthy detention periods without trial and a requirement for reasonable evidence. Secrecy and concealment of government abuses is thereby assured.

Sen’s detention has sparked outrage. 22 Nobel Prize winners have expressed ‘grave concern’ at a jailing which violates the freedoms of opinion, _expression and association protected by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. But many will follow his footsteps as prison benchwarmers. The catalogue of abuses by the Indian government, at federal and local level, will only grow. And Sen is unlikely to be Washington on May 29 to receive his award.

Binoy Kampmark was a Commonwealth Scholar at Selwyn College, University of Cambridge. He can be reached at: bkampmark@gmail.com.

Daniel McGowan is being transferred

ELP has just recieved this news about American ELF/ALF prisoner Daniel McGowan.

Daniel follows a vegetarian diet therefore its essential that wherever he ends up we ensure he gets the diet of his choice.

---

Date: Thu, 15 May 2008 09:55:33 -0700
From: friendsofdanielmcg@yahoo.com
To: supportdaniel_announce@lists.riseup.net
Subject: [supportdaniel_announce] Daniel is being transferred

Hello, all -

We just found out that Daniel has been transferred out of FCI Sandstone. This was completely unexpected, and we do not know what his final destination will be. Please hold off on mailing letters for the time being; we'll send out an update as soon as we have one.

Best,
Family & Friends of Daniel McGowan


Daniel McGowan is an environmental and social justice activist. He was charged in federal court on many counts of arson, property destruction and conspiracy, all relating to two incidents in Oregon in 2001. Until recently, Daniel was offered two choices by the government: cooperate by informing on other people, or go to trial and face life in prison. His only real option was to plead not guilty until he could reach a resolution of the case that permitted him to honor his principles. As a result of months of litigation and negotiation, Daniel was able to admit to his role in these two incidents, while not implicating or identifying any other people who might have been involved. He was sentenced to 7 years in prison on June 4, 2007 and began serving his time on July 2, 2007.

New British Animal Rights Prisoner

Urgent ELP! Bulletin (15th of May 2008)

Dear friends

As some people may be aware, for the past 18 weeks six British animal rights activists have been on trial accused of "Conspiracy to interfere with contractual relationships so as to harm animal research organisation" following demonstrations against the company Sequani.

ELP has just learnt that, at the end of the trial, vegan activist, Sean Kirtley, has been found guilty and remanded into custody pending sentencing. Three other activists have been found Not Guilty whilst the fate of the other two, at this stage, is unknown.

The case against Sean is a classic case of State censorship (please see below article) and we urge everyone to send urgent letters of support to:

Sean Kirtley WC6977
HMP Birmingham Prison
Winson Green Road
Birmingham
B18 4AS
England


From: http://www.sequani.wordpress.com

Sequani Trial Update - One Remanded - Three not guilty so far…
14th May

One of our friends Sean Kirtley was remanded in custody today after a jury found him guilty of Conspiracy to interfere with contractual relationships so as to harm animal research organisation. Rose Golding, Gemma Astbury and Wendy Clark have been found not guilty. Pauline Burgess and Jo Goodyear should have a verdict tomorrow.

Sean is a tireless campaigner for animals and we hope to put a support network in place for him when he has been sentenced and assigned a prison number.

It would seem that someone was needed to make the four million pound operation tornado case look like it wasn't an astronomical waste of cash.

So what did Sean do to end up in prison, what was the evidence that took a father away from his family and ended him in prison.

Sean was responsible for the SSAT website. He never swore at people on a demonstration, he never used illegal direct action to further the campaign against Sequani. He never intimidated anyone or wrote threatening letters.

The prosecution had him pegged as the organiser of most of the demonstrations at Sequani and suppliers and used hearsay evidence and phone logs to make him seem like a hub for times and places of demonstrations.

We all try to do what we can as part of a campaign against a place like Sequani, Sean had skills which allowed him to maintain the SSAT and he was not a leader he just did everything he could to help animals inside Sequani. Police saw the website as a threat and therefore Sean as a more effective activist from the group which made him a target for anti protest police.

Needless to say, the campaign continues and with love and rage in our hearts we will battle on through the police bullshit and flawed legislation until all are the cages are empty at Sequani and the horrors that animals face inside daily stops forever.

We will update the Stop Sequani site with details of how to write to Sean etc ASAP.

Thank you to everyone who has supported the Sequani Six over the past 18 weeks.

SSC

Stop Sequani Campaign


++++++++++

Earth Liberation Prisoners Support Network
BM Box 2407
London
WC1N 3XX
England
www.spiritoffreedom.org.uk

Send birthday greetings to Gerardo Hernandez and Ramon Labanino!

Dear Friends of the Cuban Five

Send a birthday greeting to: Gerardo Hernández and Ramón Labañino! Two of the Cuban Five have birthdays in June. Be sure to send them a birthday greeting! You can write to them directly at the prison, (address below) and also transmit a greeting to our email address below. We will then mail Ramón and Gerardo your greeting which you send us. Gerardo Hernández was born June 4, 1965. His address is: Gerardo Hernández, #58739-004 U.S.P. Victorville P.O. Box 5500 Adelanto, CA 92301 Ramón Labañino was born June 9, 1963. He is registered in prison as Luis Medina, so you have to address the envelope as: Luis Medina, #58734-004 U.S.P. Beaumont P.O. Box 26030 Beaumont TX 77720 Then inside the cards and letters, you can write to him as Ramón. Free the Five website Contact Us email: info@freethefive.org phone: 415-821-6545 web: http://www.freethefive.org

Possible Oregon Department of Corrections Rule Change to Allow Used Books

Dear Friends,

We have just been informed of a proposed rule change for the Oregon
Department of Corrections (DOC) that we are actually in support of! The DOC is proposing
to allow prisoners in Oregon to receive USED books. (Currently they can only
receive NEW books).  This is great news for prisoners and the environment.
The DOC will take public comments on the proposal until May 26.

We are asking everyone to contact the DOC to express your support of this
rule change by the deadline of May 26. Please send your supportive and polite
comments to:

Birdie Worley
Department of Corrections
2575 Center St. NE
Salem, OR 97301-4667
phone: (503) 945-0933
email: birdie.worley@state.or.us

To view the proposed rule change, go to:

http://arcweb.sos.state.or.us/rules/0508_Bulletin/0508_rulemaking_bulletin.html
(scroll down to “Department of Corrections” – it is alphabetical)

Rule Caption: Incoming Mail Services for Inmates Incarcerated in
Department of
Corrections Facilities.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 179.040, 423.020, 423.030 & 423.075
Stats. Implemented: ORS 179.040, 423.020, 423.030 & 423.075
Proposed Amendments: 291-131-0025
Last Date for Comment: 5-26-08
Summary: This proposed amendment will permit inmates incarcerated in Department of Corrections facilities to receive used books through the inmate mail
system.

Rules Coordinator: Janet R. Worley
Address: Department of Corrections, 2575 Center St. NE, Salem, OR 97301-4667
Telephone: (503) 945-0933

Thank you for your support!
-Friends of Jeffrey Free Luers
http://freejeffluers.org
Please donate: http://freejeffluers.org/donate.html
info@freejeffluers.org

Push For Crisis Intervention Teams Within The NYPD

Dear Friend,

Please join me in supporting the Push For Crisis Intervention Teams Within
The NYPD campaign. It's easy, just go to
http://citizenspeak.org/node/1285and make your voice heard.

Thank you,
Carlos Sabater
RIPPD Member

Support Rod Coronado!

Urgent ELP! Bulletin (13th of May 2008)

Dear friends

ELP has just learnt that our dear old friend, Rod Coronado, yesterday handed himself into prison.

Rod is a well known American activist who over the years has been involved with a number of different groups including Earth First!, Sea Shepherd and the Animal Liberation Front. He is a former prisoner having been jailed for both ALF and Earth First! activity. He has also served time for an action protesting against the mascare, carried out against Native Americans, by General Custer.

Rod's current sentence is one year imprisonment for telling people how to make an ALF incendiary device during an Animal Righst gathering.

Rod is an old friend of ELP's and he is known as a decided individual who has always been first to offer his support for the prisoners. Now it is our turn to help him.

Please sent urgent letters of support to:

Rodney Coronado #03895-000
FCI EL RENO
FEDERAL CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION
P.O. BOX 1500
EL RENO, OK 73036

USA

Rod currently follows a vegetarian diet.

For more info on Rod and how you can help, please check out his website http://www.supportrod.org/

+++++++++++

Earth Liberation Prisoners Support Network

BM Box 2407

London

WC1N 3XX

England

www.spiritoffreedom.org.uk

Sussex NJ prosecutor won't seek jail time for animal rights activist

by Jim Lockwood/The Star-Ledger

Friday May 09, 2008, 5:45 PM

The Sussex County Prosecutor's Office will not seek jail time for an animal-rights activist from Vernon who is appealing his 30-day sentence for resisting arrest during a bear-trap tampering incident last year.

Albert "Ali" Kazemian instead should be sentenced to a 30-day sheriff's work detail, Sussex County Assistant Prosecutor Gregory Mueller told a judge today during a hearing on the appeal in Superior Court in Newton.

"There does have to be a punitive sanction, but the state has no objection to converting this (jail sentence)..." Mueller said.

"This is encouraging. I have always argued that the 30-day jail sentence was excessive," Kazemian's attorney, Gina Calogero, said.

Superior Court Judge N. Peter Conforti ordered a pre-sentencing report to be completed before issuing a ruling on June 6.

Kazemian, 51, was arrested at 12:10 a.m. July 17, when he allegedly was caught by state Division of Fish & Wildlife officers pouring human urine from a gallon jug near a bear trap that had been set up on his neighbor's property, authorities had said. If bears pick up the scent of urine, they won't go near the area.

