TUES- Call for Maliki Shakur Latine!

REPOST THIS AND CALL!

TUESDAY,
DECEMBER 30th, 2008
10AM TO 3PM EASTERN STANDARD TIME

HELP A WARRIOR FEED HIMSELF IN THE NEW YEAR!

(If you are seeing this late, repost and call anyway! The state is 
open for busines Monday through Friday!)

Call for Maliki Shakur Latine! End medical neglect!
* Black Panther * Community Activist * Muslim * Prison Organizer * 
Prisoner of War

Demand from state officials,
In regard to inmate Maliki Latine #81-A-4469
at Great Meadow Correctional Facility,

1) Maliki Latine’s diet must be corrected immediately. He is not 
diabetic but he has life-long multiple food allergies which require a
 very specific diet as documented and mandated by the doctors in NY 
State Department of Corrections since 1983. I am deeply concerned 
about his health at this time.

2) It is essential that your office speak to Mr. Latine personally 
about this matter as soon as possible and that you do everything 
within your power to expedite his pending transfer to a facility 
equipped to handle his needs.

518-474-8390       NY Governor David Paterson

518-457-7072  NY DOCS Deputy Commissioner/Chief Medical Officer, Dr. 
Lester Wright

Maliki Shakur Latine- 81-A-4469 - has long-standing dietary needs 
that have been well-documented by doctors, medical staff, Department 
of Corrections officers, and a multitude of concerned outside 
observers since 1983.  The sustained incapacity of Great Meadows to 
provide a humane and healthy diet for Mr. Latine, who is highly 
allergic to many common foods, is troubling. Mr. Latine has recently 
been designated for a medium-security prison. I ask that his transfer
 to a different facility be expedited.  While I trust this
information  is in good hands, and proper, humane action will be
taken by you  accordingly, this is also being voiced to other
offices, so that I  can be sure that Mr. Latine's maltreatment will
be rectified by an  immediate transfer to a facility where he can
prepare his own food  with a careful eye to his own legitimate and
well-documented health  needs.

Who is Maliki Shakur Latine?
Maliki Shakur Latine is a Bronx-born community activist who has 
served in organizations such as the Nation of Islam and the Black 
Panther Party. Latine was driven underground by repeated arrests and 
FBI repression, including the infamous Panther 21 frame-up, until 
charged with wounding a police officer in a Harlem shoot-out. Latine 
is currently serving 25-to-life as a Prisoner of War in Great Meadow 
Correctional Facility where he serves as Secretary of the Inmate 
Liaison Committee and helps to represent the concerns of prisoners to
 the administration. His role in raising concerns as well as in 
helping to plan a Family Day helped to land him  in Segregated 
Housing Unit (SHU) where he is on a harmful and inappropriate diet 
pending a transfer to a Medium security facility. Read more at
http:// www.abcf.net/prisoners/latine.htm

Background on the dietary needs and negligence. . .

Mr. Maliki Latine has been put on a “Controlled B” limited-
carbohydrate diet requested on August 26, 2008. This particular 
therapeutic diet would be appropriate for a patient with diabetes but
 it is inappropriate and harmful for Latine who does not have
diabetes  but rather, multiple food allergies. In efforts to address
this  problem, Mr. Latine has complained to medical staff,
“sick-call”  nurse, and filed three grievances with no response .
Latine has a  life-long history  of allergic urticaria associated
with various  foods (high titers of IgE antibodies against foods).

He is allergic to
peas, peanuts, beans, soybeans, lettuce, cucumber, carrots, cabbage, 
tomatoes, oranges, peaches, strawberries, black pepper, mustard, 
wheat, pork, and coffee.

Numerous doctors working in NY Department of Corrections have 
recommended that these foods be avoided, that a special meal plan be 
followed, that Latine receive vitamin supplements, and that he  be 
allowed to prepare his own food. His restrictive diet has included 
Ensure supplements, goats’ milk, tuna, rice, potatoes, and bananas. 
This diet was instituted successfully at Clinton Correctional 
Facility by allowing Mr. Latine to prepare his own food under the 
instruction of Food Service Administrator John T McCloud. A facility 
such as Downstate or Sing Sing should be able to accommodate Mr. 
Latine’s needs without a problem.

Mr. Latine’s dietary needs have been documented in the following 
correspondences available upon request if not on file in your office:

December 19, 1983 recommendation to Clinton Correctional Facility by 
Dr. James A Phills / August 26, 1986 memorandum to Auburn 
Correctional Facility by Dr. Raymond Broadus/ July 15, 1993 NY DOCS 
Therapeutic Diet Order Form by Dr. Recht/ July 17, 1993 Memorandum to
 Clinton Correctional Facility  from John T McCloud, Food Service 
Administrator/ February 16, 1999 Clinton Correctional Facility 
Allergy Evaluation by Dr. Jocelyn Celestin/ August 2, 2000 Clinton 
Correctional Facility Interdepartmental Communication by John T 
McCloud, Food Service Administrator/ September 28, 2001 and November 
20, 2001 Interdepartmental Communications to Great Meadow 
Correctional Facility by Dr. Albert Paolano/ November 29, 2001 Letter
 to Mr. Maliki Latine from Lucien J Leclaire Jr, Deputy
Commissioner,  NY DOCS

You can read Maliki Shakur Latine's own letter to the Governor by 
pasting this link into your browser:
http://www.abcf.net/abcf.asp?page=mlatine

In Solidarity,
THE ANARCHIST BLACK CROSS FEDERATION
local contact- nycabc[at] riseup [dot] net
ABCF.net

Obama AG Nominee Dogged by Clemency for Puerto Rican POWS

Dec. 28, 2008 The Hartford Courant

Clinton-Era Sentence Reductions Could Trip Holder's Confirmation

Early this month, President-elect Barack Obama's nominee for attorney general, Eric H. Holder Jr., looked as if he were on his way to painless confirmation, backed by public _expressions of support from Democrats and Republicans in the U.S. Senate.

But questions about Holder's appointment have been building over his role as a former deputy attorney general in a number of controversial Clinton-era legal decisions. High on the list are the dramatic sentence reductions he recommended in 1999 for members of two groups responsible for a years-long terror campaign aimed at Puerto Rican independence.

Four of those who received presidential clemency, members of the group Los Macheteros, were convicted of involvement in the $7.2 million armed robbery of a Wells Fargo office in West Hartford in 1983. About half the stolen money wound up with the Cuban government, which had helped train and finance the robbers.

One Machetero, Juan Enrique Segarra-Palmer, had his 55-year sentence cut by about half and the three others had fines of either $100,000 or $50,000 forgiven. None of the four was pressed by the Justice Department to provide information on the whereabouts of the never-recovered money or three fugitive participants in the robbery, including Hartford native and inside man Victor M. Gerena. Such pressure is a common precondition for clemency.

A total of 16 radical Independentistas, either Macheteros or members of the affiliated Armed Forces of National Liberation, ultimately won sentence reductions or remissions of fines — although none of them had applied personally for clemency.

Together, the groups are linked to 130 bombings, several murders and as many as a dozen robberies. When President Bill Clinton issued the clemency, the FBI said the two groups were the driving force behind the violent wing of the Puerto Rican independence movement and represented one of the nation's foremost domestic terror threats.

As the No. 2 man in the Clinton administration Justice Department from 1997 to 2001, Holder directed the federal Office of the Pardon Attorney, which is responsible for investigating and issuing recommendations on executive clemency applications.

As a result, he had a decisive role in controversial Clinton-era pardons, including that of billionaire Mark Rich, a fugitive tax cheat whose case has dominated discussion of Holder's nomination and is expected to be topic No. 1 at the confirmation hearings.

But Senate staffers said the Puerto Rico clemency is expected to be the subject of considerable questioning. A senior Justice official, while generally supportive of Holder, called the lesser-known Puerto Rico commutations "far more egregious" because they involved terror and appear to have deviated widely from federal regulations and past practices in clemency matters.

Interviews and a review of congressional records show that Holder's recommendation for clemency was at odds with a report by the Office of the Pardon Attorney. The pardon attorney issued a second report to Holder about two years later that took no position on clemency. Critics say the second report violated rules requiring the pardons attorney to recommend either for or against clemency.

Groups unequivocally opposed to the Puerto Rico clemency — the FBI, Federal Bureau of Prisons, bombing victims and the U.S. attorney's offices in New Haven and Chicago — were either not consulted or ignored. But the records show that Holder and other top Justice and White House officials met at least nine times with advocates for the prisoners. Notes of those meetings led congressional critics to complain that the officials advised the prisoner advocates how to craft correspondence to support the case for clemency.

Holder, a 57-year old former prosecutor and judge, is highly regarded in the Justice Department, and his Dec. 1 nomination was widely praised. He could not be reached for comment.

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick J. Leahy, D-Vt., although critical of the Puerto Rico clemency when it was issued, called Holder uniquely qualified to end the political meddling he said occurred in the Justice Department under former Bush administration Attorney General Alberto Gonzales.

But in a sign that Holder's fortunes may be changing, Pennsylvania Sen. Arlen Specter, the committee's ranking Republican, questioned Holder's role in clemency matters 10 days later, on Dec. 11. Specter seemed to imply in a floor speech that Holder may be no more immune than Gonzales to political meddling. Specter said he met with Holder before the speech.

"I don't think it is useful to get into the specifics as to the precise concerns which I raised and his precise answers," Specter said. "But by analogy to the Gonzales tenure, I think it is imperative we be sure the attorney general of the United States does not bend his views to accommodate his appointer; that the attorney general does not bend his views in any way which is partisan or political, to serve any interest other than the interests of justice."

Specter and seven other Senate Republicans have delayed Holder's confirmation hearing a week, to Jan. 15, to make more time for preparation. They asked the Justice Department and Clinton presidential library for records concerning a variety of Clinton-era legal controversies — including all documents reflecting Holder's involvement in the Puerto Rico clemencies.

The clemency was widely condemned when Clinton quietly announced it, late on a Wednesday during a congressional recess. Law enforcement officials said it undercut the war on terror. Republicans, armed with internal White House e-mail, called it a ploy to swing mainland Puerto Ricans to Democratic candidates in the 2000 elections — in particular to Hillary Clinton's New York Senate campaign.

Before her husband's clemency decision, Hillary Clinton met privately with New York City Puerto Rican leaders, who acknowledge pressing her on what they called the "political prisoner" issue. But the Clintons deny any link between the clemency and the Senate race. A former Clinton administration official close to both said he does not believe Hillary Clinton learned of the clemency until after it was publicly announced.

Two congressional committees opened inquiries, but were hindered by President Clinton's assertion that clemency deliberations are the subject of executive privilege and should remain secret. The administration refused to produce documents or permit officials to testify, saying disclosures could chill future clemency discussions.

Holder was called to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee in October 1999. He conceded that bombing victims were not consulted about clemency, but for the most part Holder declined to answer substantive questions, including why the Office of the Pardon Attorney issued two inconsistent reports and why those getting sentence commutations were never pressed to provide information about fugitive co-defendants.

Orrin G. Hatch, R- Utah, then chairman of the judiciary committee, said a "generally recognized criterion" for awarding clemency is the degree to which prisoners cooperate with authorities. He then peppered Holder with questions about why more was not done to locate Gerena.

"You're a former prosecutor," Hatch told Holder. "I mean, don't you want to get to the bottom of these things?"

"Sure," Holder replied.

"Well, then, why weren't the questions asked?"

Holder said it probably would have been futile to ask for help from people who didn't recognize the right of the government to prosecute them. In any event, he said, the decision was Clinton's as to whether the prisoners cooperated or not.

"Well, as I said, the power of the president is absolute in these areas and can take into consideration a variety of things," Holder said.

Despite the lack of complete cooperation, the committees — Judiciary and the House Committee on Government Reform — compiled a record that lays out how the clemency process worked.

The Office of the Pardon Attorney took up the subject after receiving an application on Nov. 9, 1993, from Dr. Luis Nieves Falcon, a leading Puerto Rico Independentista acting in behalf of a group called Offensive '92. The application was accepted, even though federal regulations require those seeking clemency to file formal, personal petitions.

Nieves said in the application that the Independentistas would not file personal petitions because they were "political prisoners." To do so, he wrote, would have placed the prisoners in the untenable position of acknowledging the legitimacy of the U.S. government, which they contended illegally convicted them for participating in a justifiable struggle for independence.

Records compiled by Congress show that once the petition was accepted, then-Pardons Attorney Margaret C. Love reviewed the application in accordance with federal regulations and past Justice Department practice.

She declined to have substantive conversations with advocates for the prisoners about the merits of the petition, progress on it or its likelihood of success. She said such conversations are improper, according to congressional records. And, according to records and interviews with participants, she consulted interested law enforcement agencies and federal prosecutors in New Haven and Chicago, both of which opposed clemency.

The U.S. attorney's office in New Haven outlined its opposition in a letter. The office will not make the letter public, but officials involved in its preparation have confirmed its substance.

The federal prosecution arising from the Wells Fargo robbery is one of the longest and most complex ever undertaken by the office. Three men indicted in the robbery — Filiberto Ojeda Rios, Avelino Gonzalez Claudia and Gerena — remained at large at the time of the clemency applications.

Ojeda was shot to death after seriously wounding an agent during a gunfight with the FBI in Puerto Rico in 2005. Gonzalez was apprehended in Puerto Rico in February 2008 and is imprisoned while awaiting trial in Hartford. Gerena is believed to be hiding in Cuba, along with bomb maker Guillermo Morales, a member of the Armed Forces of National Liberation, commonly known by the Spanish acronym FALN.

Congressional records show that, by late 1996, Love had recommended against clemency. Her recommendation was forwarded, through the deputy attorney general's office, to the White House.

For reasons that Holder and the Clinton administration declined to share with Congress, the clemency process for the Puerto Rican prisoners continued despite the negative recommendation.

During the Senate hearing on clemency, Hatch called the continuation of the process "another unusual departure from the standard case" and attributed it to a "vigorous lobbying and public relations campaign by various political and religious groups."

