Short update on the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act 4 (AETA4) case

On May 21, 2009, attorneys for the AETA4 filed a motion to dismiss the charges against them. The Center for Constitutional Rights and Civil Liberties Defense Center also joined in the motion. Charges against the AETA 4 include alleged protest, chalking the sidewalk, chanting and leafleting –, and the alleged use of “the Internet to find information on bio-medical researchers.” These actions are clearly and traditionally protected by the First Amendment. The motion argues that the AETA is unconstitutional and should thus be overturned and the case dismissed. The motion can be read in full at http://ccrjustice.org/files/AETA%20-%...ismiss.pdf

The Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act aims to suppress speech and advocacy by criminalizing activities protected by the First Amendment, including protests, boycotts, picketing and whistleblowing. Though the AETA targets animal rights activists, its language is so broad and vague that it could easily be used to prosecute labor activists who might engage in peaceful activities such as picketing or organizing a successful boycott of a giant corporate supermarket that exploits its workers.

Take action today in solidarity with the AETA 4 by:

1. Call the Department of Justice at (202) 514-1057 and ask Assistant Attorney General David Kris to stop using counter-terrorism resources to criminalize animal rights activism.

The scheduled June 8th court appearance for the AETA4 has been postponed. The re-scheduled appearance is set for:

Monday July 13
9:00AM
Courtroom 6, 4th Floor
280 South 1st ST.
San Jose, CA 95113

Source: http://www.aeta4.org