In a plea bargain last year in Vernon Municipal Court, Kazemian pleaded guilty to two disorderly-persons charges of resisting arrest and a summons of interfering with officials, while other summonses alleging he poured urine in a bear trap to deter bruins, trespassed and harassed neighbors were dismissed.

Vernon Municipal Court Judge C. William Bowkley sentenced Kazemian to 30 days in jail because it was his second conviction in Vernon for a similar offense and he represented a risk of re-offense.

Briana Waters Mother's Day Challenge Fundraiser

From:    freemarie@riseup.net
Date:    Mon, May 12, 2008

Briana was found guilty for Green Scare related charges just days before
Marie was arrested. She is currently incarcerated separated from her
friends, family, partner and 2 year old daughter awaiting sentencing May
30. A fundraising opportunity has arisen for Briana's support crew. We
encourage people to check it out.

Its all about the Struggle,
Steve
Got Your Back

http://www.supportbriana.org/

In the spirit of Mother's Day, an anonymous donor has pledged to match
donations from Briana's supporters for up to a total of $10,000. If
successful, we will have raised at least $20,000(!), which will be used
specifically to offset the cost of an expert attorney who has been hired
for Briana's appeal.

We will be accepting donations until May 18, 2008 for the Mother's Day
Challenge. If you are donating for this purpose, please indicate "Mother's
Day Challenge" on the memo line of your check or in the note section of
the online donation system to the right. If you have any questions, please
email donate@supportbriana.org. Thank you for your support!!!

Solidarity is a Weapon – A multi city Q&A with Derrik Jenson and Green Scare Defendant Marie Mason

Date:    Sat, May 10, 2008
freemarie@lists.riseup.net
Annual Weekend of Resistance against the Green Scare event

June 7, 2008

This June 7 people from all over North America will gather together on a
single day to discuss the threat against the radical environmental
movement, the Green Scare cases and what they mean, and to question how we
can prevent impending ecological collapse.

The Q&A will be an interactive experience where people from all over will
be able to email questions to Derrik and Marie and a webcast discussion
around those questions with Derrik will ensue.

Each host city gets to build around the webcast however they want. Benefit
shows, dinners, teach ins, marches and protests are all some of the things
already being planned in conjunction with the Q&A. Host Cities can charge
what they see fit for this event all that is asked is all funds raised are
used to support Green Scare prisoners.

All that is needed is  is a laptop, Internet access, instant messaging
capability, a projector and a screen. All should be available at the local
public library. All you need to get the webcast is a site that will be
posted to anybody who emails and asks.

Please contact the coordinator listed below for details on the event in
your city or contact Derrik's booking agent at lierrekeith@yahoo.com
and/or Marie's support crew freemarie@risup.net if you would like to host
this event in your city.

The cities, event starting times and their organizers so far are:

Portland, OR 5pm Mark:  markwdilley@gmail.com
Sacramento, CA 5pm John: foggytown@gmail.com
Chicago, IL 7pm Monkey: monkeywrenchintifada@riseup.net
Minneapolis, MN 7pm Rob: beautifulloser@riseup.net
Bloomington, IN 7pm Hugh: roadblockef@yahoo.com
Evansville, IN 7pm Teega: garlicisgreat@riseup.net
Cincinnati, OH 8pm Ryan: donohurp@yahoo.com, Anthony: tofuanthony@yahoo.com
Detroit, MI 8pm Jhone: trumbullplex@yahoo.com, Monica:  monicak@jetemail.net
Ann Arbor, MI 8pm Julie: joolibooli@yahoo.com, Gaia: gaia.kile@gmail.com
Lexington, KY 8pm Don: vegan.straightedge@yahoo.com
New York, NY 8pm Spencer: distro@fifthestate.org

Derrick Jensen is a ground-breaking and critically-acclaimed author
speaking on civilization, violence, and resistance to ecological collapse.
Check out www.derrickjensen.org/ for more info.

Marie Mason is a loving mother of two and environmental and social justice
activist. On March 10 she along with four others were arrested by FBI and
homeland security agents and charged with two ELF related actions dating
back almost a decade.

Marie's case is the latest development in what has been dubbed the Green
Scare, a recent wave of government repression aimed at disrupting and
discrediting grassroots environmental activism and criminalizing dissent.

Resisting War Crimes Is Not A Crime – Defend the Raytheon 9!

The Derry Anti War Coalition is calling on everyone who can to take the morning off work on Monday 19th May and come to the protest outside the Court in Belfast.

It has been confirmed that the trial of Derry Anti War Coalition (DAWC) activists, the Raytheon 9, will start on Monday May19th, in the Laganside Courts in Belfast. The Raytheon 9 are charged with criminal damage and affray as a result of the non-violent direct action taken by DAWC on 9th August 2006 at the height of the Israeli assault on Lebanon.

There will be a mass protest outside the Court (opposite the Waterfront) from 9.30 to 10.30 on Monday 19th and every Monday morning as long as the trial continues. The DAWC feels we can't ask people to protest on a daily basis, but those who can spare an hour would be very welcome inside the Court to show support. Also, we will be gathering outside the Court every morning at 10.00am and we would be delighted to see anyone who wants to come along for just five minutes, to cheer us on, read a poem, do a piece of street theatre or anything else.

Meanwhile, support for the Raytheon 9 is flooding in from across Britain and Ireland and as far afield as Australia, Venezuela, Argentina and Brazil. The DAWC pamphlet on the Raytheon 9 has been translated into Spanish, which explains the sudden influx of solidarity from Latin America

Solidarity actions have taken place or are planned almost everywhere there is a Raytheon plant, but especially in the US. At the end of April, Raytheon Systems Ltd, (RSL) Glenrothes (Scotland was targeted by activists in solidarity with the Raytheon 9. The Scottish Raytheon plant was blockaded from 6.30 am till 2.45pm when activists, including one who uses a wheelchair, chained themselves to the front gate.

One of the Scottish anti-war activists, retired schoolteacher Irene Willis, 63 stated, "The actions of Raytheon Systems Ltd actions should be fully investigated. International Law holds a corporation liable when it knowingly supplies weapons that are used to commit war crimes and crimes against humanity. Raytheon in Glenrothes manufacture the GPS-aided navigation system and control systems for the Paveway guided "bunker busting" bombs produced in the US and sold to Israel who used them in their war on Lebanon July/Aug 2006. Like people in Derry, we feel we have to oppose their presence here."

There will be daily updates on the website during the trial www.raytheon9.org

Anyone who thinks they can help in any way should email resistderry@aol.com. There is a Raytheon 9 support group in Belfast to organise solidarity during the trial. It will try to provide accommodation for travelling supporters. Contact Gordon on 07742531617. For buses from Dublin, contact the IAWM via Sara on 0872886646. For buses from Derry, contact Davy on 07521527208 or Goretti on 07973528772

Check out my latest Blogs: www.peacenikhurler.blogspot.com
Polish activist news: www.cia.bzzz.net/english_news
Campaign Against Militarism: www.m29.bzzz.net www.tarcza.org
Polish mobile: 0048 607340093

Message from Eric McDavid's support campaign

ELP Information Bulletin (11th of May 2008)

Dear friends

ELP recently reported the shocking and outragous news that the American vegan eco-activist Eric McDavid had been sentenced to just under 20 years imprisonement for conspiring to carry out ELF actions (at the time of his arrest no actions had been carried out).

ELP is encouraging everyone to support Eric by sending him urgent letters of support. His prison address is:

Eric McDavid, x-2972521 7E128
Sacramento County Main Jail
651 "I" Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
USA

In responce to this highly political sentencing Eric's support campaign, has released the following statement. We encourage everyone to circulate the statement far and wide to help raise awareness of Eric's outragous situation.

Dear friends,

Yesterday was a difficult day. We all knew what Eric was facing, and we understood the vehemence with which the government was pursuing this case. But nothing could ever fully prepare us for the kind of heinous sentence that Eric received. It is clear from the reports in the media and the statements made by the US Attorneys that Eric was entrapped and used as an example to anyone who dares to dream of how things could be different in this world.

After passing through the metal detectors downstairs, everyone attending Eric's sentencing was required, by order of Judge England, to pass through a line of Marshall's outside the courtroom and undergo the metal detector wand, as well as a complete search of any bags. This ridiculous spectacle was clearly an attempt to harass Eric's friends and loved ones who came to show their support.

The courtroom was nearly full of Eric's family and friends. There were not enough seats behind the defense table to accommodate everyone, forcing others to spill over into the prosecutor's side of the court. Thanks to everyone who came out on Thursday.

It was clear from the first few sentences spoken by the judge that his mind was already made up. The same lies that were used at trial to convict Eric were repeated over and over again throughout the sentencing hearing. The government even had the audacity to claim that Eric had never had a re-ocurrance of pericarditis - despite the fact that his lawyer filed a memo with the court in November detailing Eric's worsening condition. Despite the fact that the jail received so many phone calls from Eric's supporters during that time that they posted a note on their website specifically asking people to stop calling. They had the audacity to claim that Eric was at no risk of harsh treatment in prison - despite the fact that he has ALREADY undergone 2 1/2 years of isolation at the Sacramento County Main Jail.

Despite the fact that probation recommended a sentence of 156 months (13 years), Judge England deferred (as usual) to the government's recommendation of 235 months (19 years and 7 months). The length of Eric's sentence was due largely to the application of the Terrorism Enhancement. The government has argued quite vociferously all along for this enhancement. The basis of their argument is that Eric's targets included government facilities (such as the IFG) - a point which was never proven during trial, and was, in fact, denied by the government's own witnesses. But the judge applied the enhancement anyway. The judge ordered 3 years of supervised release after Eric's sentenced is served, the collection of a DNA sample and registration as an "arson offender".