A Justice Department document acquired by Congress shows that the department continued to get inquiries about the Puerto Rico clemency throughout 1997 from White House staffers and advocates for the prisoners — even though the clemency petition had been rejected by the pardon attorney.

During a November 1997 meeting with Holder, three Puerto Rican members of the House of Representatives, all clemency advocates, asked him to arrange for the release of the prisoners while the congressmen were still in office.

Holder, according to the document, said the prisoners' failure to apply personally for clemency suggested they were unrepentant.Rep. Luis Gutierrez, D-Ill., said the prisoners would write a letter addressing the subject. When Holder asked how the prisoners had changed since their convictions, Gutierrez said they would reflect and respond in writing.

Critics say that such conversations amounted to advice on preparing a record for clemency.

By April 1998, Roger Adams had replaced Love as pardons attorney and he and Holder met again with advocates for the prisoners. Holder asked whether the prisoners would renounce violence if offered clemency. Clinton's offer ultimately was conditioned on a renunciation of violence. Those who accepted the offer agreed and completed what congressional investigators said was an after-the-fact petition for clemency.

Adams, who apparently did not share his predecessor's beliefs about discussing the timing of petitions, told the advocates that his office was preparing a report for Holder, that its completion had been delayed until after the meeting and that "it would likely be done fairly quickly."

The advocates also produced the letter promised earlier that explained how the prisoners had changed since their convictions. It was titled "Statement from the Puerto Rican Political Prisoners."

Among other things, the letter said the prisoners were forced into violent acts because the U.S. government did not allow for "other avenues for exercising self-determination."

The letter said the prisoners were willing to work with the federal government to reach "a just and dignified political solution to our colonial problem." It said the prisoners participated in mostly symbolic "actions," but conceded that "in all liberation processes, there are always innocent victims on all sides."

Adams then drafted the report that recommended neither for nor or against clemency — a document critics seized upon as evidence the clemency process was highly irregular.

"The rules do not contemplate the reopening of a completed review — and certainly do not contemplate a report that does not contain an up or down recommendation on clemency," Hatch said during a committee hearing.

An administration figure involved in the clemency process said Adams' report summarized the process and the alternatives available to President Clinton. The source, who requested anonymity to avoid being drawn into the controversy, said Holder's recommendation in favor of commutation accompanied Adams' report, which also referenced earlier law enforcement opposition to the clemency.

The report and recommendation reached the White House on July 8, 1999, congressional records show. Clinton commuted the sentences just more than a month later.

The Hartford Courant

New Website For Eco Prisoner Michael Sykes

Monday, December 22 2008 Infoshop News

Anarchist youth eco prisoner Michael Sykes has a new support website!! Visit http://supportmichael.wordpress.com/ to find the latest information on Michael's situation.

The website is maintained by members of the Twin Cities based prisoner support group, Earth Warriors Are Okay!

British SHAC Trial and other news

ELP Information Bulletin (23rd of December 2008)

Dear friends

ELP has three lots of news for you today:

1) British SHAC Trial
2) French anti-nuclear prisoners update
3) News from Holland

1) As a lot of ELP supporters will be aware, last year the British police
raided a large number of properties across Britain and into mainland Europe,
seeking out SHAC activists.  Although the main purpose of these raids
appears to of been designed to intimidate lawful campaigners from involving
themselves with a very sucessful lawful campaign, eight of those arrested
were later charged with "conspiracy to blackmail".  The evidence appears to
of been that they were involved with a lawful campaign but some people,
unknown to them, carried out illegal activities against SHAC campaign
targets and therefore they were conspiring to blackmail.  I know, it doesn't
make sense to us either, but thats the British legal system for you!

Prior to the trial starting three of the defendants, Gregg Avery, Natasha
Avery and Daniel Amos pleaded guilty to their nonsense charge, whilst the
others pleaded not guilty.

Following a long trial, today the Jury returned their verdict finding
Heather Nicholson, Gerrah Selby, Daniel Wadham, and Gavin Medd-Hall, guilty.
Fifth defendants, Trevor Holmes, was found not guilty.

Following the guilty verdicts sentencing has been set for the 19th of
January 2009.  Gerrah, Dan W, and Gavin were all bailed pending sentencing.
The others, who were already on remand, were sent back to prison pending
sentencing.

Please send urgent letters of support to:

Dan Amos VN7818
HMP Winchester
Romsey Road
Winchester
SO22 5DF
England.

Gregg Avery TA7450
HMP Winchester
Romsey Road
Winchester
SO22 5DF
England.

Natasha Avery NR8987
HMP Bronzefield
Woodthorpe Road
Ashford
Middx.
TW15 3JZ
England.

Heather Nicholson VM4859
HMP Bronzefield
Woodthorpe Road
Ashford
Middx.
TW15 3JZ
England.

2) As ELP recently reported, a number of French Anarchists have been
arrested accused of sabotaging railway lines in protest at nuclear convoy
trains.  The majority of the defendants, known at the Tarnac 9, have been
bailed pending their trial.  However two of the defendants, Yildune Levy and
Julien Coupat, have been remanded into custody.  Their prison address are:

Maison d'arret des femmes
Yildune Levy N° 369 772
6, avenue des Peupliers
F-91700 Fleury Mérogis
France

Julien Coupat
N° d'écrou 290173
42 rue de la santé
F-75014 Paris
France

However supporters of the Tarnac 9 have said they believe both remaining
prisoners may be released tomorrow.  ELP will bring you more information on
this as we receive it.  In the meantime, please check of the following
websites for further information on the case:

* http://www.soutien11novembre.org (French language site)
* http://tarnac9.noblogs.org (German language site)
* http://tarnac9.wordpress.com (English language site)

3) Finally, not wishing to depress people during this festive season, but it
appears the Dutch police are looking to have their own persecution of animal
rights activists.  The following article was spotted on the internet:

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-12/22/content_10544561.htm

BRUSSELS, Dec. 22 (Xinhua) -- The Netherlands will set up a special police
unit to address radical actions against individuals and companies by animal
rights activists, the Home Affairs Ministry said.

The special team, which also includes members from the public prosecution
department and the Dutch intelligence service, will try to prevent dangerous
intimidation practices by extreme animal rights organizations, Home Affairs
Minister Guusje ter Horst was quoted by local newspaper De Telegraaf as
saying Sunday.

The decision followed repeated attacks on company or individual properties
in the Netherlands by animal rights activists.

The latest one occurred early Saturday morning when two cars of a top
executive of NYSE Euronext Amsterdam stock exchange, which were parked in
front of his home in the western Dutch town of Wassenaar, were set on fire.

The shares of Huntingdon Life Sciences, a British animal testing center, are
traded on Euronext.

Although no one has claimed responsibility for the attack, a similar attack
last month a former senior executive of Euronext in the central Dutch town
of Hilversum was claimed by an animal rights group.

In March, several houses of Euronext executives were covered with graffiti
after British animal activists published their personal details on websites.
The website called on visitors to send unwanted e-mails to the executives
every day.

The violence used by activists is "very dangerous" and "an unacceptable form
of intimidation directed at people who are simply doing their job," Ter
Horst told Dutch TV broadcaster NOS on Sunday. "We must come down hard on
it," she said.

The new Dutch team is modeled on a similar British force combating animal
rights  extremism.

In reaction to Saturday's attack, a spokesman for the Dutch animal rights
group Respect for Animals said such sort of attack is acceptable.

"We think the fact that animals are used in pointless experiments is worse.
Cars do not have feelings," he said.

+++++++

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

Support Carlos Alberto Torres Parole Campaign

Puerto Rican Political Prisoner Carlos Alberto Torres is going before the Federal Parole Board on Monday January 19, 2009!

Now more than ever, we need to show the Parole Board that he has international support. We need to send the Parole board thousands of these letters! We must flood their mail boxes with our demands for Carlos Alberto’s parole! WE CAN MAKE FREEDOM HAPPEN!

Dowlnload a copy of the letter at: http://www.prolibertadweb.com/id19.html

The National Boricua Human Rights Network, El Comite de Derechos Humanos de Puerto Rico (The Puerto Rican Human Rights Committee), and The ProLibertad Freedom Campaign, are calling on all supporters of the Puerto Rican Political Prisoners to sign the letter attached and mail it to:

Jan Susler (Lawyer)

1180 N. Milwaukee Ave. 3rd Fl.

Chicago, Il 60622

The ABCF Update, Issue 51, Fall/Winter 2008 is now out!

The Update is a publication produced by the Anarchist Black Cross Federation. It is one of the few publications designed specifically for news/articles about and from political prisonersand prisoners of war in North America.

The present issue has the following items:

Updates on:

• Daniel McGowan

• Ruchell Magee

• Carlos Alberto Torres

• Carlos Alberto Estrada Arroyo -- Mexican Anarchist

• Olga Nevskaya - Russian Anarchist

• Sherman Austin

• Herman Wallace

• Byron Chubbuck

• RNC Arrestees

Articles on:

• Angola 3

• Nebraska 2

• Ojore Lutalo

• Harold Taylor

• Bashir Hameed

• Marie Mason

• Zolo Agona Azania

• Puerto Rican Movement Harassed

• Tarnac 9

• LA Raid and Arrests

ABCF Reports

• Arcata ABCF Application

• NYC 10/10 Event

• Critical Resistance 10

• Chapter Reports

You can download a copy from the ABCF site at:

http://abcf.net/abcf.asp?page=update

All hardcopy subscriptions can be order by contacting LA-ABCF at:

la@abcf.net

Various ELP News

ELP Information Bulletin (19th December 2008)

Dear friends

ELP has 3 lots of news for you:

    1) Jonatan to appeal his 15 month sentence
    2) SHAC-USA News
    3) Open Letter from Former Austrian Prisoners

1) Yesterday ELP reported that Jonatan, the 20-year old Swedish eco-activist
who carried out a number of eco-sabotage actions, has been setenced to 15
months imprisonment.  He has also been given a 36,000 SEK fine.

Following the sentence Jonatan's lawyer lauched an appeal and this appeal
will be heard on the 8th of January 2009.  Whilst awaiting his appeal
Jonatan will remain free.

It is the opinion of the "tingsrätt" (the Swedish low court that passed the
sentence) that Jonatan is "capable of causing society so much damage/danger
that even though he is under 21 there is no other possible punishment but
[a] prison sentence".  However it is now up to the "Göta Hovrätt" (high
court) to decide if Jonatan does indeed have to go to prison.

ELP will bring you more news as we get it, but in the mean time we urge
everyone to send messages to support to Jonatan by e-mailing
freejonatan@yahoo.se

2) There are two pieces of SHAC news from America.  First off, SHAC 7
prisoner, Andy Stepanian has been released from prison.  He has been moved
to a half-way house and is expected to be granted his full freedom in a few
months time.  This is of course excellent news.

Secondly, Jake Conroy, also of the SHAC 7, has been moved.  His new address
is:

    Jacob Conroy #93501-011
    FCI TERMINAL ISLAND
    FEDERAL CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION
    PO BOX 3007
    SAN PEDRO, CA 90731
    USA

As ELP has often said, a move at this time of year can be very disruptive to
a prisoner, so please send urgent letters of support to Jake to help bring
him Festive Season cheer.

3) Finally, as all ELP supporters will be aware, earlier this year, in an
overtly political investigation, ten Austrian animal rights campaigners were
arrested and remanded for crimes they clearly did not commit.  Five of the
former prisoners, all connected to the Basisgruppe Tierrechte group, have
written the following open letter about their case.  Please feel free to
circulate and reproduce this letter on websites and in magazines.

> Dear political activists, dear people in solidarity,
>
> In the mean time it's been about two months since we, Kevin, Leo, Sabine,
> Jan and Christof of the Basisgruppe Tierrechte, could leave jail behind us
> and regained the long sought after freedom.
>
> Prison does not only mean normalisation on the societal level, but also
> isolation, arbitrariness, incapacitation, degradation, fear, boredom and
> complete powerlessness on the personal level. A situation which was a
> daily reality for each of us for 3.5 months. After months of intense
> surveillance we were held between three prisones for a quarter of a year
> along with other animal welfare and animal rights activists under the
> pretence of "Forming a criminal organisation" (§278a of the Austrian penal
> code.)
>
> In the mean time we have some distance from the most direct from of this
> repression. Nevertheless we remain in agreement about the significance of
> the solidarity which so many people showed us during our time in jail:
> besides the personal network which supported us indefatigably it was the
> wide-reaching solidarity of progressive people which allowed us never to
> lose our courage. Through the solidarity we felt a bit less isolated and
> had the strength to hold on and never doubted for a second that there is
> nothing more necessary than to fight for a world without violence,
> dominance, and oppression.
>
> We want to thank all those who showed solidarity with us -- in whichever
> form -- from the bottom of our hearts, whether it was through letters,
> protests, donations, visits, press work, benefit parties, animal rights
> actions, etc...
>
> But it is not all over yet: the investigations against us and an unknown
> number of other peole continue and when this all may result in a dismissal
> or charges and a trial is a matter which nobody can foresee. The fact is
> that unless the prosecuting attorney finally gives up, we are threatened
> with up to 5 years jail in the case of a conviction and in any case
> enormous costs for the trial. But in order to try to work against this, we
> still need your support: please continue to organize benefit events in
> order to raise money for our legal bills and keep informed about the
> ongoing case. The criminalization is aimed at animal welfare and animal
> rights activists and animal liberators at the moment, but the repression
> could take aim at any other "annoying" political movement that tries to
> work against the capitalist logic.
>
> Therefore we are offering to help you in your contemplations and
> discussions about state repression, prison, etc by sharing our personal
> experiences, for example through lectures, personal talks... in whatever
> form or setting you would like. We are happy to share our experiences, no
> matter how traumatizing they were, with many people in order to strengthen
> active, progressive social movements. Get in touch!
>
> For freedom,
> Leo, Sabine, Jan, Kevin and Christof from the Basisgruppe Tierrechte (BAT)
>
> http://basisgruppe-tierrechte.org
> http://antirep2008.lnxnt.org
>

+++++++++

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

new Marie Mason support website and listserve

From:    "Support Marie Mason" <supportmariemason@gmail.com>
Date:    Fri, December 19, 2008

<>

Announcing a new website and listserve for Green Scare prisoner Marie Mason:

www.supportmariemason.org

Also, please sign up for the new listserve:

http://lists.interactivist.net/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/supportmariemason

We will be posting regular updates and information regarding Mason. She is
currently in a county jail pending her sentencing on February 5th. Donations
are still needed to cover legal and family costs. Please consider holding a
benefit for Mason in January!

