Defend Free Speech in Austria

Hiya everyone

As most people are aware several months ago 10 Austrians were arrested accused of Animal Rights activity. All ten spent time in prison, on remand, before being released on bail.

Despite the fact the 10 are on bail the case against the 10 is still continuing and although some of the original charges being dropped, as the below press release shows, the 10 are all facing charges which restricts their right to free speech.

ELP is watching the events in this case and will bring you more news as we receive it.


from antirep2008.tk


Press release: Details about filed charges against 10 animal rights
activists public

An unbelievable attack on political campaigning

After yesterday’s announcement that many of the carges against the
accused have been dropped, for the first time details of the remaining
charges filed against the 10 animal rights activists are known: all 10
will be prosecuted under the controversial $278a and for various single
felonies. Furthermore, the investigations against them and an unknown
number of other persons are continuing.

„All hope regarding the responsible prosecutor finally coming to their
sense has dissolved into thin air today“, Alex Sommer of antirep2008
stated. „The filings received today show in an upsetting manner how the
attack by police and the justice system is not directed at specific
felonies, but against an active social movement and successful campaigning.“

The charges against the accused are mainly activities directed at
facilitating and supporting the goals of the supposedly criminal
organisation, ie „announcing protests to the responsible agencies“,
speaking at public discussions and panels, writing articles for
newspapers or magazines or research in the field of fur trade and
livestock. According to the charges filed, specific felonies were almost
always supposedly committed by „unknown accomplices“.

The massive police investigations, which lasted more than two years,
were seemingly focussed on the public, political and legal activity of
individuals and groups. The use of so called „crimes of association“
like §278a as means of criminalization and justification for massive
surveillance and observation, which has been feared by political groups
for a long time, has been confirmed once more.

For further information:

e-Mail: antirep2008@gmx.at www.antirep2008.tk
11. August 2009