Now is the time to be outraged and make noise. The government just sentenced Eric to 20 years for a crime that was never committed. This is the longest sentence we have heard of in an American environmental case. Eric's case and sentence illustrate the lengths the government goes
to , and how much they can get away with, in their pursuit of those who voice their dissent - who maintain their integrity and stay true to their principles and all that makes them human. Please help spread the word about Eric, his case, and it's implications for everyone who cares about effecting real change.

Eric says he can feel all the love being sent his way. Please keep it up. Take a moment to send Eric a note of support during this difficult time.

His address is:

McDavid, Eric x-2972521 7E128
Sacramento County Main Jail
651 "I" Street
Sacramento, CA 95814

Eric could be moved any time in the next month or two to a federal facility, but please don't let that deter you from writing! We will let everyone know as soon as we get word that he is being moved. Until then, keep the letters coming.

Eric will now be appealing his conviction. Unfortunately, this can be a very long process. Please don't forget about Eric during this time. He will continue needing your support throughout his time in prison. When he reaches a federal facility we will send out a statement about his support needs at that time.

Thanks again to all of you. The amount of love and support you have given has been truly amazing. We are so thankful to have all of you helping us through these difficult times.

Yours,
SPS

Outrage! Eric sentenced to just under 20 years!

Urgent ELP! Bulletin (9th of May 2008)

Dear friends

Today the American vegan eco-defence activist, Eric McDavid, was sentenced to an outrageous 19 years and 7 months imprisonment having been found guilty of conspiring to destroy the property of the forestry service, mobile phone masts and power plants. At the point of his arrest he hadn't actually damaged anything and was merely, allegedly, thinking about carrying out these actions.

Sentencing a man to just under 20 years imprisonment for a thought crime is a total outrage and we encourage everyone to support Eric by sending him urgent letters of support.

McDavid, Eric x-2972521 7E128
Sacramento County Main Jail
651 "I" St.
Sacramento, CA 95814
USA

For more information on Eric check out his website http://www.supporteric.org/

ELP is expecting Eric's support campaign to release a statement on Eric's behalf shortly (see holding statement below)


Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 01:56:20 -0700
Subject: Eric Sentenced
From: sacprisonersupport@riseup.net

Today Judge England sentenced Eric to 19 years and 7 months in prison. We
will try to put together a report on sentencing soon. Thank you all for
your support.
SPS


++++++++++++++++++++

Earth Liberation Prisoners Support Network
BM Box 2407
London
WC1N 3XX
England
www.spiritoffreedom.org.uk

Eric McDavid Sentenced to 235 Months in Prison After FBI Entrapment

indybay.org May 8, 2008

Thu May 8 2008 Eric McDavid Sentenced to Nearly 20 Years for Conspiracy Based on Snitch "Anna"

Eric McDavid was sentenced to 235 months for "conspiracy to damage or destroy government property by means of fire or explosives." He was convicted in February of 2008 for a crime that was never committed, and which was fabricated by "Anna", a young FBI informant who was paid over $65,000 to entrap him. Now that the sentencing is over, Eric will be able to start the appeals process. Two jurors from the trial wrote declarations about their views that Eric was wrongfully convicted.

Eric will likely be sent to a federal facility in the near future. Although he could be housed farther from his loved ones, his supporters are hopeful that the move will bring many improvements in his overall standard of living. They hope that he will no longer be kept in total separation, that he will have access to more vegan food, that he will be able to spend more time outside and away from his cell. Eric and his family are looking forward to finally having "contact visits" - after almost two and half years of not touching each other at all.

Sentencing Notes | Support Eric | Eric's Sentencing Memorandum | Analysis of Elle Magazine's story about Anna | Some past coverage of Eric's case on Indybay: 1/9: Motion for New Trial for Eric McDavid to Be Heard

Prisoner Support Needed for Kevin Olliff

For all those who don't know, Kevin is an American animal rights activist currently jailed for non-animal rights reasons.


This was posted to MySpace as a bulletin:

"Please write to Kevin Olliff....

There was a race riot in his dorm recently, where Kevin was targeted by
a mass of people. He received minor injuries (bruises and cuts). Later,
he was then moved to the hole for punishment and is being treated as if
he participated in a riot. He has sense been moved out of the hole, and
has been placed on a yard with several people who are doing 20 years to
life. He is very sensitive and scared at this time. Please write him and
send your support, love, letters and books....

Kevin Olliff G12113
NKSP B-1-A (104)
PO Box 4999
Delano, CA 93216.....
USA

***Please be aware that all mail is subjected to being read***

***Please be careful what you write as all is subjected to being
read/photocopied, etc.***

Also, even if you've already written him, please write again, Kevin has
been out of stamps. If you'd like, Kevin can receive blank stamped
envelopes (must be stamped from the post office, as in you can't send a
blank envelope with a sticky or licked stamp, but you can send the one
from the post office with the picture of a stamp directly on the
envelope...)"

Statement on arrest of Shawn Brant, Mohawk warrior

Shawn Brant is a Mohawk warrior from Tyendinaga in Ontario currently being
held in remand on charges stemming from the defense of Mohawk territory.
Shawn is a longtime activist and was present at both the Ipperwash and Oka
blockades.

Statement follows:

Shawn Brant's Arrest – Statement by Sue Collis, Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory

(May 4th, 2008) Eight days ago, on Friday, April 25th, 2008, my husband,
Shawn Brant, was arrested and detained on assault and weapons charges.
Since that time, Commissioner Julian Fantino and the Ontario Provincial
Police have issued public statements that have, it seems, misstated the
events leading to my husband's arrest.

I believe it is important to the public good for people to understand the
circumstances that have lead to Shawn's incarceration at this time. Those
circumstances are as follows:

On Sunday, April 20th, 2008, the community of Tyendinaga responded to
threats from a Kingston developer to bring "a crew of 25 to 30 guys", in
order to begin development on a property which falls within in the
Culbertson Tract land claim.  Mohawks from Tyendinaga did peaceful road
closures on Highway 2, adjacent to this proposed development site on
Mohawk land.

My husband Shawn has been living and complied with very strict conditions
imposed when he was charged in relation to community rail and highway
blockades on the June 2007 Aboriginal Day of Action. One of his conditions
is not to attend protests. During the evening of Monday, April 21st, 2008,
my husband was some distance away from the road closures erected in
response to the Kingston developer, talking to a Tyendinaga community
member, while he also checked a nearby creek for fish.

During this conversation, Shawn became aware of some commotion down the
road, and made his way towards the commotion, parking his car some 50 feet
away from where a small group of people was gathered on one side of the
road.  The first thing Shawn saw a 10-year-old girl shaking and crying
uncontrollably.  He had no idea what was going on. As he approached the
scene, someone yelled "Shawn help us!" The little girl screamed, "They
hurt my Mommy! They're gonna hurt my Mommy." Someone else yelled, "He has
a ball bat!"  At this time, Shawn noticed two trucks were parked facing
the people who were in obvious distress.  Shawn returned to his car and
retrieved his fishing spear.  By the time Shawn returned to where the
people were gathered, the occupants of the trucks were back inside their
vehicles.  Shawn shouted at the occupants of the trucks to leave.  The
windows were so tinted that he could not make out their faces.  The
drivers of the trucks sped away with such force that one of their truck
tires was raised in the air, spraying much gravel and stone at the women
and the child, some of which they later discovered was imbedded in their
skin.

Shawn turned his head to avoid catching stones in the face, and held out
his spear in an effort to create some distance between the group of
Mohawks and the trucks, out of concern that those in the vehicles would
strike those on the road with their vehicles.  The trucks then sped away.
That is the extent of Shawn's interaction with the individuals he is now
charged with assaulting. To be clear, he is charged with assaulting the
men in the trucks.

A 911 call was made during this incident on April 21st, 2008, in which the
trucks' licence plates were recorded.  Shortly thereafter, the women made
statements to the police, identifying the men driving the trucks as known
Deseronto inhabitants, subsequently identified as Jamie Lalonde and Mike
Lalonde. The women also testified in police statements that one of the men
swung a club at them, drove one of the trucks into them, and threatened
further violence. The women also described being injured by flying stones,
and described the trauma endured by the young girl. No one but Shawn has
been charged.

The men from Deseronto sought out this group of people, deliberately
caused them injury and issued threats of further violence.  They were
targeted for assault and abuse for no other reason than that they are
Native.  The actions taken by the men from Deseronto were driven by
bigotry and racial hatred.  By definition, these were hate crimes. Again,
no one but Shawn has been charged.

The men are presumed to have filed a complaint against my husband,
resulting in a police search of his car on Friday, April 25th, when his
fishing spear was taken from his car, and charges of assault and
possession of a weapon – the spear – were laid.  My husband remains in
prison, in maximum security, as a result.

It is our understanding that the prosecution is seeking yet another
publication ban on all future court proceedings in this matter.  A pattern
has emerged with respect to my husband, Shawn Brant. The police and
prosecution make sensational and vilifying statements about Shawn in the
media, and then seek a publication ban during court proceedings, when the
actual evidence is introduced. The starkly different narrative of events
that emerges in court is withheld and the public forbidden from hearing
it. The version of events I have just presented will all but disappear.

Less than a month ago, my husband was acquitted of charges he carried for
more than 18 months.  When issuing the ruling in this acquittal, the judge
described the investigative practice and evidence employed and presented
by the cops and the Crown as "problematic" and "troubling," as they
related to Shawn.  During this same period, CBC Radio aired a documentary
in which several Mohawk people recounted conversations with OPP
Commissioner Fantino that occurred during the 2007 Aboriginal Day of
Action, in which they say he threatened to "ruin" Shawn.  During Shawn's
detention at the Napanee OPP detachment last week, several different
police officers threatened to "slit his throat" and "cut off his head."