Donations may now be made directly to Marie Mason's family. Please make
checks or money orders out to "Karin Mason" and send to:

Karin Mason
PO Box 352
Stanwood, MI 49346

And don't forget to write Mason during the holiday season:

Marie Mason
Clinton County Jail
1347 E Townsend Rd.
Saint Johns, MI 48879

Swedish eco-activist sentenced to 15 months imprisonment

Urgent ELP! Bulletin (18th December 2009)

Dear friends

ELP has learnt that today the Swedish eco-activist, Jonatan, was sentenced
to 15 months imprisonment having admitted to 1) damaging a communication
tower used by the Department of Defence, 2) cutting the cables on a crane
used in creating urban sprawl, and 3) damaging a vehicle used in the logging
industry.  Jonatan was due to be sentenced last week, but the sentencing was
delayed for as yet unknown reasons.

As we go to press Jonatan has not started his sentence and he will learn
more about his sentence tomorrow.  ELP will try to bring you more news on
Jonatan's sentence just as soon as we have it, but in the meantime please
send urgent messages of support to freejonatan@yahoo.se

Following the discovery of his sentence Jonatan was in shock and told ELP
"[I] can't really get grip of the situation right now..."

Jonatan speaks English and welcomes all messages of support.

+++++++++++

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

Christian Klar released after 26 years

BERLIN – Throughout the 1970s, the Red Army Faction was the scourge of capitalist West Germany and Christian Klar one of its most notorious leaders — the force behind a murder spree that included the slayings of a federal prosecutor, an industrialist and the chief of a major bank.

On Friday, Klar walked free from prison after 26 years — angering family and friends of victims and many Germans who recalled the fear of living through the Marxist-Leninist group's terror campaign, which killed 34 people and injured hundreds before the group formally disbanded in 1998.

Opponents of Klar's release argue he has never expressed regret for his crimes, nor explicitly distanced himself from the Red Army Faction mantra that it was justified in its brutal response to what it viewed as capitalist oppression of workers and U.S. imperialism in West Germany.

"That a hardened criminal who was handed six life sentences could be released under such circumstances may be legally justifiable, but remains very difficult to accept," said Stephan Mayer, a lawmaker for the conservative Christian Democratic Union.

German law is based on the principle of rehabilitation and it is very common for convicted murderers to serve less than 20 years for life sentences. Several other former members of the Red Army Faction have also been released.

Only one former member of the group, Birgit Hogefeld, remains in prison. She will be eligible for parole in 2011.

Yet as a ringleader of the group's second generation, which carried out the "German Autumn," an especially bloody period of leftist violence in late 1977, Klar is perhaps Germany's most prominent former left-wing terrorist to walk free.

As the decades have passed, the Red Army Faction has become the stuff of pop culture, giving rise to a string of television dramas and feature films, many of which have faced criticism for glamorizing the era and portraying the young killers as Robin Hood-type characters.

Several of the group's symbols, such as its trademark machine gun and red star, have found their way into fashion items, from T-shirts to infant's bodysuits marked "Terrorist."

The latest movie, "The Baader Meinhof Complex," directed by Uli Edel, came out in September and has been chosen as Germany's contender for a foreign-language Oscar nomination — despite criticism from families of the gang members that it misrepresents the group and is too violent.

In its early years RAF was often referred to as the Baader-Meinhof gang, after leading members Andreas Baader — who killed himself in prison after failed efforts to secure his release through extortion — and Ulrike Meinhof, who also committed suicide in prison.

Under Klar, the so-called second generation of the group went on to bomb U.S. military targets and assassinate a string of business and political figures.

Among the murders for which Klar was convicted were those of chief West German federal prosecutor Siegfried Buback, industrial association head Hanns-Martin Schleyer, and Dresdner Bank chief Juergen Ponto — all carried out in 1977.

Buback's son has repeatedly urged Klar to explain who pulled the trigger on his father when he and his two drivers were gunned down on April 7, 1977. Yet despite a fierce public debate and a review of the case, ordered by the nation's top security official, Klar has remained silent.

Asked Friday if he would be willing to speak with Klar, Buback said that while he wouldn't seek him out, he wouldn't hang up if he called.

"If Christian Klar would call me to tell me about what he or others did, of course I would speak with him," Buback told Focus weekly. "After all, we are still searching for the truth."

Klar's lawyer, Heinz-Juergen Schneider, expressed doubt his client would seek to make any statements to the public, insisting Klar was seeking to start a normal life.

Klar has been in prison since his arrested on Nov. 16, 1982. Ten years later, he was sentenced to six concurrent life sentences, as well as individual 15-year, 14-year and 12-year sentences.

According to Schneider, Klar plans to move to Berlin, where he was taking up an offer of apprenticeship at one of the nation's leading theaters, the Berliner Ensemble — founded by legendary leftwing playwright Berthold Brecht — as a stage technician.

The theater's director, Claus Peymann said at the time he felt Klar deserved a chance to try to reintegrate into society after so many years in prison.

Call-in for the RNC 8 Starting Today - Respond to Additional Felony Charges

infoshop news Dec. 16, 2008

Call: (651)266-3222 or e-mail RCA@co.ramsey.mn.us (cc: info@rnc8.org) and demand ALL CHARGES DROPPED!

Lawyers for the RNC 8 were informed over the weekend that the Ramsey County Attorney's office has added three additional felony charges to the case. This recent and shameful development is intended to instill fear, scaring the defense out of exercising our right to a jury trial and into the trappings of an unjust and inaccurate plea deal, while simultaneously casting the illusion of guilt around the case in hopes of undermining our popular support.

We're not going to fall into that trap. With these new charges, it is even more important to ramp up the pressure on Ramsey County Attorney Susan Gaertner, who has the power to drop the charges for all the RNC felonies. Please call-in to the numbers below over the next two days and organize your friends and comrades nationwide to do the same!

RNC 8 National Call-In Days of Action:
Tuesday, Dec 16 (9-5) and Wednesday, Dec 17 (8-1) - all Central Time

As part of our pressure campaign against Ramsey County Attorney Susan Gaertner we are calling attention to her 2010 run for governor of Minnesota on the Democratic ticket. She’s already starting to fundraise in the hopes of being another in a long line of politicians with rhetoric of change but with policies of repressing dissent. If she continues with the charges against the RNC 8 and
the other 10 felonies in Ramsey County Court, let’s not let her campaign run in peace!

Friends of the RNC 8 are asking you to again take five minutes of your time to demand that all charges be dropped against the eight alleged “leaders” of the RNC Welcoming Committee. In what appears to be the first use of criminal charges under the 2002 Minnesota version of the federal Patriot Act, Ramsey County prosecutors like Gaertner have set a dangerous precedent for the future
of political organizing.

The RNC 8 cases have now been consolidated under Judge Salvador Rosas. This Saturday, Ramsey County amended their complaint against the 8 to include 4
felony counts of conspiracy:

Count 1 - conspiracy to riot in the second degree in furtherance of terrorism (the original charge)

Count 2 - conspiracy to riot in the second degree (without terrorism enhancement)

Count 3 - conspiracy to damage property in furtherance of terrorism

Count 4 - conspiracy to damage property (without terrorism enhancement)

If convicted, they are facing over 2 decades in prison. The RNC 8 have their next court date all together on Wednesday, December 17th at 1:00pm. During this
time, the 8 will sit down with their lawyers, the prosecution and the judge to begin scheduling the future dates of their trial. In solidarity with the 8 and the other RNC arrestees facing felony cases, please take time to call or e-mail
Ramsey County Attorney Susan Gaertner's office Tuesday and Wednesday December 16th and 17th. We are demanding that ALL CHARGES BE DROPPED.

Call (651)266-3222 or e-mail RCA@co.ramsey.mn.us (cc: info@rnc8.org)

and demand that Ramsey County Attorney Susan Gaertner drop the Felony charges against RNC arrestees. Tell her that you are watching the "RNC 8" case very
closely and that no good DFL gubernatorial candidate would prosecute anyone for political organizing of this kind. Here are a couple of ways you could address
this to the Ramsey County Attorney's office:

"Hi, I'm calling because I have been watching the case of the RNC 8 very closely, and I'm joining the thousands of people who demand that the charges against them be dropped. As part of the progressive community, these charges appear politically motivated and only serve to stifle dissent, not put actual criminals behind bars. The RNC 8 are respected members of my community and I
will work as hard as I can for their defense; if your office wants to retain any legitimacy and not waste taxpayer money, you should drop the charges immediately.”

"I'm also aware that Susan Gaertner is running for governor of Minnesota in 2010, and I would like her to know that I will never support her campaign so long as she continues with charges resulting from the Republican National Convention."

You can also reach Susan Gaertner's campaign specifically by e-mail or phone at:

Susan Gaertner for Governor:
info@susangaertner.com (cc: info@rnc8.org)
(612)978-8625
(612)804-6156

Susan Gaertner for Governor on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=17089497057
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=15561103028

Please be polite, and firm. Remember that what you say will have an impact on everybody facing charges, and it could very easily have a negative impact if you are not careful. Thanks for your support!

From the Friends of the RNC 8

;

Defend the RNC8! Dissent is not a crime!
http://rnc8.org

Get updates with Twitter at
http://www.twitter.com/friendofthernc8

Sign a petition to Defend the RNC8 at
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/defendthernc8

Stop New Bronx Jail

Contacts: Lisa Ortega

Rights for Imprisoned People with

Psychiatric Disabilities (RIPPD)

646-260-6575



Thomas Assefa

Mothers on the Move (MOM)

TUESDAY! Call for Maliki Shakur Latine!

FORWARD AND REPOST  FAR AND WIDE!


CALL FOR MALIKI SHAKUR LATINE!   END MEDICAL NEGLECT!

* Black Panther * Community Activist * Muslim * Prison Organizer * 
Prisoner of War

TUESDAY DECEMBER 16th, 10AM - 3PM EST

Demand from state officials,
In regard to inmate Maliki Latine #81-A-4469
at Great Meadow Correctional Facility,

1) Maliki Latine’s diet must be corrected immediately. He is not 
diabetic but he has life-long multiple food allergies which require a
 very specific diet as documented and mandated by the doctors in NY 
State Department of Corrections since 1983. I am deeply concerned 
about his health at this time.

2) It is essential that your office speak to Mr. Latine personally 
about this matter as soon as possible and that you do everything 
within your power to expedite his pending transfer to a facility 
equipped to handle his needs.

518-474-8390       NY Governor David Paterson

518-457-7072  NY DOCS Deputy Commissioner/Chief Medical Officer, Dr. 
Lester Wright

Maliki Shakur Latine- 81-A-4469 - has long-standing dietary needs 
that have been well-documented by doctors, medical staff, Department 
of Corrections officers, and a multitude of concerned outside 
observers since 1983.  The sustained incapacity of Great Meadows to 
provide a humane and healthy diet for Mr. Latine, who is highly 
allergic to many common foods, is troubling. Mr. Latine has recently 
been designated for a medium-security prison. I ask that his transfer
 to a different facility be expedited.  While I trust this
information  is in good hands, and proper, humane action will be
taken by you  accordingly, this is also being voiced to other
offices, so that I  can be sure that Mr. Latine's maltreatment will
be rectified by an  immediate transfer to a facility where he can
prepare his own food  with a careful eye to his own legitimate and
well-documented health  needs.

Who is Maliki Shakur Latine?
Maliki Shakur Latine is a Bronx-born community activist who has 
served in organizations such as the Nation of Islam and the Black 
Panther Party. Latine was driven underground by repeated arrests and 
FBI repression, including the infamous Panther 21 frame-up, until 
charged with wounding a police officer in a Harlem shoot-out. Latine 
is currently serving 25-to-life as a Prisoner of War in Great Meadow 
Correctional Facility where he serves as Secretary of the Inmate 
Liaison Committee and helps to represent the concerns of prisoners to
 the administration. His role in raising concerns as well as in 
helping to plan a Family Day helped to land him  in Segregated 
Housing Unit (SHU) where he is on a harmful and inappropriate diet 
pending a transfer to a Medium security facility.

Read more at http://www.abcf.net/prisoners/latine.htm

Background on the dietary needs and negligence. . .

Mr. Maliki Latine has been put on a “Controlled B” limited-
carbohydrate diet requested on August 26, 2008. This particular 
therapeutic diet would be appropriate for a patient with diabetes but
 it is inappropriate and harmful for Latine who does not have
diabetes  but rather, multiple food allergies. In efforts to address
this  problem, Mr. Latine has complained to medical staff,
“sick-call”  nurse, and filed three grievances with no response .
Latine has a  life-long history  of allergic urticaria associated
with various  foods (high titers of IgE antibodies against foods).

He is allergic to
peas, peanuts, beans, soybeans, lettuce, cucumber, carrots, cabbage, 
tomatoes, oranges, peaches, strawberries, black pepper, mustard, 
wheat, pork, and coffee.

Numerous doctors working in NY Department of Corrections have 
recommended that these foods be avoided, that a special meal plan be 
followed, that Latine receive vitamin supplements, and that he  be 
allowed to prepare his own food. His restrictive diet has included 
Ensure supplements, goats’ milk, tuna, rice, potatoes, and bananas. 
This diet was instituted successfully at Clinton Correctional 
Facility by allowing Mr. Latine to prepare his own food under the 
instruction of Food Service Administrator John T McCloud. A facility 
such as Downstate or Sing Sing should be able to accommodate Mr. 
Latine’s needs without a problem.

