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The FBI's witch hunt against activists continues, with two more charged with arson in the last 36 hours, both Cascadian environmentalists. Jonathon Paul, 39 [pictured], of Ashland and Suzanne Nicole "India" Savoie, 28, of Appelgate were both were arrested on a criminal complaint of arson, allegedly for involvement in a 2001 firebombing at the offices of a Superior Lumber Mill in Glendale, OR, an action claimed by the Earth Liberation Front. Jonathan has long been an outspoken advocate for direct action for environmental causes, gaining the attention of numerous industry backed anti-environmental [1, 2] watch groups and the FBI for his activism. Jonathan also was involved in Earth First! campaigns, was on the Sea Shepard crew, and was involved in founding the American Whales Alliance and Ocean Defense International. Jonathan also spent 6 months in jail in 1992 for refusing to testify before a grand jury investigating Animal Liberation Front activities. Suzanne, also an environmental activist who most recently has been working to preserve the Baldlick roadless area, was visited on December 7th by two FBI agents and several state police officers who subpoenaed her to appear before the grand jury hearing scheduled for February 16th in Eugene. The FBI tried to intimidate her into talking, essentially stating that "women usually take the fall for men and that she shouldn't let that happen". Jonathon was also subpoenaed around the same time. Jonathon's arraignment is Thursday, January 19th at 3:00 PM (this is a new date and time) at the Federal Building in Medford, OR, which is located at 310 W. 6th St (on the corner of 6th and Holly). Suzanne has not been arrested, and is still "at large". [ read more ] Update (3:30 pm Thursday): Suzanne has now been arrested as well. Check back for updates on her arraignment.
Further Developments in Sacramento arrests: FBI infiltrator was running in activist circles On Friday, January 13th Eric McDavid, Zachary Jenson and Lauren Weiner were arrested in Auburn, California and accused of "conspiring to damage or destroy by explosive or fire" cell phone towers, power plants and US Forest Service facilities. No arson occurred, however: the charges allege the 3 were planning one. All are requesting support and letters, and Lauren is requesting help securing vegan food. The latest development here is the release of the FBI's affidavit in the case, which relies heavily on a deep cover, paid infiltrator. Supporters of the Auburn 3 identified the informant as a young woman named "Anna" who "went to Auburn" with the defendants shortly before their arrests. According to the affidavit "Anna" has has provided information in at least 12 anarchist cases since 2004. She has traveled to and infiltrated various anarchist gatherings and protests across the country including the Biodev 2005 demonstrations in Philadelphia, a CrimethInc. convergence in Indiana and the Feral Visions green anarchist gathering in North Carolina, all the while recording conversations and communicating with the FBI. [ read more ] All this follows 6 arrests of people accused of Earth Liberation Front activities last month. Please write letters of support to these prisoners. Always check for up-to-date contact information and guidelines at the North American Earth Liberation Prisoners Support Network and Portland Indymedia's Prisoner Support page.
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