As I deal with the tears of young children who have been robbed of their
father once again, Commissioner Fantino claims the OPP is an apolitical
and professional organization, dedicated to upholding the rule of law.
The events of the past week indicate it is anything but.

- Sue Collis Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory

Anti Prison Action at German Embassy

The Anarchist Black Cross today celebrated the birthday of Political
Prisoner Andrea Neff with a solidarity demonstration at the German
Embassy.
Click on image for a larger version

Today a small group gathered outside the German Embassy in Thordon,
Wellington to stand in solidarity with imprisoned activist Andrea Neff.

The protest was peaceful, and no police arrived. Nobody from the embassy
came to speak with us. A statement was left in the embassy mailbox.

Andrea Neff is presently serving 14 months imprisonment for her
involvement in actions against Neo-Nazi demonstrations in Germany.

She has been accused of participating within an action of the
"Uberflussigen" (an autonomous group active mainly on the theme of
precarity) against the racist immigration office in Berlin-Lichtenberg; In
October 2006, for a blockade attempt against a Neo-Nazi march in August
2006; For masking up during the protests against a Neo-Nazi demonstration
towards the prison of Tegel in solidarity with Michael Regner "Lunikoff"
(singer of a famous Neo-Nazi band, serving a couple of years in that
prison), in October 2006; For carrying pepperspray on her person (usually
legal in Germany); For carrying pepper eggs during a demonstration.
On top of this come two months without probation following a squatting
acton in the Liebigstrasse, Berlin-Friedrichshain.

Altogether she was sentenced on 01 December 2007 to 14 months behind bars.

Today is Andrea’s Birthday. We stand in solidarity with Andrea’s actions
and oppose the oppressive nature of the German state’s actions in
imprisoning her.

Free Andrea campaign page can be found at www.freeandrea.de.vu/ (this page
is in German however.

Build communities, not prisons!
Free all political prisoners!

Anarchist Black Cross Wellington

Send her cards and letters:
Andrea Neff
JVA für Frauen
Arkonastr. 56
13189 Berlin
Germany

See also:
http://de.indymedia.org/2008/05/216578.shtml
http://freeandrea.de.vu

Eric's Sentencing Tomorrow, Website Updates

From:    sacprisonersupport@riseup.net
Date:    Wed, May 7, 2008

Dear friends,

We just wanted to let everyone know that Eric's sentencing hearing will be
happening tomorrow, Thursday May 8, at 1:30 pm at the Federal Courthouse
in Sacramento.  Since his conviction in September, Eric and his loved ones
have been stressfully and anxiously awaiting this day.  The government
seems intent on imposing a 20 year sentence on Eric for a crime that was
never committed, that was fabricated by a young, inexperienced FBI
informant who was paid over $65,000 to entrap him.  Tomorrow will be a
painful and exhausting day for Eric and his family - please keep them all
in your thoughts.

But it will also signal a new phase in Eric's path, one that he is ready
to get started.  After sentencing, Eric will be able to start the appeals
process.  This is the next step in his fight for freedom, and we will need
all of you to continue supporting him in every way possible during this
time.  Please do not forget about him after he is sentenced!  Eric will be
sent to a federal facility some time after his sentencing.  While this
will
certainly pose a number of new challenges and hardships on Eric (including
being much further from his loved ones), we are also hopeful that it will
bring many improvements in his overall standard of living.  We're hoping
that he will no longer be in total separation, that he will have access to
more vegan food, that he will be able to spend more time outside and away
from his cell.  And Eric and his family are looking forward to finally
getting contact visits - after almost two and half years of not touching
each other at all.

We have posted Eric's Sentencing Memorandum on his website at:
http://www.supporteric.org/updates.htm.  Mark (Eric's lawyer) has written
an excellent motion in an attempt to get Eric the lightest sentence
possible.  We encourage everyone to take a look at it, as well as the
Declarations written and signed by two of the jurors who took part in
Eric's conviction.  The information that they have come forward with is
further proof that Eric was wrongfully convicted.

We will try to let everyone know the outcome of tomorrow's sentencing as
soon as possible.  In the meantime, please remember to keep Eric in your
thoughts during this difficult time.

Yours,
SPS

LA ABCF: John Pilger's War on Democracy - May 8th

LA ABCF Presents:
A documentary showing of John Pilger's War on
Democracy
on Thursday, May 8th at 7:30.
Sunset 5
8000 Sunset Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90046

Award winning journalist John Pilger examines the role
of Washington in America's manipulation of Latin
American politics during the last 50 years leading up
to the struggle by ordinary people to free themselves
from poverty and racism. Since the mid 19th Century
Latin America has been the 'backyard' of the US, a
collection of mostly vassal states whose compliant and
often brutal regimes have reinforced the
'invisibility' of their majority peoples. The film
reveals similar CIA policies to be continuing in Iraq,
Iran and Lebanon.

Tickets can be purchased at: www.abcf.net/la

Eric McDavid's Sentencing Tomorrow - Time Change

From:    sacprisonersupport@riseup.net
Date:    Wed, May 7, 2008

Hello everyone,

We'll be sending a more detailed alert later this evening, but we wanted
to let you all know that sentencing is still on for tomorrow, Thursday the
8th, but the time has been changed to 1:30.  If you are able, please plan
on coming and showing your support for Eric.  The hearing will be at the
courthouse, located at 501 I Street in Sacramento (courtroom no. 7, 14th
floor).  More later this evening....

Yours,
SPS

New Midwest Green Scare Zine

Download this zine
http://midwestgreenscare.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/mgs-zine.pdf put
together by EWOK! (formerly known as the Twin Cities Eco-Prisoner Support
Committee).  Contains information on the Green Scare, your rights when
targeted by the government, general info about government repression,
prisoner support, and other stuff.  Pretty good.

And this is a one-page insert
http://midwestgreenscare.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/updates-insert.doc
w/ updated information about Midwest Green Scare developments, as well as
some interesting local JTTF activity.

From
http://midwestgreenscare.wordpress.com/2008/05/03/new-midwest-green-scare-zine/

How you can help Green Scare Defendant Marie Mason

We have received word of a tentative trail date for Marie in early August.
With the possibility of a trial only a few months away please keep in mind
that time is of the utmost importance with the following request.

Marie's attorney has requested for articles pertaining to to the below
subjects. While digital format is preferred any format will be accepted.
Please email any info you feel relevant to freemarie@riseup.net or mail to
the below address.

Marie needs all the help and support she can get right now. Please do what
you can. Check out www.midwestgreenscare.org for more support ideas.

Solidarity is a Weapon,

GOT YOUR BACK
C/o Friends of Marie Mason
P.O. Box 19065
Cincinnati, OH 45219
midwestgreenscare.org

We are requesting that any articles sent be from “from mainstream media or
science sources for enhanced credibility".

1) articles about the dangers and limitations of GMO foods/ crops

2) specifically, the work that Catherine Ives was doing at MSU around 2000

3) articles on Greenspace and global warming (buffering action). These we
could also pass on to Maketewah for their work on the anti-development
campaigns. Maybe the city of Toledo would be a source, as they are
developing a greenspace policy.

4)articles on deforestation, or in general about imminent environmental
collapse (Joseph Speth, Naomi Klein are some recent "credible" authors)

5) We are also seeking recent cases that might help with sentencing advice
(ie non political arson cases, vandalism cases) for comparison.

6) We are also seeking a transcript of Rod Coronado's 1995 MSU related
trial. Specifically the presentation by Rods attorneys about who Rod was
politically.

Daniel McGowan's Green Scare Update

http://supportdaniel.org/blog/?p=32

by Daniel on April 14th, 2008

There have been many updates since my last dispatch regarding the
various legal cases that comprise the Green Scare against
environmental and animal rights activists in the U.S. Please show
support for these people as they are all in a tough situation— either
recently indicted and fighting their charges, convicted by a jury
(which gives the illusion of fairness) or facing sentencing and on
the way to prison. The support I received (and continue to receive)
made all the difference in my outlook and helped me face the case
with eyes open and head held high. My apologies for the length of
this update but I think it’s important to look beyond the urgent e-
mails and remember, we’re talking about people here— not just names
and potential sentences.

*In February 2008, Earth First! activist Marie Mason found a GPS
tracking device on her car and when she removed it, plain clothes
police sprang out with guns drawn. They called her 16 year old
daughter by name even questioning why her routine changed (indicating
some level of surveillance). Weeks after this incident, Marie was
arrested and indicted on charges related to two acts of property
destruction (arson) claimed by the Earth Liberation Front in 1999.
While I have not read anything about 2 of the other defendants (or a
fifth person “known to the grand jury”), it appears that Marie’s ex,
Frank Ambrose, has pleaded guilty and is cooperating with the
investigation. I remember Frank’s name from years ago when he was
charged with spiking trees (an action meant to deter trees from being
cut, not to harm loggers) in Indiana. I have no clue whether the
indictment is true or not but I feel strongly that we support Marie
as she is from our movement and has worked on environmental campaigns
for years (most recently, on the campaign to stop the I-69 NAFTA
superhighway). Also, like my case in Oregon, prosecutors in Michigan
have trotted out the “terrorism” word to scare people and inflame
public opinion against Marie. Although the fires in question were
intended to destroy property and not harm people (based on a reading
of the communiqué and a solid analysis of the arrest at
greenisthenewred.com), the government is using the ‘T-word’ to tie
the case to the nationwide anti-terrorism hoopla. Marie is currently
out on bail and on house arrest and can surely use your support. To
get involved contact Friends of Marie Mason, Post Office Box 19065,
Cincinnati, Ohio 45219, freemarie at riseup dot net, or
midwestgreenscare.org.