Mr. Latine’s dietary needs have been documented in the following 
correspondences available upon request if not on file in your office:

December 19, 1983 recommendation to Clinton Correctional Facility by 
Dr. James A Phills / August 26, 1986 memorandum to Auburn 
Correctional Facility by Dr. Raymond Broadus/ July 15, 1993 NY DOCS 
Therapeutic Diet Order Form by Dr. Recht/ July 17, 1993 Memorandum to
 Clinton Correctional Facility  from John T McCloud, Food Service 
Administrator/ February 16, 1999 Clinton Correctional Facility 
Allergy Evaluation by Dr. Jocelyn Celestin/ August 2, 2000 Clinton 
Correctional Facility Interdepartmental Communication by John T 
McCloud, Food Service Administrator/ September 28, 2001 and November 
20, 2001 Interdepartmental Communications to Great Meadow 
Correctional Facility by Dr. Albert Paolano/ November 29, 2001 Letter
 to Mr. Maliki Latine from Lucien J Leclaire Jr, Deputy
Commissioner,  NY DOCS

In Solidarity,
NYC ABCF
nycabc[at]riseup.net
ABCF.net

international action against state murders Dec. 20, 2008

“We don’t forget, we don’t’forgive” – day of international action against state murders, 20 – 12 - 2008

Today (Friday), the assembly of the occupied Athens Polytechnic
decided to make a callout for European and global-wide actions of
resistance in the memory of all assassinated youth, migrants and all
those who were struggling against the lackeys of the state. Carlo
Juliani; the French suburb youths; Alexandros Grigoropoulos and the
countless others, all around the world. Our lives do not belong to the
states and their assassins! The memory of the assassinated brothers and
sisters, friends and comrades stays alive through our struggles! We do
not forget our brothers and sisters, we do not forgive their murderers.
Please translate and spread around this message for a common day of
coordinated actions of resistance in as many places around the world as
possible.

http://www.occupiedlondon.org/blog
Original callout: http://athens.indymedia.org/front.php3?lang=el&article_id=943356

Siamo qui, siamo ovunque, siamo l’immagine del futuro.

Anti-terror squad spies on protest groups

By NICKY HAGER and ANTHONY HUBBARD - Sunday Star Times | Sunday, 14 December 2008

Police teams set up to identify terrorism threats and risks to national security are spying on protest and community groups, including Greenpeace, animal rights and climate change campaigners, and Iraq war protesters.

Police officers from the Special Investigation Group (SIG) have carried out surveillance and used a paid informer to gather information not just about planned protests but the personal lives and sexual relationships of group members.

The police informer, Christchurch man Rob Gilchrist, whose activities are revealed in today's Sunday Star-Times, was a key member of various community groups during the past decade.

He helped arrange protests and was close friends with leading campaigners, and advocated radical and illegal activities by the groups.

Last week he said he was embarrassed and sorry for what he did. The people he spied on were not security threats. "I know they are good people trying to make a better world."

Wellington human rights lawyer Michael Bott said the surveillance of peaceful groups was repugnant and "has shades of Big Brother and Soviet Russia". Surveillance of the personal lives of members of peaceful groups meant the basic right to privacy was being eroded. "It just appears fundamentally abusive and wrong."

Gilchrist was unmasked recently when his animal rights and Labour Party activist girlfriend Rochelle Rees was helping him fix his computer. She stumbled across signs of him passing information about protest groups to an anonymous email address.

This address has since been traced to two SIG officers based at the Christchurch central police station, Detective Peter Gilroy and Detective Sergeant John Sjoberg. Gilchrist privately referred to them as "Uncle Pete" and "Uncle John".

Melbourne newspaper The Age reported a similar case three months ago, where an undercover police officer had infiltrated community groups. He worked in Animal Liberation Victoria, taking part in a midnight raid on a battery hen farm, and helped organise anti-Iraq war demonstrations.

He worked for Australia's similarly named Security Intelligence Group, which is also officially focused on terrorism.

Auckland human rights lawyer Tim McBride said the surveillance was "outrageous in a country that goes off to the United Nations and prattles on about our proud human rights record".

Greenpeace campaign director Carmen Gravatt said the surveillance was "totally unnecessary in a country like New Zealand. It undermines the openness of groups, it undermines the relationships within the groups and it undermines the relationships they have with the police".

Mark Eden, of the Wellington Animal Rights Network, said it was outrageous to consider that the network's campaign against battery hen farming was terrorism and that the group was somehow like al Qaeda.

"We have gone in and filmed the farms and discovered the cruelty. But instead of doing the democratic thing and stopping it, which is what the public want, they have responded by sending in the secret police. That's the most shocking thing about it."

Police national crime manager Detective Superintendent Win Van Der Velde said the police "will neither confirm nor deny the identity or existence of any informant within any group". Police operated paid informants for gathering intelligence about criminal activity.

Police Minister Judith Collins said: "This government wants to ensure [the police] have the tools and the support they need to keep the public safe.

"From time to time it may be necessary to use paid informants. I think most New Zealanders would find it reassuring that the police are out there keeping a watch on the whole community. That's what they're there for.

"I trust the police to exercise sound judgement and professionalism when deciding where and when to use paid informants."

Opposition leader Phil Goff, who as justice minister helped set up the SIG, said he would want to know why anyone employed to look after counter-terrorism and national security would focus on Greenpeace.

Greenpeace had a history of non-violent protest which was "perfectly legitimate in our society".

Goff said that as minister he had no knowledge of the SIG's operational details. "That's not something that comes across the minister's desk."

Announcing the SIG teams in 2004, Goff said they were to boost New Zealand's counter-terrorism capacity. The teams would work under the Strategic Intelligence Unit, which officials had recommended following the September 11 attacks to "focus on terrorism and transnational activity such as people-smuggling, identity fraud and money laundering".

There are now SIG teams in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch that, according to the police 2006 Statement of Intent, "are dedicated to the investigation of national security-related crime including terrorism".

SIG documents obtained by the Sunday Star-Times reveal that in 2007:

* SIG officers requested details about the personal lives and sexual relationships of members of animal rights groups.

* An SIG officer asked Gilchrist in writing for information about "anti-war/anti-American groups", climate change groups in Auckland and names of any campaigners travelling to protest at Apec and vivisection conferences in Australia.

The Star-Times reported last year that Auckland private investigators Thompson and Clark had hired students to spy on most of the same protest groups. Many groups were being infiltrated simultaneously by both private investigator and police spies.

Thompson and Clark tried to recruit Gilchrist in April this year to spy for them as well. Gilchrist says he was by then increasingly unhappy about his police informer role and refused. He told the story of that recruitment attempt to the Star-Times, but did not, at that time, reveal the full extent of his double life.

Eric McDavid's Codefendants Sentenced

author: Sacramento Prisoner Support
Dec 13, 2008 posted to Seattle Indymedia

Jenson and Weiner receive time served

Zach’s Sentencing

On December 4, 2008, Zachary Jenson was sentenced to probation (with 6 months time served) for his conviction on a single count of Conspiracy in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371. Jenson’s conviction was the result of a plea agreement with the government, which he signed on July 18, 2006 – 6 months after his arrest. In signing this plea agreement, Jenson agreed to full cooperation with the government against his co-defendant, Eric McDavid, as well as full cooperation in any and all investigations in which the government deemed him useful (his plea agreement is attached). The scope of his cooperation is unclear, and as such, anyone in contact with Jenson should assume that he is still working for the government.

During the sentencing hearing, the prosecutor (Steve Lapham) was as amiable as I had ever seen him be. He started by claiming that the government had not filed a sentencing memorandum (which normally would have carried their recommendation to the judge for sentencing) because they were leaving it up to the judge’s “good judgment.” He spoke repeatedly about Eric, claiming that Eric – not Jenson – was the leader (a point which a number of juror’s would disagree with, according to juror declarations filed after trial, which claimed that Anna, not Eric, was the leader). He said the government was incredibly impressed with the way Jenson had turned his life around, and that it was their position that jail time was not necessary for rehabilitation purposes. He did, however, express uncertainty about the issue of deterrence, claiming that not giving Jenson jail time might send the wrong message to others. After hesitance from the judge about the issue of sentencing disparity between co-defendants and others with similar charges, Lapham again claimed that Jenson was less of a participant, and noted the age disparity between Jenson and Eric – which he claimed might be the basis for a sentencing disparity.
Jenson’s lawyer, Shari Rusk, claimed that there were not supposed to be “unwarranted” sentencing disparities, but that probation was not unwarranted in Jenson’s case because he has a different background and character than the other defendants, a different level of participation in the offense, and because of his outstanding post-offense conduct. She claimed that no one was more aware of the gravity of the offense than Jenson, and that Jenson himself would have an effect on deterrence through his writing (Jenson claims to be writing a book on his experiences - according to his sentencing memorandum “Mr. Jenson’s talents and abilities are much better served by his writing and speaking about the corruption of the movement that he was part of and steering other young people away from that path. He is precisely in a position to reach out and help save someone like himself. His experience gives him credibility with young people attracted by these movements and he could, perhaps, avert a similiar [sic] situation from reprising itself.”).

Judge England noted that the acts with which Jenson was charged were “extremely violent” and that they could have caused a great deal of harm to “property and human life” (in that order, of course). He didn’t want to make it seem like you could get away with these thought crimes just because you were young.

After brief statements from Jenson’s mother, third party custodian, and girlfriend, Jenson himself made a statement in which he claimed that he was very remorseful, that his actions were immature and naïve, and that he “pretty much wants nothing more” to do with the life he led 3 years ago.

England pressed him to clarify the “pretty much”
statement, and Jenson said he wants “absolutely nothing” to do with the life he led 3 years ago.

England concluded by saying that consequences for your actions are important, and that there is a need to deter, but this was a unique situation. He said he is impressed by Jenson and that he is glad Jenson is now “doing things within society’s bounds and norms.” He gave Jenson credit for 6 months time served, probation for 60 months, and supervised release for 3 years.

Lauren’s Sentencing

Lauren Weiner was sentenced on December 11, 2008. Weiner pled guilty in open court on May 30, 2006, but was cooperating with the state by January 21, 2006 – a week after her arrest. She received bail within days of her arrest- a luxury that was not afforded Jenson until 6 months after his arrest, and one which Eric never received. As with Jenson, the scope of her cooperation is unclear, and as such, anyone in contact with her should assume that she is still working for the government.

Weiner’s sentencing was incredibly similar to that of Jenson’s. The government was making the same arguments as to rehabilitation (that she didn’t need any) and deterrence (that jail time might be warranted to get it). They were arguing, however, that her culpability fell somewhere in between that of Jenson and McDavid, which might be grounds for a harsher sentence. The prosecutor also claimed that the big problem with ELF/ALF is that they put ideas out there, tell people how to do it, tell them to take responsibility on behalf of ELF on nameless sites, then fade into the woodwork and don’t bear any of the responsibility.

Her lawyer (Jeffrey Weiner) claimed that Lauren’s “brave and smart” early cooperation should be rewarded (she cooperated much earlier than Jenson – although the government claimed that Jenson indicated early on his willingness to cooperate but that the delay was due to the government’s deciding whether or not they wanted participation from either Jenson or Weiner). He later stated that giving Weiner jail time would be counterproductive to the message of early cooperation (and its rewards, of course). He rambled on and on about her cooperation and how appreciated it was by the prosecution and the FBI. Lauren Weiner met with agent after agent; did a debrief in NY’; met with three special agents (as well as the prosecutor, etc) and supervisors to identify photos, different places she went, etc. Her sentencing memo stated, “Lauren also cooperated with other FBI and law enforcement agents who flew in to meet with her in Sacramento and in New York where she assisted in identifying individuals involved in the "movement" and provided other information. Her cooperation was extensive, immediate and truthful. Lauren's cooperation even extended to a local New York State investigation in which Lauren assisted law enforcement on an unrelated matter.”

Jeffrey Weiner also claimed that people from the ELF visited Weiner during her time in Sac County Jail and tried to pressure her to not cooperate, offered to help her pay for a lawyer, etc. He said when he came to Weiner’s hearings and saw her parents talking to “these people” that he told them to stop. He went on to say that “they” had been at all of Weiner’s subsequent appearances in an attempt to pressure her.

He thanked the judge, the magistrate judge who granted her bail, the FBI, the prosecution. He claimed that Lauren Weiner is not “anti-business, anti-establishment, anti-anything” – she now operates her own place of business – the Sunflour Café in Sleepy Hollow, New York. Her lawyer apparently pressured her into talking to reporters about the case numerous times, and she always told them that it had destroyed her life and that they shouldn’t get involved. Apparently Lauren Weiner has already spoken with young people about her experiences.

Weiner called two witnesses during the hearing – the director of a program for the homeless for which she has been volunteering, and a psychiatrist which was hired by her attorney to do an independent evaluation as to why Weiner “became involved.” The director of the volunteer group spoke about Weiner’s character, her willingness to join society, her reformation, and her newfound entrepreneurship. The psychiatrist spoke repeatedly about Weiner’s lack of self-identity, her naiveté, and her bad social judgment at the time of her arrest. Since her release, Weiner’s psychiatrist has prescribed her a full regimen of drugs – anti-depressants, anti-anxiety medication, and mood stabilizers. The psychiatrist claimed that Weiner now has a sense of identity, an ability to say no, and that she is no longer depressed or traumatized. She claims Weiner has changed her social network , that she is more grounded and realistic, and has a better sense of who to trust (!). The psychiatrist remarked that Weiner now views her arrest as one of the best things to happen to her in her life. She is a law-abiding, productive citizen. She has suffered the punishment of putting her family through public humiliation, a felony conviction, and threats online. Incarceration would only emphasize her separation from society and would not allow her to continue her treatment.

Weiner made a short statement herself at the end of the hearing. She said she was sorry, that she is not the same person she was three years ago, and that she apologizes for all of it.