* Filmmaker, violin instructor and mother (of a three year old girl)
Briana Waters was convicted by a jury of two counts of arson related
to the May 2001 ELF arson of a genetic researcher’s office at the
University of Washington Center for Urban Horticulture. The trial saw
two cooperating witnesses testify against Briana and many names were
dropped by both witnesses. Despite the fact that both witnesses’
potential sentence was based on the quality of their testimony
against Briana, the jury believed them and found her guilty of two
counts of arson (but not the destructive device count which carried a
30 year mandatory minimum). She faces 5-10 years for each count of
arson and is awaiting her May 28th sentencing at FDC-Sea-Tac (having
lost her detention hearing due to unsubstantiated allegations made by
another informant). Being separated from family is the worst part of
prison and I’m sure she can use the support. You can find her address
and ways to donate at supportbriana.org, PDX IMC, or through the CLDC.

*Environmentalist Tre Arrow was recently extradited from Canada to
the U.S. following a years long battle for refugee status. Tre has
vigorously maintained his innocence despite three cooperating
witnesses’ claims that he was involved in two arsons in 2001 (it
should be noted that all three of these people did not name Tre until
being questioned for hours and they all received 41 month sentences
for 2 arsons— quite a low sentence). He has a large and lively
support group and I expect the trial will be interesting and
revealing of the U.S. government’s myopia with these prosecutions.
His website has a list of needs and his current prison address at
trearrow.org.

* Long time activist Rod Coronado recently pleaded to charges in San
Diego, California regarding a speech he gave in which he answered
questions about his past actions. Although the jury hung in his
trial, the prosecution, vindictively, threatened to re-file charges
or indict him on new, similar charges related to another speech he
made in Washington D.C. Rod received a sentence of 1 year, 1 day and
with good time should be out in ten months. This is third trip to
federal prison and from his statements, it is clear he wants to put
this behind him. I first got involved in prisoner support in 1997
writing and fundraising for a legal fund Rod set up and have nothing
but respect for him and his contributions to the movement. If you can
get your hands on his old prison zines (Strong Hearts 1-4 available
from inourhearts@gmail.com) do so, or better yet, get his prison
fundraiser Flaming Arrows for $10 from IEF Press Post Office Box
0372, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27514 or AK Press. supportrod.org

* Eric McDavid’s sentencing has been postponed over five times— the
latest is now set for May 8th. Eric faces up to 20 years on one count
of conspiracy related to an incident that never happened (but was
pushed and promoted by a 19 year old hired by the FBI to monitor
anarchists). Eric’s case is a perfect example of the U.S.
government’s obsession with the anarchist movement and their
concoction of a conspiracy that did not exist prior to their
employee’s involvement. Without a doubt, Eric will need help funding
his appeal. See supporteric.org to help out.

* Finally, my codefendant and friend, Jonathan Paul, not only has a
new website but is writing monthly dispatches. I’m sure he’d love to
hear from people and appreciate news from the movement. You can also
email his support crew at friendsofjonathanpaul at yahoo dot com to
see if he needs any books or magazines. Because he is housed in
Phoenix, Arizona— far from his home in Oregon, donations for his wife
to visit him are appreciated.
supportjonathan.org

THIS FRIDAY --MAY 9--CLDC CASINO NIGHT!

Don't gamble with your rights!

Casino Night benefiting your Civil Liberties Defense Center

Try your luck at Roulette - Craps - Blackjack

Join the usual suspects for games of chance, hors d'oeuvres, live music, and cash bar at the Vet's Club Ballroom, 1626 Willamette, Eugene

7 of the clock on Friday May 9

Advance tickets $30, door $35.


Admission includes $50 of casino cash (and the hors d'oeuvres and live music!) Buy-in for more at any time.


Win raft trips, wine packages, Shakespeare Festival tickets, and more.


Tickets and info --
541.687.
9180
http://www. cldc. org/


--
The Civil Liberties Defense Center
Lauren C.
Regan, Attorney at Law
Executive Director
259 East 5th Avenue, Suite 300A
Eugene, Oregon 97401
541.687.
9180 phone
541.686.
2137 fax
lregan@cldc.org

Tre Arrow's Legal Update

This has just been circulated by Tre's defence committee. As everyone knows, Tre is held on remand accused of involvement in a couple of ELF arsons. Three others have admitted their role in these arsons and have falsely accused Tre of also being involved.

From: tre@riseup.net

Tre's Legal Update
From Paul Loney, Tre's attorney...

Hi folks,

Tre's 5/6/2008 Jury Trial has been reset for 7/8/2008 at 09:00AM
before Judge James A. Redden. We needed to set a new trial date
because additional time is needed for pretrial investigation and trial
preparation. So there is no court appearance for May 6th. The July 8th
date is also subject to change.

homepage: homepage: http://www.trearrow.org
Tre Arrow Defense Committee


Environmentalist and refugee hopeful, Tre Arrow has been incarcerated in Canada since March 2004.

"I am innocent of the charges the U.S. government is trying to pin on me. Just As many activists have experienced, I am being targeted by the U.S. government and the FBI, not because I am guilty, but because I have chosen to challenge the status quo." -Political Prisoner Tre Arrow-

Support PRican PPs and Cuban 5

The ProLibertad Freedom Campaign
http://www.prolibertadweb.com
prolibertad@hotmail.com
Prolibertad Freedom Hotline: 718-601-4751
___________________________________________________

Crime Against Humanity

A play based on the real life experiences of 14 of the Puerto Rican Political prisoners, who spent more than 2 decades in prison- 2 of whom are still incarcerated. Peformed by Chicago's Teatro Batey.

SATURDAY MAY 10TH, 2008 AT 7PM
Clemente Soto Velez Cultural Center
107 Suffolk St.
Suggested donation: $10

www.crimeagainsthumanity.net

The ProLibertad Freedom Campaign urges all our supporters to support the Project's Mother's day Initiative:

Join The Popular Education Project to Free the Cuban 5’s Mother’s Day for the Cuban 5 Initiative. Starting from Thursday May 1st-Sunday May 11th (Mother’s Day) we are calling on people to fax or mail out this letter to Louise Arbour The High Commissioner of Human Rights of the Office for Human Rights-United Nations Office at Geneva. We are asking her to intercede on behalf of the Cuban 5’s mothers/wives to pressure the U.S. government to grant them VISAs to visit their husbands/sons!!

Due to the U.S. government’s denial to approve visas, Gerardo Hernandez Nordelo and Rene Gonzalez Sehwerert have not seen their wives since their incarceration!! Others in the Cuban 5 have not seen their parents, wives and children with regularity, because the U.S. government has taken prolonged periods of time to issue them visas. The U.S. government’s denial of visitation rights is a cruel and horrible form of psychological torture. Their rationale for denial is ridiculous and baseless; none of these family members are a threat to national security.

Download the pdf format of this letter at the Project website and send it out: http://www.freethecuban5.com/id12.html

Give the Cuban 5’s mothers and wives the great Mother’s Day gift of ACTION AND SOLIDARITY!!

Support the Eco-Prisoners (May 2008)

Spirit of Freedom
(May 2008)
Produced by
EARTH LIBERATION PRISONERS SUPPORT NETWORK

"The whole experience has been tough, but all the kind and strengthening
words and wise thoughts from strangers made it much easier!"  (Former
Swedish Animal Rights Prisoner)

Welcome to the May 2008 edition of Spirit of Freedom.  As we go to print we
await the sentencing of American vegan eco-activist, Eric McDavid, who has
been convicted of thought crimes (he has been convicted of conspiring to
carry out ELF actions, although at the time of his arrest no crimes had
actually been committed).  Eric's sentencing has been put back on numerous
occasions, so we wouldn't like to say when the sentencing might actually
take place.  But as soon as Eric has been sentenced we will be circulating
his details and encouraging everyone to support him.

ELP is also watching, with concern, the developments in the case of American
vegan eco-activist Marie Mason.  Her co-defendant, Frank Ambrose, is a
police informant and it is believed that Ambrose has given the FBI the names
of fifteen other people who Ambrose claims have been involved with both ALF
and ELF activity over a number of years.   ELP will of course bring you all
the news as we receive it.  In the mean time we ask that everyone support
Marie and the other targets to Ambrose's lies.

But as well as these high profile activists, we ask you not to forget all
the other prisoners, some of whom are less well known.  Regardless of how
long a prisoner serves, or how well known they are, its important we support
all the eco-prisoners equally.  So please, no matter where you are in the
world, support the eco-prisoners and no compromise in defence of Mother
Earth!


ECO-DEFENCE PRISONERS

Tre Arrow, SWIS #640393, Multnomah County Detention Center, 1120 S.W. 3rd
Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97206, USA.  On remand accused of involvement with
an arson on logging trucks and an arson on vehicles owned by a sand & gravel
company.  (Tre is a raw energy vegan - He has asked that his letters of
support are written on scrap paper or tree-free paper).

Grant Barnes #137563, San Carlos Correctional Facility, PO Box 3, Pueblo, CO
81002, USA.  Serving 12 years for setting fire to a number of SUV vehicles.
The letters ELF were spray painted onto all of the vehicles.  (Grant is a
vegan).

Nathan Block, #36359-086, FCI Lompoc, Federal Correctional Institution, 3600
Guard Road, Lompoc, CA 93436, USA.   Serving 7 years & 8 months for an ELF
arson against a Poplar Tree Farm and an ELF arson against an SUV dealership.
Also admitted his role in an ELF/ALF conspiracy.  (Diet unknown).

Marco Camenisch, Postfach 3143, CH-8105 Regensdorf, Switzerland.  Serving 18
years.  1) Ten years for using explosives to destroy electricity pylons
leading from nuclear power stations.  2) Eight years for the murder of a
Swiss Boarder Guard whilst on the run.  In '02 Marco completed a 12-year
sentence in Italy for destroying electricity pylons in Italy.  (Marco is a
meat eater who encourages organic living).

Daniele Casalini, Casa Circondariale, Via Burla 59, 43100 Parma, Italy.  Il
Silvestre activist awaiting trial accused of using explosives to damage an
electricity pylon in protest at nuclear energy.  (Daniele is a vegan).

Rod Coronado - See details in Animal Liberation Prisoners List.

Francesco Gioia, C.C. Sollicciano, Via Girolamo Minervini 2/R, 50142 Firenze
Sollicciano (FI), Italy.  Il Silvestre activist awaiting trial accused of
using explosives to damage an electricity pylon in protest at nuclear
energy.  (Francesco is a vegetarian and Straight Edge).

Jeffrey Luers, # 13797671, CRCI, 9111 NE Sunderland Ave, Portland, OR
97211-1708, USA.  Serving 10 years for arson on a SUV dealership & the
attempted arson of an oil truck.  The original sentence was 22 years & 8
months, but was reduced on appeal.  (Diet unknown).

Eric McDavid X-2972521 7E128, Sacramento County Main Jail, 651 "I" Street,
Sacramento, CA 95814, USA.  Awaiting sentencing having been found guilty of
planning to destroy the property of the U.S. Forestry Service, mobile phone
masts and power plants. (Eric is a vegan).

Daniel McGowan #63794-053, Unit I, FCI Sandstone, Federal Correctional
Institution, PO Box 1000, Sandstone, MN 55072, USA.   Serving 7 years for an
ELF arson against a Poplar Tree Farm and an ELF arson against an old growth
logging corporation.   Also admitted his role in an ELF/ALF conspiracy.
(Daniel is a vegetarian).

Jonathan Paul - See details in Animal Liberation Prisoners List.

Briana Waters, 36432-086, FDC - Seatac, Federal Detention Center, P.O. Box
13900, Seattle, WA 98198, USA.  Awaiting sentencing having been found guilty
of involvement in an ELF arson on a University.  (Diet unknown).

Joyanna Zacher, #36360-086, FCI Dublin, 5700 8th St.- Camp Parks- Unit F,
Dublin, CA 94568, USA.  Serving 7 years & 8 months for an ELF arson against
a Poplar Tree Farm and an ELF arson against an SUV dealership.  Also
admitted her role in an ELF/ALF conspiracy.  (Diet unknown).

ANIMAL LIBERATION PRISONERS
(All Animal Liberation Prisoners follow a minimum vegetarian diet and most
are vegan).

Jon Ablewhite TB4885, HMP Lowdham Grange, Lowdham, Nottingham, NG14 7DA,
England.  Serving 12 years for attempting to blackmail a farmer who supplied
guinea pigs for vivisection.  (Jon is a vegan).

Gregg Avery TA7450, HMP Winchester, Romsey Road, Winchester, SO22 5DF,
England.  On remand accused of conspiracy to blackmail, in relation to his
involvement with the SHAC campaign.  (Gregg is a vegan).

Natasha Avery NR8987, HMP Bronzefield, Woodthorpe Road, Ashford, Middx. TW15
3JZ, England.  Jailed for breaching her parole conditions imposed on her for
telling a fox hunting murdering scum what she thought of them.  Also
awaiting trial accused of conspiracy to blackmail, in relation to her
involvement with the SHAC campaign.  (Nat is a vegan).

Mel Broughton TN9138, HMP Woodhill, Tattenhoe Street, Milton Keynes, Bucks
MK4 4DA, England.  On remand accused of involvement with an arson and
blackmail campaign against an Oxford University vivisection establishment.
(Mel is a vegan).

Jacob Conroy #93501-011, FCI Victorville Medium I Federal Correctional
Institution, P.O. Box 5300, Adelanto, CA 92301, USA. Serving 48 months
imprisonment for helping organise the SHAC-USA campaign.  (Jake is a vegan).

Rod Coronado, Voice of the Earth, PO Box 732, Tucson, AZ 85702, USA.  Due to
be sentenced to one-year imprisonment after Rod informed people how to make
an incendiary device during a speech at an animal rights gathering.  (Rod is
a vegetarian).

Donald Currie A3660AA, HMP Parkhurst, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 5NX,
England.  Serving an Indeterminate Sentence, of not less than six actual
years, for carrying out arsons against targets associated the vivisection
industry including HLS.  (Don is a vegan).

Lauren Gazzola #93497-011, FCI Danbury, Federal Correctional Institution,
Route #37Danbury, CT 06811, USA. Serving 54 months imprisonment for helping
organise the SHAC-USA campaign.  (Lauren is a vegan).

Sarah Gisborne, LT5393, HMP Downview, Sutton Lane, Sutton, Surrey, SM2 5PD,
England.  Serving 5½ years for conspiracy to cause criminal damage following
the damaging of 8 vehicles owned by people linked to Huntingdon Life
Science.  (Sarah is a vegan).

Joshua Harper #29429-086, FCI Sheridan Federal Correctional Institution,
P.O. Box 5000, Sheridan, OR 97378 USA.  Serving 36 months imprisonment for
helping organise the SHAC-USA campaign.  (Josh is a vegan).

Kevin Kjonaas #93502-011, FCI Sandstone, PO Box 1000, Sandstone, MN 55072
USA.  Serving 72 months imprisonment for helping organise the SHAC-USA
campaign.  (Kevin is a vegan).

Daniel McGowan - See details in Eco Defence Prisoners List.

Heather Nicholson VM4859, HMP Bronzefield, Woodthorpe Road, Ashford, Middx.
TW15 3JZ, England.  On remand accused of conspiracy to blackmail, in
relation to her involvement with the SHAC campaign.  (Heather is a vegan).

Jonathan Paul, #07167-085, FCI Phoenix, Federal Correctional Institution,
37910 N 45th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85086, USA.  Sentenced to 51 months for an
ALF arson on a horse meat plant.  Also admitted his role in an ELF/ALF
conspiracy.  (Jonathan is a vegan).

Andrew Stepanian #26399-050, FCI Butner Medium II Federal Correctional
Institution, PO Box 1500, Butner, NC 27509 USA. Serving 36 months for
helping organise the SHAC-USA campaign.  (Andrew is a vegan).

Kerry Whitburn TB4886, HMP Lowdham Grange, Lowdham, Nottingham, NG14 7DA,
England.  Serving 12 years for attempting to blackmail a farmer who supplied
guinea pigs for vivisection.  (Kerry is a vegan).

PLOUGHSHARES PRISONERS

Helen Woodson, 03231-045, FMC Carswell - Admin. Max. Unit, POB 27137, Ft.
Worth, TX  76127, USA.  Serving 8 years 10 months for actions that focused
on the interrelationship of war & the destruction of the natural world.  The
actions included pouring red paint over the security desk of a federal court
and making threatening communications.  Previously Helen had served 20½
years for: 1) Using a hammer to disarm a nuclear missile silo.  2) Burning
$25,000 on the floor of a bank whilst denouncing war, environmental
destruction & economic injustice.  3) Mailing warning letters with bullets
attached to Government & corporate officials. (Diet unknown).

THE LECCE FIVE
The Lecce Five have been charged with "subversive association" accused of
damaging Esso petrol pumps to oppose the War on Iraq; sabotaging the cash
machines of a bank which funds an immigration centre; and targeting the
multinational company Benetton in support of Mapuche land rights activists
in Chile.  All of the defendants are currently either under house arrest or
released on bail.

ANTIFA PRISONERS

Vahtang Devitlidze, ul. Libbedova 42, UO 68/2, otryad 14, brigada 142, g.
Hagyshensk, Krasnodarskiy Kray, 352680 Russia.  Serving 2½ years for
stabbing a neo-nazi in the leg whilst defending himself from attack. (Diet
unknown).

Augustin Kraus, Vazebni veznice, PP-1, Litomerice, 41 201, Czech Republic.
Serving 14 months for his participation in attacks against local neo-nazis.
His charge was "bodily harm". He speaks Czech, Slovak and Polish.  You can
also write him short postcards in English.  (Diet unknown).

Fabio Milan, C.C. via Pianezza 300, 10151 Torino, Italy.  On remand accused
of fighting with the police after an anti-fascist protest. (Diet unknown).

Andrea Neff, Bnr: 746/07/2, Justizvollzugsanstalt fur Frauen in Berlin,
Arkonastrasse 56, 13189 Berlin, Germany.  Serving 14 months for anti-fascist
activity. (Diet unknown).

Christian Sümmermann, Bnr: 441/08/5, JVA Plötzensee, Lehrterstr. 61, 10557
Berlin, Germany.  Serving 40 months for breaching the peace whilst serving a
suspended sentence issued for anti-fascist activities. (Diet unknown).

Tomasz Wiloszewski, Zaklad Karny, Orzechowa 5, 98-200 Sieradz, Poland.
Serving 15 years for accidentally killing a neo-nazi whilst defending
himself. (Diet unknown).

OTHER PRISONERS

Olga Aleksandrovna Nevskaya, UU163/5, 7 Otryad, pos. Dzerzhinskiy, Mozhaysk
140090 Moskovskaya oblast, Russia. Eco-activist serving 6 years for arson,
criminal damage and causing explosions in protest at the war in Chechnya.
Due for release in 2009. (Diet unknown).