In the end, Judge England again noted the need for punishment and deterrence. He agreed that Lauren is more culpable than Zach, but went on to commend her on everything she has done since her arrest. He said she is an outstanding citizen. England then said if there are things you don’t agree with there are appropriate ways to deal with it. For every action outside the norms of society there will be repercussions. He then gave her time served, 5 months home detention (only out for employment and approved activities), and electronic monitoring (she pays costs). She also received 3 years of supervised release.

Tying it all up

When Jenson and Weiner pled in 06, they pled to a lesser offense than the one Eric was charged with – an offense which carried only a 5 year max, instead of the 20 the original offense carried. Obviously, there would automatically be a huge disparity between their sentences and the 19 years and 7 months that Eric received for his alleged participation in the alleged conspiracy. While we firmly believe that no one should be in prison – especially for bogus charges stemming from what amounts to “thought crime” – the difference in Jenson’s and Weiner’s sentences and Eric’s sentence is completely absurd. This is incredibly telling of the “values” inherent in the so-called criminal justice system. Jenson and Weiner sold their souls (and their friends) to the state.
In a declaration to the court, Jenson wrote, “I have learned that the love of the spirit is far more potent and valuable than the despair and selfishness of the anarchist movement. I have learned that every human being, no matter any distinction, deserves the utmost respect and compassion. During the time I was a part of the movement, I was among peers who accepted and loved me. I found validation and security among these people. However, I would later learn after pleading guilty, after getting away from them to have my own thoughts, that these people accept you for your ideology rather than your essential self. To turn against the ideology of the movement means ostracism and exile. I learned that these people are egotistical, divisive, and short-sighted, and don't consider people that don't help or fit into their ideology. I realized I don't want to be a part of this if it entails hate and anger against others. Thus, I can't consider them my friends anymore after rejecting me for wanting to live my life for myself and not for them.” It is quite curious that someone who has acted so selfishly could point fingers at others and accuse them of the same. It is quite strange that someone who has committed the ultimate act of betrayal (of themselves and their friends) could so unblinkingly write of “the love of the spirit.” It seems that his love of the spirit is only potent enough to include his own.

In the end, we must remember that while Jenson and Weiner may be free to roam in time and space – this is not the freedom our hearts desire. They paid a great price for his this particular brand of freedom – their integrity, their ideals, their sense of self, and Eric - because Eric is paying for their freedom. But this is not freedom in it’s truest sense – although that’s what they want us to believe. Their lives are not their own. They have been sculpted and molded by the “bounds and norms” of the state. They have made that Faustian bargain and paid for their lives outside a cage with dishonesty and treachery.

Eric knows freedom. He knows what it means to struggle and to love and to hold on to all that makes him who he is. His life and the choices he’s made are his own, and those things can’t be taken away.


(to read Jenson and Weiner's plea agreements and sentencing memos, as well as Jenson's declaration to the court in their entirety, visit: http://portland.indymedia.org/en/2008/12/383567.shtml)

Minneapolis: Dave Mahoney Has a Posse

Infoshop News Dec. 13, 2008

RNC arrestee Dave Mahoney is currently being charged with 3 counts of terroristic threats and 3 counts of assault. These 6 felony counts translate into the possibility of 21 years in prison. It's become blatantly clear the state prosecution has made Dave a priority in their sick fucking game they play with people's lives on a daily basis. Some Twin Cities folks have decided its about time we make Dave one of our top priorities as well!

We suggest you do the same. Every time the "RNC8" is mentioned, Dave Mahoney should be as well. Every time folks consider doing a "RNC8" solidarity demo/fundraiser/ect. Dave should be considered as well.

This support propaganda is just the first of our efforts to turn the fucking heat up on those attempting to steal Dave's life via malicious, self serving, political manipulation.

Post/Pin up/Paste liberally! (minus the negative connotations that follow the word liberal of course.)

Italian Il Silvestre news

ELP Information Bulletin (11th December 2008)

Dear friends

ELP has recently learnt that Italian Il Silvestre activist, Paola Gori, has
been released from prison under strict house arrest.  Under the terms of her
house arrest she can only communicate with her boyfriend and close family
members, but the good news is she is out of prison.

As all ELP supporters will be aware, the Italian authorities hate the
eco-group Il Silvestre and keep on trying to frame them for crimes they
haven't committed.  In Paola's case she is accused of allowing her house to
be used to hold Il Silvestre meetings.  The police claim that at these
meetings illegal activity was discussed.  Paola's arrest, along with the
arrests of all the other Il Silvestre activists, is entirely political and
we encourage everyone to support all the Il Silvestre defendants.

However despite Paola's release, two Il Silvestre activists remain
imprisoned (held without trial).  They are Francesco Gioia and Daniele
Casalini.  Both are accused of using explosives to destoy electricity pylons
in a protest against nuclear energy.

Please continue to send letters of support to:

Daniele Casalini
Casa Circondariale
Via Burla 59
43100 Parma
Italy.

Francesco Gioia
Casa Penale
Via Lamaccio 1
67039 Sulmona (Aq)
Italy.

Please note, this is a new address for Francesco as he has been tranferred
to a new prison.  Daniele is a vegan and Francesco is a Straight Edge
vegetarian, therefore when writing to them, please do check that they are
receiving their correct diets.

And finally, ELP would like to remind everyone that tomorrow the Swedish
eco-activist, Jonatan, appears in court for his sentencing.  This will be a
very stressful time for Jonatan, so please send messages of support to
freejonatan@yahoo.se  As soon as ELP knows the outcome of Jonatan's sentence
we will obviously let everyone know.

==========

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

Greek police shooting sparks riot

view photos at:

http://balkans.puscii.nl/?q=content/athens-fire

article source:
http://balkans.puscii.nl/?q=content/times-getting-hot-murderers-uniform-mail-athen-activits

New rules of engagement for capitalist police. You throw a bottle,
they shoot to kill. Resist now, or we are next.

Around 10 o'clock tonight (7/12) a police car was making its regular
runs around Eksarchia Square in the center of Athens. The area of
Eksarchia has always been a focal point for radical leftists and has
a tradition of militant political activity. Police presence in the
area is always vigilant and the cops who patrol the streets of
Eksarchia are always trigger-happy and act like they are in occupied
territory.

Some comrades saw the police car and decided to openly declare their
opposition to its provocative presence in the square. They threw some
stones and a few bottles of water against the pigs and told them to
leave. The cops who were riding in the squad-car, are part of a new
elite police unit, the ?blue-suits?, which has been created for the
specific purpose of taking repressive measures against militant
demonstrators. They are specially-trained and politically
indoctrinated.

Two of them got out of the car. They threw flashbang grenades against
those present in the square and one of them pulled his gun and shot
in cold blood the 15-year old in the stomach. Apparently, their
orders are to respond with full force against anything they might
interpret as ?provocation?. The youngster died 15 minutes after he
was transferred to
the hospital. His name was Grigoropoulos Andreas and he is the latest
victim in a long list of state-murders.

Comrades are assembling everywhere in Greece to avenge the murder of
Andreas and make the bastards pay. Athens will see no peace until his
death is vindicated.

In memory of Andreas.
Make the bastards pay!

Greece is burning, several universities occupied and turned into
convergeance. heavy protetsts all over greece actually.

time to check adresses of greece embassades....

mainstream news links:
http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Riots-After-Greek-Police-Shoot-Dead-Teen-In-Athens-City-Centre/Article/200812115174025?f=rss
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L7400964.htm
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/reuters/081207/world/international_us_greece_shooting

Greek police shooting sparks riot
BBC Dec. 6, 2008

Youths rioted after the news of the teenager's death was reported

Riots have broken out in several Greek cities after police shot dead
a teenager in the capital Athens.

The unrest began in Athens soon after the shooting in Exarchia
district, a regular scene of clashes between police and leftist groups.

Youths threw petrol bombs, burned cars and smashed shop windows.

Riots then spread to Thessaloniki, Greece's second largest city, to
the northern cities of Komotini and Ioannina, and to Crete.

Two officers have been suspended, and an inquiry is under way.

Interior minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos said in a statement: "The
government expresses its profound regret over this incident.

"An inquiry on the circumstances of the death has already begun
and, if the policemen are found to have been derelict in their duty,
the punishment will be exemplary."

Resignation offered

In Athens police fired tear gas at hundreds of stone-throwing youths,
who went on a rampage as news of the shooting spread.

 

It looks like something out of a war film, like Black Hawk Down
Jonathan Recaldin
Local resident

After a lull of a couple of hours, rioting resumed shortly after
midnight local time (2200 GMT), with some protesters marching through
Athens city centre and others fighting police outside the National
Technical University of Athens, the Associated Press news agency
reported.

One British student in Exarchia, whose accommodation is on the
road leading to the university, said the scene was "unbelievable".

"The air is thick with burning fuels, it's very hard to
breathe. It looks like something out of a war film, like Black Hawk
Down, and I say that without over-estimation," Jonathan Recaldin wrote
to the BBC News website.

In Thessaloniki dozens of youths attacked a police precinct, while
others blocked a road near the university campus.

Map of Greece

People were being encouraged to join in the protests via some
websites, AP said.

An Interior Ministry press officer told Reuters news agency that
Mr Pavlopoulos had offered his resignation to Prime Minister Costas
Karamanlis, but it had been rejected.

Police issued a statement after the shooting, saying a patrol
car with two officers inside was attacked by about 30 youths throwing
stones.

They were attacked again and responded, with one firing a stun
grenade and the other shooting and fatally wounding the boy, AP quoted
the statement as saying.

The BBC's Malcolm Brabant in Athens says the shooting and
rioting are certain to ramp up clashes between anarchists and police.
The Exarchia area is regarded as a fortress by anarchists who
frequently lure police into it, then attack them with rocks.

A similar shooting in 1985 led to years of violence.

Residents have recently protested over rising crime and
lawlessness, and complain that the police fail to answer emergency
calls, staying barricaded in their police stations, our correspondent
adds.

‘Anarchist’ looked like someone’s mom

 Thu, 4 Dec 2008
‘Anarchist’ looked like someone’s mom:
—By Randy Furst, Star Tribune, November 30, 2008

On Aug. 31, 2007, Marilyn Hedstrom, who appeared to be in her early
50s, walked into a run-down store-front where anarchists hung out on
E. Lake Street in Minneapolis.
She introduced herself as Norma Jean.
Asked by a man at the Jack Pine Center why she was there, she said
she had issues with President Bush and the Iraq war. “I told him I
was interested in helping the cause and interested in participating
in the protesting,” she later wrote in reports reviewed by the Star
Tribune.
What she did not tell him is that she was a deputy sheriff for the
Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office. Along with two other undercover
sheriff’s operatives and an FBI informer, she had been assigned to
infiltrate the RNC Welcoming Committee, which was planning street
blockades at the 2008 Republican National Convention.
She went “dumpster diving” at the group’s instructions to find food
for the anarchists to eat. She cooked meals for some meetings, ran
errands, coordinated committee discussions and represented the
organization at some gatherings of the protest movement. She became
friends of some of the activists. And she, ironically, even helped on
security for the anarchists, who worried that the cops were
infiltrating them.
For a year Deputy Hedstrom led a double life as Norma Jean Johnson,
filing her recollections, often daily, with the Special
Investigations Unit, as did the other operatives. The covert
operation was not without drama. When one informant was accused of
being a cop, he broke into tears, convincing his accusers that they
were mistaken, according to a report.
“Their function was critical to the success of the investigation,”
said Ramsey County Sheriff Robert Fletcher. “These are difficult
roles. You need to be a good actor.”
Recalling demonstrations that paralyzed Seattle in 1999 during World
Trade Organization meetings, local and federal authorities have been
more aggressive in the past decade in gearing up for major protests,
especially those where anarchists may intervene. There were big
investigations before the 2004 Republican National Convention in New
York City.
Eight members of the RNC Welcoming Committee were arrested and are
awaiting trial on charges of conspiracy to commit second-degree riot.
They are accused of plotting to shut down the convention by
blockading roads. They’re also accused of planning criminal damage to
property, including use of incendiary devices.
Fletcher said many allegations are based on reports from the
undercover personnel.
Robert Kolstad, attorney for one of the eight, said much of the
evidence is based on hyperbolic comments made by Welcoming Committee
members that had little to do with their intentions. “Despite the
rhetoric, there was never reasonable expectation by anyone to shut
down the convention,” he said.
Members of the RNC Eight have announced plans to hold a news
conference Tuesday to criticize Ramsey County Attorney Susan
Gaertner, whose office is prosecuting the case.
The Star Tribune reviewed 1,000 pages of reports by the three who
spied for the sheriff. The reports were obtained by a source with
access to the documents. The newspaper has not seen most of the
reports from an FBI informer who Fletcher says provided “the best
information.” Fletcher, who did not provide the newspaper with any
reports by the undercover operatives, also declined to allow
interviews with the three from his office.
Following department procedures, he said his office surveyed public
documents and the Internet in August 2007, concluding that the
Welcoming Committee might be planning criminal activity. He then
authorized a “limited investigation” allowing his operatives to
attend public meetings.
Watch, but don’t suggest
Based on what they and the FBI informer found, a full investigation
was launched, allowing undercover agents to attend private meetings
and participate in the group so long as they did not suggest criminal
activities, he said.
The sheriff’s investigation cost about $300,000, Fletcher said. He’s
asking the city of St. Paul to reimburse his office from $50 million
in federal funds for convention security.
Hedstrom, a narcotics officer, was partnered with Rachel Nieting, a
guard in the county jail. Nieting, in her 20s, posed as Amanda,
Hedstrom’s niece. A third operative, Chris Dugger, was a confidential
paid informant who has since become a jail guard and has taken tests
to become a deputy.
Agent was like a mom
Nieting, now a deputy, halted her undercover work after a few months.
Fletcher said she “didn’t have the level of acceptance that Marilyn
had.” Hedstrom told an anarchist that Amanda dropped out after
finding a new boyfriend.
Most of the anarchists were decades younger than Hedstrom, but
Fletcher said that posed no problem. “We’re not always looking for a
person that seems to fit perfectly,” he said. “Someone that is not an
obvious fit … is least likely to be suspected.” Also, he said,
pairing Hedstrom and Nieting increased their safety.
Hedstrom settled into her covert role.
“Norma Jean looked like somebody’s mom,” recalls Meredith Aby, a
member of the Anti-War Committee, a group that occasionally met with
the anarchists. “She was treated by the Welcoming Committee as if she
were one of their own.”
Betsy Raasch-Gilman, 56, who helped raise money with Hedstrom on the
Welcoming Committee, said they sometimes discussed family and
grandchildren. “To this day, I don’t know how much was put-on and how
much was real,” she said. Raasch-Gilman learned that Hedstrom was
undercover after court documents were filed. “I wonder how she lives
with her conscience,” she said of Hedstrom. “She knows the truth of
the matter. We were not conspiring to riot.”
Nathanael Secor, one of the RNC Eight, said “a level of comradeship”
developed between activists and the operatives and it was
disappointing to learn they were spies. Still, he says, “We had the
feeling we were under surveillance from the beginning. It did not
come as a complete shock.”
Cop was almost outed
While Hedstrom blended in, Dugger gave off different vibes and was
often under a cloud of suspicion. In his late 20s, he was “kind of
muscular,” had tattoos and looked like a biker, says Katrina Plotz, a
member of the Anti-War Committee.
At one meeting of various groups, “somebody made a joke that based on
looks, he’s the one who looks like a cop,” Plotz said. “He kind of
smiled and didn’t say anything.”
At a meeting where Hedstrom was the facilitator, a kind of
chairperson, an anarchist expressed concern that he was a cop, a
report said. Dugger “became emotional and told them how bad he felt,
he wiped his eyes and blew his nose.” He denied he was an informer.
The memo said two anarchists told him they “don’t think he is a cop.
They said a cop would have just walked away and never returned and
wouldn’t cry.”
Dugger even got into the act. By August he was urging an anarchist to
suspect another anarchist of being an informer.
In the reports, the anarchists talk with bravado, with occasional
references to breaking windows and damaging vehicles. They told each
other it was not violence, since they had no plans to injure people.
Many meetings involved no talk of property damage, or even protests.
They dealt with tasks like finding places to stay. The local
anarchist core was small, and the reports offer a glimpse into
strains —and even gripes — among them.
Nieting wrote that she and Hedstrom were the only two women to join
Karen Redleaf at a “women’s Welcoming Committee” meeting. Redleaf, a
committee member, talked about how disconnected she felt and was only
coming to Sunday meetings because Norma Jean was there.
Redleaf, who has not been charged, declined to comment, but Peter
Erlinder, her attorney, said she did not know Hedstrom and Nieting
were undercover operatives.
The agents described how subgroups planned a decentralized disruption
of St. Paul, choosing sectors for blockades and confrontation. There
are references to a committee called the “action faction,” where
there were more discussions about blockades. Fletcher said his
operatives did not get inside the faction but the FBI informer did.
There were references to using “chains and locks for locking up
downtown business doors.”
Former Minneapolis Police Chief Tony Bouza praised the covert
investigation. “It was a classic case of an effective police
operation against a criminal conspiracy. ... They targeted the right
groups,” said Bouza, author of “Police Intelligence,” a book on
undercover police work.
But David Cunningham, a professor at Brandeis University in
Massachusetts, says that while authorities may have had probable
cause to infiltrate anarchist groups, he is concerned about a
potential chill on civil liberties.
Cunningham, author of “There’s Something Happening Here,” a history
of covert FBI activities in the 1960s and ’70s, said there needs to
be more oversight of undercover work from Congress. He also believes
local law enforcement agencies should be required to obtain court
approval for undercover operations.
Staff writer Pat Pheifer contributed to this report.
rfurst@startribune.com • 612-673-7382

French prisoner and other news

Urgent ELP! Bulletin (7th of December 2008)

Dear friends

ELP has three lots of news for you today:

    1) French anti-nuclear prisoners address
    2) An open letter from British prisoner, Luke Steele
    3) Details of police informant, Zachary Jenson's sentence

1) As ELP has previously reported, a number of French anti-nuclear activists
have been arrested accused of sabotaging railway lines to stop nucealer
waste travelling by train.  ELP believes that as many as five people are
being held on remand at the moment.  Although ELP does not know the
addresses of all five prisoners, we have been told that one of the prisoners
is Julien Coupat who is accused of being the organiser of the protests.

Letters of support can be sent to:

Julien COUPAT
N° d'écrou 290173
42 rue de la santé
75014 PARIS
France

2) The following letter was forwarded to ELP by the British SHAC campaign.

> Here's a letter from Luke Steele send to SHAC, he requested that it be
> put out on lists, etc.
>
> ----------
>
> Hi everyone
>
> First of all, I'd like to say a big thanks to everybody who has written
letters of support and sent stamps, POs, writing materials in - its really
appreciated and has helped me 'settle in' to prison life.
>
> One thing that sticks in my mind, as the CPS make up their lies and try to
fabricate to prove themselves, is that there is a clear line between what is
right and wrong and what the vivisectionists do, what the police, government
and court try to defend is certainly in the wrong.
>
> As they try to throw proverbial bricks at the Animal Rights movement, try
to imprison us for our views and beliefs. One things they can not and will
not accept is that, yes they may have 14 Uk activists in prison, but there
are hundreds, thousands out there who are willing to pick up the megaphones,
placards and leaflets and continue where we left off and fight for those
that are restrained in laboraties and dying on cage floors.
>
> The Animal Rights movement is global, with groups in every corner of the
globe fighting for the same goal, of equality, compared to our opponents,
run by NETCU based in Huntingdon Police Station and who only care for one
thing - money.
>
> Whether its that blood soaked cash filling their pockets or those of
animal abusers that is what they protect and I'm sure when I say if we had
the money they'd be fighting on 'our side'? But no matter what is thrown at
us, we will always prevail, always win because we have good on our side and
evil is behind the barbed wire fences, razor wire and CCTV of labs and
breeders in this country and across the globe.
>
> And when I hear peole saying we have impossible goals, I think of what has
been acheived. Twenty years ago there were over 30 companies in the UK
breeding animals to be tortured in experiments, now there are just four! We
are winning outright, we are defending those beagles, monkeys, rabbits,
rats, mice and other animals, set to be mutilated at the hands of thugs and
that is why we are getting the reaction we are from the government and their
lackies.
>
> "First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you and
then you win!" - Ghandi
>
> All the best and keep on fighting for what is right.
>
> Luke
>
> Luke Steele (WJ4308)
> HMP Gloucester
> Barrack Square
> GLOUCESTER
> Glos.
> GL1 2JN
>
> Note: Luke should be moving very soon to either Lincoln or Leicester. For
up to date information on Animal Rights prisoners, see: www.vpsg.org or
www.alfsg.org.uk
>

3) ELP has learnt that the cowardly American traitor, police informant
Zachary Jenson, was sentenced on Thursday to six months imprisonment plus 3
years supervised release having pleaded guilty to "conspiring on behalf of
the Earth Liberation Front to engage in direct action as a form of
environmental protest".  As part of his guilty plea Jenson gave evidence
against Eric McDavid who is now serving just under 20-years imprisonment.

Because the police informant Zachary Jenson has already served the 6 months
on remand, he will not be returning to prison.  His fellow traitor, Lauren
Weiner, who also pleaded guilty to "conspiring on behalf of the Earth
Liberation Front to engage in direct action as a form of environmental
protest" and who also gave evidence against Eric, is due to be sentenced
next week.  Whats the bet she'll also receive time served plus supervision?

Please send letters of support to:

Eric McDavid 16209-097
FCI Victorville Medium II
Federal Correctional Institution
PO Box 5300
Adelanto
CA 92301
USA

+++++++

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

Arrests in America - One detained

from ELP Dec. 6, 2008

The people involved in this are great radical activists that are involved
in earth/animal liberation stuff among other things.
---------

Today(friday) 7 activsts were arrested today for doing a fur demo at
Burberry furs in Phili. 6 of them are being charged for disorderly conduct
and blocking a highway. One person, Ryan, was arrested because he was
using a bullhorn and thought to be the leader and is still in jail. He is
being denied vegan food, phone calls, and meeting with an attorney.

Please call the 9th district Phili jail at 215-686-3090.

Free Jonatan

ELP has been asked to circulate the details of a new support campaign set up
for the 20-year old Swedish eco-activist, Jonatan.

Jonatan is currently on bail, awaiting sentencing, having admitted 1)
damaging a communication tower used by the Department of Defence, 2) cutting
the cables on a crane used in creating urban sprawl, and 3) damaging a
vehicle used in the logging industry.

It has yet to be decided if he will face charges for having material which
could be used in the preparation of sabotage.

At this stage it is unknown what sort of sentence Jonatan might receive and
Jonatan is feeling very nervous about what might happen to him.  He has
already spent one month on remand whilst awaiting his trial and there is a
very real possibility he may be returning to prison very soon.

To enable people to send messages of support to Jonatan an e-mail address
has been set up for him.  Please send messages of support to
freejonatan@yahoo.se

Jonatan reads and writes English very well and really does appreciate every
message of support he receives.  We therefore urge everyone to support
Jonatan.

Support the Eco-Prisoners (December 2008)

Spirit of Freedom
(December 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 December 2008 edition of Spirit of Freedom.  Over the past
month there has been a lot of activity for the international prisoner
support movement.  The good news is the two Spanish eco-activists who were
jailed for targeting a bank which funded ecologically destructive activity
have been released from prison.  Also the three international animal rights
activists who were jailed in Sweden have all been released from prison.  For
legal reasons we still can not name the three former Swedish prisoners, but
at their trial the two women were found guilty and given fines.  The man had
the charges against him dropped.  So ELP's prisoner list has gone down by
five prisoners!!!

However despite the good news, there is also some bad news.  In Sweden a
20-year old man, who for legal reasons we can only identify by his first
name, Jonatan, has been accused of eco-sabotage activity in Sweden.  Jonatan
has confessed to damaging a communication tower used by the Department of
Defence, cutting the cables on a crane used in creating urban sprawl, and
damaging a vehicle used in the logging industry.  Jonatan denies any
involvement with the Earth Liberation Front or the Swedish JBF and he is due
to be sentenced on the 12th of December.  A support campaign has been set up
for Janatan and messages of support can be sent to freejonatan@yahoo.se

Other bad news, in France five anti-nuclear activists have been imprisoned
for allegedly sabotaging railway lines to protest against trains carrying
nuclear waste.  As we go to print we do not have any prison addresses or
contact details for any of these French prisoners.  If anyone knows their
contact details please do let ELP know.

Staying with French news, ELP recently learnt about a series of raids in
France where three well know Animal Rights campaigners, Sèbastien Lorca,
president of "Dignitè Animale", (www.dignitè-animale.com), Johan Couderc, a
member of Dignité Animale and Titouan Couderc, president of "Le
glaive"(www.le-glaive.com). All three were arrested by anti-terrorist police
and accused of involvement in an ALF arson against two trucks.  This is
despite the fact the police admit there is no evidence against any of the
people they arrested!!!  Apparently under French law the anti-terrorist
police don't actually need any evidence to arrest anyone and these raids
appear to be aimed at attempting to intimidate Frances growing animal rights
community.  We must not allow our French brothers and sisters to be
intimidated.  Nor must we allow prisoner to feel alone and isolated.  ELP
can never stress enough how important letters of support are to the
prisoners, 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, #70936065, FCI Herlong, Federal Correctional Institution, PO Box
800, Herlong, CA 96113, USA.  Serving 78 months for his involvement in two
ELF arsons.  1) an arson on logging trucks 2) 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).

Rodney Coronado #03895-000, FCI El Reno, PO Box 1500, El Reno, OK 73036,
USA.  Serving one-year imprisonment after he informed people how to make an
incendiary device during a speech at an animal rights gathering.  (Meat
eater).

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).

Paola Gori, Via delle Macchie 9, 57124 Livorno, Italy.  Il Silvestre
activist awaiting trial accused of allowing her house to be used to plan
illegal activity.  (Paola is a vegan).

Jonatan.  E-mail messages of support to freejonatan@yahoo.se A 20-year old
Swedish man who has admitted damaging a communication tower used by the
Department of Defence, cutting the cables on a crane used in creating urban
sprawl, and damaging a vehicle used in the logging industry.  Jonatan is due
to be sentenced on the 12th of December.  (Diet unknown).

Bryan Lefey (address unknown), USA.  On remand accused of an ELF action that
saw the damaging of GM trees and the damaging of US Forestry Service
vehicles.  (Diet unknown).

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).

Marie Jeanette Mason, Clinton County Jail, 1347 E Townsend Rd., Saint Johns,
MI 48879, USA.  Awaiting sentencing having pleaded guilty to involvement in
ELF arson against a University building carrying out Genetically Modified
crop tests.  Marie also pleaded guilty to conspiring to carry out ELF
actions and also admitted involvement in 12 other ELF actions.  Marie is
expected to receive a sentence of between 15-20 years. (Marie is a vegan).

Eric McDavid, 16209-097, FCI Victorville, Medium II, Federal Correctional
Institution, PO Box 5300, Adelanto, CA 92301, USA.  Serving 19 years & 7
months for planning to destroy the property of the U.S. Forestry Service,
mobile phone masts and power plants.  At the point of his arrest no criminal
damage has actually occurred.  (Eric is a vegan).

Daniel McGowan, Columbia County Jail, 403 Jackson Street, Portage, WI 53901,
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, FCI Danbury, Federal Correctional Institution,
Route 37, Danbury, CT 06811, USA.  Serving six years for 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).

Dan Amos VN7818, HMP Winchester, Romsey Road, Winchester SO22 5DF, England.
On remand having pleaded guilty to conspiracy to blackmail Huntingdon Life
Sciences.  (Dan is a vegan)

Gregg Avery TA7450, HMP Winchester, Romsey Road, Winchester, SO22 5DF,
England.  On remand having pleaded guilty to conspiracy to blackmail
Huntingdon Life Sciences.  (Gregg is a vegan).