Vaggelis Botzatzis, Komotini Juridical Prison ("Dikastikes Fylakes
Komotinis"), T.K. 69100, Greece.  On remand accused of setting fire to two
company cars owned by a energy/power company.  It is believed that the
person or persons unknown who carried out the arson did so in protest at the
destruction of the natural environment and in support of two workers who
died at the power plant.  Vaggelis is also accused of setting fire to a bank
and starting a fire inside a car yard.  (Meat Eater).

Michael W. Sykes, 100 East 2nd St, Monroe, Michigan 48161, USA.  Youth held
on remand accused of anti-sprawl arsons, criminal damage, spray-painting an
anarchist sign and burning the American flag.  (Diet unknown)

Fran Thompson, #1090915 HU 1C, WERDCC, PO Box 300, Vandalia, MO 63382, USA.
Serving Life for killing, in self-defence, a stalker who had broken into her
home. Before her imprisonment Fran was an eco, animal & anti-nuke
campaigner. (Fran is a vegan).

MOVE
MOVE is an eco-revolutionary group who carried out protests in defence of
all life. All move prisoners describe themselves as vegetarians.  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, USA.

Michael Davis Africa (AM4973) and Charles Simms Africa (AM4975) both at SCI
Graterford, PO Box 244, Graterford, PA 19426-0244, USA.

Edward Goodman Africa  (AM4974),  SCI Mahanoy, 301 Morea Rd, Frackville, PA
17932, USA.

William Philips Africa (AM4984) and Delbert Orr Africa (AM4985) both at SCI
Dallas Drawer K, Dallas, PA 18612, USA.

Mumia Abu Jamal, (AM8335), SCI Greene, 175 Progress Drive, Waynesburg PA
15370, USA.  In 1981 Mumia, former Black Panther and vocal supporter of
MOVE, was framed for the murder of a cop.  He was originally sentenced to
death but is currently awaiting re-sentencing following a court hearing in
2001.

STATEMENT ON VIOLENCE
Some people listed in this newsletter have carried out violent actions.
'Spirit of Freedom' does not condone violence.  But we are also against
censorship & believe people can decide for themselves who they wish to
support.

ABOUT E.L.P. SUPPORT NETWORK
ELP is an international eco-prisoner support network founded, in Britain, in
1993 to support jailed eco-activists.  We support the prisoners by producing
various regular prisoner lists:

Spirit of Freedom is ELP's international monthly prisoner listing which is
circulated by e-mail.

Urgent ELP! Bulletin is an e-mail service that distributes the names of any
new eco-prisoner as soon as ELP gets their details.  For more info e-mail
ELP4321@hotmail.com

On-Line Newsletters - ELP has a number of websites that provide news,
prisoner lists and additional info about ELP & the prisoners.

English language ELP Website
www.spiritoffreedom.org.uk

Greek language ELP Website
http://greekelp.blogspot.com

North American ELP Website
www.ecoprisoners.org

Turkish language ELP Website
www.geocities.com/yesilanarsi/elp.htm

ELP Extra is an e-mail group that circulates the details of political
prisoners, ELP learns about, who do not fall within the remit for support by
ELP.  To subscribe to the list e-mail ELP4321@Hotmail.com

Australian ELP.SN is our Australian contact.  For more info e-mail
elp4321@hotmail.com

Belgium ELP.SN is our Belgium contact.  For more info e-mail
elp_bel@hotmail.com

German ELP.SN is a prisoner led initiative run by eco-prisoner Marco
Camenisch.  For more info contact Marco Camenisch, Postfach 3143, CH-8105
Regensdorf, Switzerland.

Greek ELP.SN is our Greek contact.  For more info e-mail greekelp@yahoo.gr

North American ELP is our North American contact.  For more information
e-mail naelpsn@mutualaid.org

Turkey ELP.SN is our Turkish contact.  For more info e-mail
yesilanarsi@yahoo.com

MOTHER'S DAY FOR THE CUBAN 5!!

The ProLibertad Freedom Campaign urges all our supporters to support the Project's Mother's day Initiative:

Join The Popular Education Project to Free the Cuban 5’s Mother’s Day for the Cuban 5 Initiative. Starting from Thursday May 1st-Sunday May 11th (Mother’s Day) we are calling on people to fax or mail out this letter to Louise Arbour The High Commissioner of Human Rights of the Office for Human Rights-United Nations Office at Geneva. We are asking her to intercede on behalf of the Cuban 5’s mothers/wives to pressure the U.S. government to grant them VISAs to visit their husbands/sons!!



Due to the U.S. government’s denial to approve visas, Gerardo Hernandez Nordelo and Rene Gonzalez Sehwerert have not seen their wives since their incarceration!! Others in the Cuban 5 have not seen their parents, wives and children with regularity, because the U.S. government has taken prolonged periods of time to issue them visas. The U.S. government’s denial of visitation rights is a cruel and horrible form of psychological torture. Their rationale for denial is ridiculous and baseless; none of these family members are a threat to national security.



Download the pdf format of this letter at the Project website and send it out: http://www.freethecuban5.com/id12.html



Give the Cuban 5’s mothers and wives the great Mother’s Day gift of ACTION AND SOLIDARITY!!

Update on Olympia May Day Incident and Prisoner Solidarity

author: Daniel Wilson Fund
May 03, 2008 20:36

On May 1 there was a rally and march in solidarity with the
immigrants' rights an anti-war movements with the goal of rallying
support for Olympia becoming a sanctuary city. The march went to the
capital and then moved downtown. Rocks were thrown through the
windows of the Bank of America and US Bank which was followed by a
violent response by police. Six members of the Olympia community were
arrested. One, Daniel Wilson, still needs funds for his bail.

On May 1 in Olympia, WA a group of about two hundred people had a
rally in solidarity with the immigrants’ rights and anti-war
movements. The rally was followed with a march to the capital where
activists gathered outside of the governor’s door, making their
presence known and urging her to support the proposal of making
Olympia a sanctuary city for undocumented immigrants. After the
capital the march continued downtown, where rocks were thrown through
the windows of Bank of America and US Bank, two banks notorious for
their social and environmental injustices. A scuffle ensued in which
protestors clashed with the police. Pepper spray and pellet guns were
used on the protestors and six people were ultimately arrested. The
names of the people arrested are Daniel Busby, Forrest Student,
Stephanie Gottschalk, Bryan Riggins, Randall Hunt and Daniel Wilson.
Busby and Student were arrested on suspicion of riot and 2nd degree
theft. Gottschalk was arrested on suspicion of riot without a deadly
weapon and 3rd degree assault. Riggins, Hunt and Wilson were all
arrested on suspicion of 1st degree malicious mischief and suspicion
of riot.

Busby, the only person with a private counsel, was released on
personal recognizance. Gottschalk’s bail was set at $2500, her bail
was posted Friday, and she has been released. Randall Hunt’s bail was
set at $2500, his bail was posted Friday, he has been released.
Student’s bail was set at $7500 and his bail was posted Friday, yet
he must remain in jail until Monday when his place of residence can
be verified. Bryan Riggins’s bail was set at $10,000 and his bail was
posted Friday, yet he too must remain in jail until Monday when his
residence can be verified.

This is where it gets complicated. Daniel Wilson’s bail was set at
$5000. The $500 needed to bail him out was promptly raised, and he
was set with a co-signer that had a car title to put up for the bail
bond. However, the co-signer fell through and we have been unable to
find another co-signer able to put up the collateral necessary (a car
or property title). Due to this fact, the only option we have is to
pay the entire bail, $5000. We have roughly half of the money raised
and we are hard at work raising the rest. However, the people with
the deepest hearts often have the shallowest pockets and the rest of
the money has proven hard to raise.

We are asking for you to put up any amount of money you can spare so
we can get Daniel out of jail to live his life until he can get his
court situation figured out and, hopefully, justice can show its face.

The positive thing about paying the entire bail, $5000, is that that
money will be returned once Daniel shows up to his first court date.
ANY MONEY YOU CONTRIBUTE WILL BE RETURNED TO YOU as soon as Daniel
has appeared in court, probably within the next 2 months. Money can
be sent on paypal to  ramblini@gmail.com .

Actions of solidarity would also be welcome.

Upcoming Events-Demo's-Action's-For Justice

Monday, May 5
"KNOW YOUR RIGHTS"
A new segment on WBAI 99.5 FM Radio that focuses on one's rights with regard to the police and other matters. Segment established by ESTHER ARMAH, co-producer and host of WAKE UP CALL (weekdays from 6 am to 9pm). This is a direct result of the community dialogue section that took place at the Sean Bell Brooklyn Townhall meeting held at Brown Memorial Baptist Church this past Tuesday (April 29, 2008).

Justice for Sean Bell!

On behalf of the New York City District of the International Socialist Organization, we deplore the outrageous verdict in the Sean Bell murder trial. Let us turn our outrage into sustained political action to stop police brutality once & for all!

National Action Network has announced the first of what will hopefully be many protests:

"If you're not going to lock up the guilty in this town, then I guess you're going to have to lock up the innocent. Since you won't lock up the cops, then lock up those that are fighting for justice." ~Reverend Al Sharpton

Sean Bell was killed and Joseph Guzman and Trent Benefield injured in a hail of fifty NYPD bullets. Yet, none of the officers involved in the shooting have been held responsible.

Join as we protest Sean Bell's murder at the hands of the NYPD.

Wednesday, May 7^th 3:00 PM

3rd Ave. and 60^th St.

Come to join in the civil disobedience or come to show your support in a non-arrest portion of the actio.

Contact Steph at 203-543-5921 for more information.