Natasha Avery NR8987, HMP Bronzefield, Woodthorpe Road, Ashford, Middx. TW15
3JZ, England.  On remand having pleaded guilty to conspiracy to blackmail
Huntingdon Life Sciences.   (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).

Dean Cain, WJ4309, HMP Lincoln, Greetwell Road, LN2 4BD, England.  On remand
for allegedly trespassing at a rabbit farm.  The charges include interfering
with a contractual relationship so as to harm an animal research
organisation, conspiracy to interfere with a contractual relationship so as
to harm an animal research organisation, and conspiracy to commit criminal
damage.  (Dean 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).

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).

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).

Sean Kirtley WC 6977, HMP Stafford, 54 Gaol Road, Stafford, ST16 3AW,
England.  Serving four and a half years for running an anti-vivisection
campaign website.  (Sean 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).

John Smith, TB4887, HMP Lindholme, Bawtry Road, Hatfield Woodhouse,
Doncaster, DN7 6EE, England.  Serving 12 years for attempting to blackmail a
farmer who supplied guinea pigs for vivisection.  (John is a vegan).

Luke Steele, WJ4308, HMP Gloucester, Barrack Square, GL1 2JN, England.  On
remand for allegedly trespassing at a rabbit farm.  The charges include
interfering with a contractual relationship so as to harm an animal research
organisation, conspiracy to interfere with a contractual relationship so as
to harm an animal research organisation, and conspiracy to commit criminal
damage.  (Luke is a vegan).

Andrew Stepanian #26399-050, USP Marion, P.O. Box 1000 Marion, IL 62959,
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).

Sarah Whitehead, VM7684, HMP Bronzefield, Woodthorpe Road, Ashford, Middx,
TW15 3JZ, England.  Serving two years for: 1) rescuing a puppy from horrific
conditions. 2) rescuing over 100 animals from a pet breeder who was later
prosecuted for animal abuse.  Also awaiting trial for SHAC activity.  (Sarah
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 DEFENDANTS
The Lecce Defendants 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).

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. (Tomasz is a vegetarian).

Yuri Yurevich Milevskiy, SIZO #7 kamera 38, g. Brest, ul. Karla Marksa 86,
224000 Belarus.  On remand for fighting with neo-nazis.  (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).

Richard Sills (Address Unknown, USA).  Serving 15 months for bomb hoaxing a
University saying they would be targeted by the ALF if they didn't stop
their animal experiments.  (Diet unknown).

Michael Sykes 696693, Richard A. Handlon Correctional Facility, 1728
Bluewater Highway, Ionia, MI 48846, USA.  Serving four to ten years for
anti-sprawl arsons, criminal damage to a utility pole, 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

Salsa for Freedom and Crime Against Humanity

Crime Against Humanity
Friday December 12th, 2008
Lobby Opens 7pm

Crime Against Humanity
Hostos Community College
500 Grand Concourse
(4,5,2 trains to W149th St. and Grand Concourse)
Bronx, New York

A fiercely innovative play! A play based on the real life experiences of 14 Puerto Rican Political Prisoners-two of who are still incarcerated. Tickets are $5-$15

NEW YORK PREMIERE! ONE SHOW ONLY! Friday December 12th, 2008 at 7pm

It will make you laugh and cry, but most of all it will make you want to do something free them! www.Crimeagainsthumanity.net
_________________________________________________________________

SALSA FOR FREEDOM 2008!!
SATURDAY DECEMBER 13TH, 2008 7PM-2AM

St. Mary's Episcopal Church 521 W126th St.
Between Amsterdam Avenue and Broadway
Take the 1 Train to W125th St.

Join us for a night of amazing music, nonstop dancing, Delicious Puerto Rican fo od, and make sure to bring your checkbook for our Annual Freedom Auction! ALL PROCEEDS FROM THIS EVENT GO TO THE PUERTO RICAN POLITICAL PRISONER COMMISSARY FUND!

Suggested donation : $10 (no one will be turned away for lack of funds, all are welcome)

FEATURING THE AMAZING DJ MELLOW!!
DJ Mellow G mixes amazing Salsa, Merengue, Reggaeton, Hip Hop, RNB, and other music styles that will keep you dancing the night away!

For more information contact ProLibertad at 718-601-4751
www.prolibertadweb.com

Jeffrey Free Luers interviews Grant Barnes

Infoshop News Dec. 3, 2008

JL: You are currently serving a long prison sentence for arsons claimed on behalf of the Earth Liberation Front. What compelled you to take such actions?

GB: I had been aware of the ELF for some time, and as I became more aware of the severity of the most likely consequences of climate change I decided it was time for me to do my part and take responsibility. I think that property destruction is a useful component in a united front of tactics toward first, earth liberation, and ultimately towards the cultivation of a biocentric culture. It raises the economic and psychological costs of earth destruction, and when there is media coverage, as there usually is, it hows people on all sides of the struggle that the destroyers are vulnerable. I believe that property destruction is one of the things that the other species of the planet would do in their defense against extinction if they had the knowledge and ability to do so. Those who destroy the property of uncaring, irresponsible people act on behalf of these other species, which are our cousins.

JL: How did you first get into activism?

GB I helped with an info-shop in Denver (now closed) and Food Not Bombs, and I
worked for the Rape Assistance and Awareness Program.

JL: You are serving your sentence in maximum security. What has that been like?


GB: One challenge has been racism. I’m white, and most of the people I talk
to are not, and this has led to some confrontations with racists. My friends
back me up though, so when problems arrive we respond and that keeps me safe
enough. They deserve the better part of the credit for that.

Otherwise, the hardest thing is the isolation; I’m a social person and
community is very important to me, so everyday it takes a conscious effort to
adapt to spending most of my time alone (most of the time I’m not allowed to
leave the cell). However, I stay productive by studying for my degree and
working out, and I’ve made strong progress in both areas. I occasionally have
the opportunity to return correspondence and that is one of my favorite things
to do.

JL: When you first decided to get involved in eco-defense did you think you
would end up in prison? If so, how did you prepare yourself for that
possibility?

GB: I knew I could go down and I strove not to. At various times in my life I
had read prison memoirs like Soul On Ice by Black Panther Eldridge Cleaver and
Soledad Brother by George Jackson, and some more recent accounts of prison
life, including a web file entitled How To Survive In Prison. It contains some
good information, for instance on the importance of respect, but I think I
would have picked up on that sort of thing whether or not I had read anything
on it. Probably the best way somebody could prepare would be to stay in good
physical shape.

JL: How has your support been? How can people get involved?

GB: The Lucy Parsons Project sent two books last year, which are outstanding to
have as good reading material is hard to get here. Earth First! Journal kindly
gave me a free prisoner subscription, and I also got an issue apiece from Green
Anarchy and Bite Back, all of which I considered notable on the outside and
appreciate having in here. I am especially thankful that Earth First! Journal
and Green Anarchy have listed my address. I’ve got several letters and
postcards wishing me well, and recently I’ve begun corresponding with several
people. It would be outstanding to hear from others.

The best thing people can do is send information on intentional communities,
mutual aid networks, and similar formations I might contribute to when I am
released. One of the most frustrating things about being inside is having few
outlets to give to others, but I want to lay a solid foundation for such
community that I can build on when my time here is done. Creating community
takes a great deal of work, and I know it’s necessary to spend time to
understand, among other things, a potential member’s level of commitment and
the extent of the common ground shared with existing members. I want to start
that dialogue, because the kind of life I want to live on the outside is one
spent as much as possible in spaces of liberation from patriarchy,
exploitation, anthropocentrism, racism, and all other symptoms of the present
alienating civilization. To that end I am most interested in more primitive
groups.

Also, I find that in general pictures are more natural expressions than words,
and it means a lot to me to see photos along with peoples’ writings.
Regardless, it is always special to receive a letter or postcard from anyone
who feels concern for the earth and joy for life.

JL: Are you working on projects while locked up?

GB: I’m finishing my degree in cultural anthropology; I was a student when I
was arrested. Reading about a range of cultures has been provocative. It has
shown me to some extent how much is being lost with the extinction of so many
sustainable, primitive ways of life--knowledge we need now more than ever. I
also keep up with reports on climate change, and I am reading some books I had
not made time for on the outside, like Derrick Jensen’s Endgame.

JL: And now here’s your chance for a shameless wish list. Would you like
people to send any specific books or books on particular subjects? Are there
any canteen items, like a radio or anything else, we can help you buy to make
your time easier?

GB: I don’t listen to the radio or watch TV, or buy snacks, and money is
qualitatively less valuable to me than heartfelt correspondence, but I would
certainly appreciate funds for mailing supplies, and for beans and oats, as the
vegan food here is very limited. One luxury I do love is music and receiving
some of that would be a treat.

One of the subjects I most want to better understand is the difference between
primitive and complex cultures. I would be very grateful for any
well-researched reading material at the undergrad level on this topic. Much of
what is listed in Green Anarchy is of interest, for instance.
--
“Grant Barnes is serving a 12 year prison sentence for the arson of SUVs.
From his prison cell he watches the birds that have made their nest within the
razor wire. A reflection of what is happening to our world.”
Write to: Grant Barnes, #137563, San Carlos Correctional Facility, PO Box 3,
Pueblo, CO 81002. Visit his new website at grantbarnes.wordpress.com.

RNC arrestees update

3 articles from http://tc.indymedia.org

100 Confront Gaertner at DFL Fundraiser; No Arrests
“your felonies, your fault!": no peace for the prosecutor of the RNC
felony cases!
More Information on RNC-WC Infiltrators

100 Confront Gaertner at DFL Fundraiser; No Arrests

Last night's rally and dance party outside RNC felony prosecutor
Susan Gaertner's gubernatorial fundraiser in downtown Minneapolis was
a smashing success from the perspective of protest organizers. At
4:00, the RNC 8 held a press conference satirically endorsing
Gaertner's run for Governor, and presenting a giant check for "Eight
dollars and zero sense." Soon thereafter a banner was dropped from a
nearby parking ramp, and the crowd for the CRASS-organized rally
swelled to about 100. A large police presence of nearly two dozen MPD
officers with a booking van and flexicuffs was also on the scene, but
the crowd avoided arrests and ended the party at about 6:30, chanting
"We'll be back!"

Meanwhile, the number of cases dismissed by St. Paul City Attorney
John Choi this week is at 30 according to CRASS, all but three of
which were scheduled for trial on December 15. Many of the cases are
from the Shepherd Road and 7th/Jackson parking lot mass arrests. A
minimum of 63 misdemeanor/gross misdemeanor cases have now been
dismissed and a dozen others declined for prosecution.

Press Statement from the RNC 8 | CRASS | Petition to Susan Gaertner:
Drop the Charges | "your felonies, your fault!" | Photos by
kostyaissoli | (did you take photos or videos of the rally? publish
or link to them on TC Indymedia and we'll add them here!)

Numbers reported in the Pioneer Press show that of 171 cases either
resolved or ongoing, 10 have bench warrants, 27 have been resolvd, 62
are still open (that is, the accused are fighting the charges), and
72 have been declined or dismissed. Numbers calculated by CRASS are
slightly different, but with a similar average of 75-80% of cases
either being challenged or having been dismissed. The number of cases
resolved or ongoing - 171 - is starkly short of the 808 arrests
during the RNC. The massive arrest of 396 people during John McCain's
acceptance speech is still being mulled over by Choi's office.

Meanwhile, Tuesday's rally had an appropriately festive atmosphere,
boosted by the Funk Mobile Unit of the local Funk the War. It was,
after all, in part a birthday celebration for Gaertner, and she
received more than her fair share of Happy/Crappy Birthday
renditions! Crowding alternately in front of the main entrance to the
Minneapolis Club and the Club's private parking ramp, potential
Gaertner supporters going in and out were harangued with noise,
dancing, and demands that Gaertner drop all RNC felony charges,
particularly those against the RNC 8. Flyers were handed out to
confused but often sympathetic passersby, and the scene was a
beautiful, noisy, funky ruckus!

Minneapolis police officers arrived even before the demonstrators,
guarding both entrances to the building. As the party continued, more
and more officers and an MPD booking van arrived. Soon, officers
ordered partyers to move on the premise that they were blocking the
sidewalk, after which the party would move to the other side of the
club. Officers also took issue with the volume of the mobile sound
system, after which it would temporarily be lowered. Eventually, a
police megaphone declared the event an unlawful assembly and officers
with rings of plastic handcuffs arrived, but the party continued for
another half hour and no arrests were made. With a large number of
cameras in the crowd, as well as the presence of corporate media,
forcible arrests might have been too embarrassing for Gaertner and
the Democratic Party.

It's yet to be seen whether the weakness of the cases given to St.
Paul attorney Choi will also be felt in the Ramsey County offices of
Susan Gaertner and the director of her prosecution division, Phil
Carruthers. But it is clear that RNC arrestees and allies intend to
continue pressuring Gaertner, and that the pressure is beginning to
be felt: reports have already been heard that potential Gaertner
donors have cited yesterday's protest in their decision to stay away.
The question from many in Tuesday's crowd is: When's her next
fundraiser going to be?

“your felonies, your fault!": no peace for the prosecutor of the RNC
felony cases!
Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 12/02/2008 - 23:39.
in

* Local
* 2008
* Class War
* Minneapolis
* Protest
* RNC

12.2.2008

dusk on a december tuesday, barely warm enough to emerge from our
(barely) heated abodes. the suited democrats descend on the swanky
minneapolis club, expecting a calm entrance to susan gaertner’s
birthday fundraiser for her gubernatorial campaign, but alas! the
iron gates are surrounded by the rabble, an angry mob of the
dispossessed and their defenders. the suits push through, ignoring
our festival. these ruffians, armed with a sound system and raucous
tunes, cast a spell of momentary liberation outside this fortress of
the rich. the panopticon watches: the ubiquitous surveillance camera
and two cops guard the door, allowing only the monied minneapolites
through. someone tries to deliver a singing telegram to gaertner, but
they are turned away. a banner is dropped from a parking garage, but
quickly removed.

the crowd exudes life and rage, in stark contrast to the drab
professionals waiting for busses, and the ominously shiny
skyscrapers. we are dancing and hollering and watching each other’s
backs. the filth drift in, tension rises but the unbirthday
celebration continues. one pig emerges from the building, tells us to
shut off the sound system, but he is alone and surrounded by people
chanting “drop the charges!” the music stops for a moment but soon
begins anew. an unmarked van full of pigs arrives, then a “booking
van” parks nearby. the filth pull out zip ties, itching to fill their
arrest quota, but still they make no move. they order us to disperse,
and we move the dance party around the corner. they repeat the
dispersal order: we repeat the move.

for once, a relief from the drudgery of recuperation! so many put in
chains by the police state, and so many years faced in jail. for a
community struck by infiltration and repression, we managed to prove
ourselves unintimidated. if the state means to crush our resistance
through their legal system, we mean to struggle ever harder. gaertner
may try to ride into the governor’s office on the waves of felony
convictions, but we plan on exploiting every point of tension we can,
turning the cracks in society into ruptures.

DEVASTATE the avenues of the rich! DEPOSE all politicians! vote YES
on CIVIL WAR.

http://twincities.indymedia.org/2008/dec/100-confront-gaertner-dfl-fundr...
http://www.rncaftermath.org


More Information on RNC-WC Infiltrators
Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 12/01/2008 - 22:38.
in

* Local
* RNC

We are releasing this communiqué and information because we have
encountered confusion and uncertainty amongst others in the radical
community, both in the Twin Cities and elsewhere, regarding the
infiltration of the RNC Welcoming Committee and the status of the
four RNC-WC infiltrators. These four self-described “members”
attended RNC Welcoming Committee meetings, were a part of our
activist community, visited our homes, shared our food and befriended
our comrades over much of the RNC Welcoming Committee’s existence.
Without going into all the legalities that would bore all but the
(sensational, stalwart, and superlative) lawyers among us, the
repercussions of the actions of these individuals and the entirety of
the police state before, during and after the RNC lead us to be
discrete about the information we share at this present time. As the
cases of those facing serious RNC-related charges progress through
the courts in Minnesota – or as charges are dropped – more
information about these informants will become public.
We do not speak on behalf of any organization, but simply as
individuals who participated in anarchist anti-RNC organizing, who
continue to be involved in the RNC aftermath, and who are
particularly interested in using our experience surrounding these
infiltrators to make our movements stronger and more secure.

And now, here they are--the 2008 RNC Hall of Shame:

Marilyn Hedstrom, pseudonym "Norma Jean Johnson" - Ramsey County
Sheriff's Department Narcotics Officer

"Norma Jean" entered the radical community through Minneapolis Food
Not Bombs with her supposed niece, "Amanda Clara" (see below) late in
2007. They soon began attending and surveilling RNC Welcoming
Committee meetings, as well as meetings of RNC-WC committees and the
meetings and functions of other, non-anarchist organizations until
the end of August. She is in her late 40s/early 50s with curly
blonde, graying hair and a medium build. She portrayed herself as
divorced and becoming politically active for the first time. She was
confirmed to be an infiltrator on September 1st. Since then, she has
been seen multiple times on duty in Ramsey County District Court.

Rachel Nieting, pseudonyms "Amanda Clara" and “Amanda Amey” - Ramsey
County Corrections Officer (now allegedly a Sheriff's Deputy)

"Amanda", in her early 20s and resembling a college student, began
attending RNC-WC and committee meetings along with Marilyn/"Norma
Jean." Unlike her co-conspirator, however, "Amanda" ceased
involvement in the spring of 2008; her role as an infiltrator appears
to be the most limited of the four infiltrators known. Since the
convention, she has also been seen on duty. Her fake MySpace account
is currently still being used. You can view it at:
http://www.myspace.com/amandaclara. She also has a Facebook (make
sure to poke her!) at:
http://www.facebook.com/people/Amanda-Amey/579453547.

Chris Dugger (real name) – Ramsey County Confidential Reliable
Informant (now allegedly a jail guard)

Chris began attending RNC-WC meetings very early in 2008. He was also
active in attending committee meetings and meetings with
non-anarchist groups through the end of August. Like Marilyn/"Norma
Jean," he portrayed himself as participating in a radical project for
the first time and avoided helping except for the most basic tasks.
He is around 30 years old (looks older) and is short with a very
large, muscular build and several tattoos. He was confirmed to be an
infiltrator on September 1st by observations of his behavior in
downtown Saint Paul. Chris is not a cop, but an informant –
presumably paid or rewarded by some other means.

Andrew Darst (real name, aka Andy/Panda/Pandy, online names Warchyld,
Killswitch) – Federal Confidential Reliable Informant

"Panda" began attending RNC-WC meetings around the time of the pReNC
in the fall of 2007 and stayed with the group through late August
(including during the 2nd pReNC 5.3). He was introduced to the group
as an avid urban explorer, and was (and still may be) active in the
regional urban exploring scene, as a participant and as an
administrator on websites devoted to the subject. At the first pReNC,
he attended the event with two other urban explorers, known to be
sympathetic to government agencies. He was first seen within the
anarchist circle at the Crimethinc convergence three years ago, and
has attended the convergence annually ever since. Like the other
infiltrators, he was active in committee meetings and attended
functions with other, non-anarchist organizations. Importantly,
however, "Panda" was also involved in anti-RNC activity independent
of and unrelated to the RNC Welcoming Committee. He participated and
organized around Sector 5, and it appears that he remained on the
streets in some form or fashion throughout the convention protests.
His relationship with Matthew DePalma was the basis for DePalma's
recent RNC-related federal case, and he also appears in court
documents relating to the "Texas Two," Austin activists also facing
federal RNC-related charges. He audio-recorded various gatherings and
meetings, including the second pReNC (5.3). His apartment at 26th St
and Bloomington in Minneapolis was wired for audio and video
recording. He is around 30 years old with sharp features and has dark
brown hair and eyes. He is tall (around 6’2) with a large, stockier
build (see photos). He was confirmed to be an infiltrator by – among
other incidents – observations of him assisting police in downtown
Saint Paul on September 1st. Like Chris, he is not a cop but an
informant (in this case a federal informant) – presumably paid or
rewarded by some other means.

Photos of Andrew Darst/”Panda”:
http://tinyurl.com/watching1
http://tinyurl.com/watching2
http://tinyurl.com/watching3
plus more info: http://tinyurl.com/watching4

MOVING FORWARD

It is important for us to use this case of infiltrators as a learning
tool for our future activist excursions, especially in our home
cities. The Welcoming Committee and surrounding communities made
several mistakes regarding the issue of infiltration. The issues
surrounding our mistakes should be part of an ongoing conversation
that addresses the issues of state harassment within our circles.
Everyone can and must use the experience of the RNC to expand the
effectiveness of our organizing and activism. Currently, however,
there is little to no structure within our communities to build
substantial trust around ourselves and our comrades. Infiltrators
have done their dirty deeds for decades, even centuries, and they
will continue to do so. We urge our communities and our movements to
take the threat they pose seriously, and understand that while we
cannot allow the state's disgusting tactics to dictate the terms of
our resistance, we do not have to put up with them, either. Clearly,
even in an open, aboveground group such as the RNC Welcoming
Committee, they can wreak havoc.

We support the demand that the charges against all RNC arrestees,
including the RNC 8 and the “Texas 2”, be dropped. The real criminals
are those who attempt to destroy our communities and relationships
through deception, greed and collaboration with state repression of
dissent.

We welcome comments and questions (within discretion) about this
situation. If you encountered these individuals, we may be interested
in your stories, and they could potentially be used for the defense
of those facing RNC-related charges. For guidelines on telling us
your RNC informant experience, email us at observations – at – riseup
– dot– net.

Argentina: Train tracks blocked for Freddy and Marcelo

Dec. 3, 2008 Infoshop news

Buenos Aires - In the framework of the hunger strike that has been realized by Freddy Fuentevilla and Marcelo Villaroel this passed November 26, 2008, anarchist companions in solidarity blocked the tracks that join with Villa Rosa (Belgrano line) in the proximity of the Villa de Mayo station. The companions set a fire on the tracks at the same time as hanging a banner with the words "FREEDOM TO FREDDY AND MARCELO, NO TO THE EXTRADITION (A)".

The intention of this action was not to make a demand of the State because we know that whatever name it has (chilean, argentine, etc) it's the State that's responsible for persecuting and attacking persons who are intent on changing the established order.

The intention is to spread an idea of conscious and active solidarity as the most powerful weapon we have.

We shouldn't expect anybody to call us to demonstrate or take action in some pre-determined form but we have to be coherent with our ideas and act in the moments and locations we believe appropriate .

NO TO THE EXTRADITION OF FREDDY AND MARCELLO!!!
FREEDOM TO ALL THE PRISONERS!!!
FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF ALL THAT MAKES US SLAVES!!!

some anarchists



Corte de vías por Freddy y Marcelo

Buenos Aires.- En el marco de la huelga de hambre que estan realizando freddy fuentevilla y marcelo villaroel, el pasado 26/11 compañeros anarquistas se solidarizaron provocando el corte de las vias que unen retiro con villa rosa (linea belgrano), en las proximidades de la estacion VILLA DE MAYO. La accion se produjo cuando los compañeros generaron un incendio sobre la via, al mismo tiempo que colgaban una bandera con la consigna “LIBERTAD A FREDDY Y MARCELO, NO A LA EXPULSION (A)”.

La intencion de esta accion no es la de hacerle un pedido al estado porque sabemos que sea cual sea el nombre que este tenga (chileno, argentino, etc) es responsable de la persecucion y del ataque a las personas q intentan cambiar el orden establecido.

La intencion es difundir la idea de que la solidaridad conciente y activa es el arma mas poderosa que tenemos.

No debemos esperar que nadie nos convoque a manifestarnos o accionar de alguna forma determinada, sino que tenemos que ser coherentes con nuestras ideas y actuar en el momento y lugar que creamos conveniente.

NO A LA EXPULSION DE FREDDY Y MARCELO!!!
LIBERTAD A TODXS LXS PRESXS!!!
POR LA DESTRUCCION DE TODO LO QUE NOS HACE ESCLAVXS!!!

algunxs anarquistas


http://freddymarcelo.entodaspartes.net/

Holiday Radio Show for Prisoners

Join the ninth annual CALLS FROM HOME radio broadcast for prisoners. The United States has 2.4 million people behind bars. Thousand Kites wants you to lend your voice to a powerful grassroots radio broadcast that reaches into our nation's prison and lets those inside know they are not forgotten. We are asking you to call our toll-free line 877-518-0606 and speak directly to those behind bars this holiday season. (An answering machine will record your message) Read a poem, sing a song, or just speak directly from you heart. Speak to someone you know or to everyone---make it uplifting. So call right now at 877-518-0606. We will post each call on our website as it comes in! Check our website www.thousandkites.org to listen to your call and others! CALLS FROM HOME will broadcast on over 200 radio stations across the country and be available for download from our website on December 13. Call anytime (now through December 9) at 877-518-0606 and record your message. Learn how you can help blog, distribute, broadcast, or support this event. CALLS FROM HOME is a project of Thousand Kites/WMMT-FM/Appalshop and a national network of grassroots organizations working for criminal justice reform. www.thousandkites.org thousandkitesproject@gmail.com In Peace, Thousand Kites Team (Nick, Julia, Dudley, Donna, and Amelia) Thousand Kites 91 Madison Ave Whitesburg, KY 41858

Wednesday Phone-for-Parole for Herman and Jalil!

WEDNESDAY IS PHONE-FOR-PAROLE DAY FOR HERMAN BELL AND JALIL MUNTAQIM!
CALL NY GOVERNOR DAVID A PATERSON BETWEEN 10 AM AND 3 PM EASTERN STANDARD TIME TOMORROW--WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3!!!!
518-474-8390
Urge that the governor sign the amended Executive agreements which will allow NY inmates Herman Bell (#2318931) and Jalil Muntaqim (s/n Anthony Bottom/ #2311826) to return to New York State to attend their rightful parole hearings.
We're calling him every Wednesday morning of '08 until he signs off on the transfer.
The transfer of SF8 defendants Herman Bell and Jalil Muntaqim from the San Francisco County Jail back to New York State for their rightful parole hearings has been blocked by both state governors for months. This comes despite previous agreements in the courtroom between the California State prosecutors, the presiding judge and, of course, the defendants and their attorneys.
Judge Philip Moscone signed an order in May allowing Herman Bell and Jalil Muntaqim to return to New York State for their parole hearings. All parties agreed at that time that the move would be temporary; Herman and Jalil waived their rights to fight extradition back to California. Both have served over 35 years in prison as model prisoners. Both were targeted originally by COINTELPRO as members of the Black Panther Party. The state waited 35 years to bring these spurious criminal charges. Now these charges are being used to deny these men parole hearings to which they are entitled. Whatever concerns the government has can be overcome by a simple modification of the extradition order. All Herman and Jalil are asking for is an opportunity to attend their hearings.

More on the San Francisco 8 at freethesf8.org
More on the New York 3 (Herman Bell and Jalil Muntaqim) at http://www.abcf.net/prisoners/ny3.htm

Birthday list for December

---

Here is the list for December Birthdays!

TSUTOMU SHIROSAKI

#20924-016

FCI Terre Haute

P.O. Box 33

Terre Haute, IN 47808

December 5, 1947

JEFFREY "FREE" LUERS

#13797671

CRCI

9111 NE Sunderland Ave

Portland, OR 97211-1708

December 5

MARILYN BUCK

00482-285 / Unit A

5701 8th St. Camp Parks

Dublin, CA 94568

December 13

ZOLO AGONA AZANIA

#4969 / P.O. Box 41

Michigan City, IN 46361

Indiana State Prison

December 12, 1954

FRED BURTON

AF 3896

SCI Somerset

1590 Walters Mill Rd

Somerset, PA 15510

December 15, 1946

JEROME WHITE-BEY

#37479

Center (SECC), 2B-211

300 East Pedro Simmons Drive

Charleston. MO. 63834

December 28, 1955