Friday, May 9
"WHAT TO DO WHEN STOPPED BY THE POLICE"
6:30 - 8:30pm
Brown Memorial Baptist Church | 484 Washington Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11238 (at the corner of Gates Avenue, enter on Gates)

A panel discussion and forum for youth and young adults.
For more information, call 718.398.0750

Saturday, May 10
"WE WHO BELIEVE IN FREEDOM CANNOT REST!!"
Mo Beasley at Dweck Center
7pm
Award-winning poet Mo Beasley performs live with full musical band at The Dweck Center. Spoken word concert dedicated to the Bell family and all lovers of freedom and justice. Students and all family memebers welcome. For more info, visit Dweck Center for Contemporary Culture at the Central Library (Brooklyn Public Library, Grand Army Plaza, 11238). Call 718.230.2100

Saturday, May 19
17th Annual Black Power Shut Down, Honoring Malcolm X
12noon
Harlem, New York (at 125th Street)
For more info., call 718.399.1766 or email d12m@aol.com


LAURIE CUMBO of MoCADA has put together a student speakout for children and youth (grades 5 and up). The event is designed to give young people a chance to express their feelings and poetry around the Sean Bell tragedy. Teachers are encouraged to bring their students to this program. There will also be a walk through of the Dread Scott: Welcome to America exhibit. For more information, call 718.230.0492 or visit www.MoCADA.org

Thursday, May 22
Special Hearing on Racism
The Schomburg for Research in Black Culture
515 Malcolm X Blvd. | New York, NY 10037

Come to the special hearing on racism with DOUDOU DIENE, the United Nation's Rapparteur (Reporter). Come let your testimonies of racism be heard and gathered by the UN.
For more information, call 718.399.1766

May 10th-Crime Against Humanity

The ProLibertad Freedom Campaign
http://www.prolibertadweb.com
prolibertad@hotmail.com
Prolibertad Freedom Hotline: 718-601-4751
___________________________________________________

Crime Against Humanity

A play based on the real life experiences of 14 of the Puerto Rican Political prisoners, who spent more than 2 decades in prison- 2 of whom are still incarcerated. Peformed by Chicago's Teatro Batey.

SATURDAY MAY 10TH, 2008 AT 7PM
Clemente Soto Velez Cultural Center
107 Suffolk St.
Suggested donation: $10

www.crimeagainsthumanity.net

Events For Justice On Behalf of Sean Bell and Many Others

Here are some upcoming meeting dates:

50 SHOTS – NO MORE – TIME TO DRAW THE LINE

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH

It's up to us! We can't let history record that the cops got a green light to murder and brutalize, and we didn't do anything.

MARCH!

Gather: FRIDAY, MAY 2ND, 3:00 PM

Club Kalua

94th Avenue & 143rd Street, Jamaica, Queens

(Take the E Train to the Archer/Sutphin stop in Jamaica, Queens – walk south on Sutphin under the LIRR to 94th Avenue, turn right and go 2 blocks to 143rd Street)

WEAR BLACK – ALL DAY, EVERYWHERE

KEEP IT IN THE STREETS

YOU NEED TO BE THERE AND TAKE A STAND

CONTACT ME AT: getthewordoutny@yahoo.com

May 3, 2008

Wheeler Avenue Bronx, NY (where Amadu Dialo was shot)

Sean Bell Protest/March

12:00 PM

Contact Lisa at lortega@rippd.org for specific information

Sat. May 3rd benefit show for CLDC and new article about CLDC by Daniel McGowan

Saturday, May 3rd, Punk Fest Benefit for Civil Liberties Defense Center (www.cldc.org)
5 bands, $5 bucks
6:30pm until late
All ages

@ The Bulb Ranch
1475 Brooklyn in Glenwood
(Next to the Dari Mart on Franklin)
For more info call 343-3691 or email breakthechains02@yahoo.com

From Portland:
Adelitas
(http://www.myspace.com/adelitaspunks)
Red Herring (former members of Harum Scarum!)
(http://www.myspace.com/redherringpdx)

From Eugene:
Lunacy
(http://www.myspace.com/lunacypunk)
Scrap Yard Swag
(http://www.myspace.com/scrapyardswag)

From Corvallis:
The Angries
(http://www.myspace.com/theangriesrock)

www.supportdaniel.org

4/15/08 Focus on: Civil Liberties Defense Center (CLDC) by Daniel McGowan

It is an unfortunate fact but during the course of my legal case, my codefendants and I received very little organizational support from the environmental and social justice movements. While prisoner support groups like ELPSN (UK) and ABCF and legal organizations like the National Lawyers Guild and Center for Constitutional Rights were quick to extend their solidarity, the environmental movements' silence was palpable. Other than Forest Ethics and some Earth First! groups, there was nothing but private support offered; an inability to organize a response to the terrorist enhancement and at worst, condemnation offered from NGO heavyweights, Rainforest Action Network, Ruckus Society and Greenpeace[1]. While this speaks volumes about our movement's conception of solidarity and the discomfort expressed by non-profit organizations in dealing with cases of property destruction, this is beyond the scope of this blog entry[2]. One group that did not act like the previously named groups and went well beyond the call of duty is the Civil Liberties Defense Center based out of Eugene, Oregon.

A tiny, young organization funded by environmental lawyer and activist (and I'm proud to say, a good friend of mine) Lauren Regan, the CLDC had the Operation Backfire defendants' backs from day one[3]. During the chaotic weeks following the first wave of arrests in December 2005, the CLDC made valiant attempts to find lawyers for all the defendants and quickly became a hub for families of defendants, lawyers and media contacts. Sitting in Lane County Jail, just 3 blocks from their office, I took solace knowing there were local lawyers advocating for us, keeping everyone well informed through conference calls and providing a local and long-term perspective (being that they lived in Eugene during the time of the conspiricy 1996-2001).

As the case progressed, I was freed on bail, returned to New York and relied on the CLDC's extensive court reports and posting of legal documents. I devoured the court reports and was able to determine which codefendant started to cooperate at which time and better determine my chances of success at trial. When people ask me what it is that defendants in those cases need, I reply that it's the unglamorous and tedious work that the CLDC does, sitting in court for hours concentrating hard and taking copious notes, getting those court reports and analysis posted on sites like Portland Indymedia, monitoring databases for relevant court documents, legal research, setting up a local media collective and press strategy and visiting people regularly at the jail. The support was invaluable with the preparation of my defense and helped my wife, family and NYC support group make sense of the case and develop solid and powerful defense strategies.

Now, don't mistake the CLDC for some large, well-funded outfit based on their impressive resume. They are a few lawyers, an office and a dedicated crew of volunteers operating on a shoe-string budget. Since I have been imprisoned, I have relied on their work to keep up on Green Scare cases like Briana Waters and the campaign to repeal the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act. The CLDC is one model of how an organization can provide support for complex legal cases and free the defendants and their families to deal with the pressure of the case itself.

Please support the CLDC with their ongoing work if you are able. On their site, cldc.org, you can make a donation or send a check to them at Civil Liberties Defense Center/ 259 East 5th Avenue, Suite 300 A/ Eugene, Oregon 97401. Don't forget— if you are arrested for an offense like mine or face a grand jury subpoena, do not hesitate to call the CLDC at 541.687.9180 or the NLG's hotline at 888-NLG-ECOLAW.

[1]Many contacts were made by my support group to RAN and Ruckus Society directly through email, to people on RAN's board of directors and informally to staff of both organizations. RAN, at least, expressed support privately. Board member Jodie Evans, in particular, expressed support and committed to raising this issue with her executive director. A staff member of RAN commited to writing a letter from RAN regarding the terrorist enhancement issue and never did. Ruckus Society members/staff never once responded to emails, informal contacts, or info packets sent to them. Greenpeace's director, John Pascantando, took it further condemning us publically— you can read a criticism of that statement in an article by Michael Donneley on Counterpunch.org from 2006.

[2]What is sad is that defendants in this case had professional relationships with RAN and Ruckus. I had worked on the Mitsubishi, Home Depot and U'wa campaigns RAN organized, getting arrested while committing civil disobedience and dedicating countless hours to these campaigns. I attended two of Ruckus Society's action camps including the 'Globalize This' pre-Seattle/WTO camp with many of my codefendants. We also worked with the Direct Action Network to some extent in the months leading up to the WTO protests in 1999 (DAN was partially a creation of RAN, Ruckus Society, and other groups). Additionally, a fugitive in my case was a former trainer for Ruckus and local organizers in Seattle, employed by RAN, and dealt with harrassment and search of their former residence by the FBI related to this case. The links were many but the support from these groups was sorely lacking.

[3]The CLDC's involvement begins well before December 7, 2005— the day of the first arrest in Operation Backfire. Lauren Regan represented an early target of the investigation in 2000/01 and participated in community efforts to protect the individuals who had received grand jury subpoenas.

MOTHER'S DAY FOR THE CUBAN 5!!

Join The Popular Education Project to Free the Cuban 5’s Mother’s Day for the Cuban 5 Initiative. Starting from Thursday May 1st-Sunday May 11th (Mother’s Day) we are calling on people to fax or mail out this letter to Louise Arbour The High Commissioner of Human Rights of the Office for Human Rights-United Nations Office at Geneva. We are asking her to intercede on behalf of the Cuban 5’s mothers/wives to pressure the U.S. government to grant them VISAs to visit their husbands/sons!!

Due to the U.S. government’s denial to approve visas, Gerardo Hernandez Nordelo and Rene Gonzalez Sehwerert have not seen their wives since their incarceration!! Others in the Cuban 5 have not seen their parents, wives and children with regularity, because the U.S. government has taken prolonged periods of time to issue them visas. The U.S. government’s denial of visitation rights is a cruel and horrible form of psychological torture. Their rationale for denial is ridiculous and baseless; none of these family members are a threat to national security.

Download the pdf format of this letter at the Project website and send it out: http://www.freethecuban5.com/id12.html

Give the Cuban 5’s mothers and wives the great Mother’s Day gift of ACTION AND SOLIDARITY!!