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Green Scare
Updated 6/14/07 Updates: According to the Dept of Justice at their January 20th press conference, these arrests & subpoenas are part of a nation-wide effort to target activists in the US under new domestic terrorism legislation, although in reality, the word "terrorism" is not mentioned once in the 83-page indictment. Many of those who were arrested have cooperated with authorities to lessen their prison terms. One activist has died in jail. All of the remaining non-cooperating activists have pled guilty, and all except the activist turned informant, Jacob Ferguson, are now facing long sentences with possible terrorism enhancements added on. The charges are in relation to a string of actions which took place between 1997 and 2001, actions that were claimed by the Earth Liberation Front and the Animal Liberation Front. [Initial Report | Jeff Luers' March 2006 Dispatch] Police Informants gave information about some of the people taken into custody during this sweep, most notably, Jake the Snake. Ferguson's informing work to the FBI has been made publicly available, in the form of the actual arrest and search warrant request submitted December 7th, 2005. Dec 22, 2005 one of the originally indicted activists was found dead in his cell. The authorities claim it was a suicide. Bill Rodgers, 40, was a long-time community activist from Arizona where he ran the 'Catalyst Infoshop' bookstore out of his home. For more information or to see how you can support Bill's life work see: www.supportbill.org. [FSRN Audio Interview about Bill with his friend and supporter] On March 2, the Bush administration dealt yet another blow to the First Amendment, as the SHAC 7 were found guilty of multiple federal felonies for advocating the closure of the notorious animal-testing lab Huntington Life Sciences by running a website educating people about animal abuses, publishing a newsletter, speaking at events, and publicizing protests. Now, six activists face years in federal prison. All six are currently under house arrest while awaiting sentencing in September; The SHAC7 Support Committee and attorneys are planning to appeal. Support has been withdrawn for the following co-defendants, after it has come to light that these people have decided to cooperate with the FBI by giving information on other activists, in exchange for the possibility of reduced sentences: Stan Meyerhoff, Kevin Tubbs, Lauren Weiner, Chelsea Dawn Gerlach, Suzanne Savoie, Kendall Tankersley, Darren Thurston, and Zachary Jensen. Jennifer Kolar of Seattle has also been giving information leading to the arrest of at least one of these activists. Lacey Phillabaum is also providing testimony against others.
From the open publishing newswire:
ELP has just received the following e-mail from the EWOK (Earth Warriors are OK) prisoner support group. As you can see it contains more information about the indictment against Bryan Rivera aka Bryan Lefey and his co-accused Katherine Christianson and Aaron Ellringer. The indictment also names Oregon Trial prisoner Daniel McGowan.
In their e-mail EWOK also mentions that they have learnt that Katherine Christianson and Aaron Ellringer are due to be arraigned in Madison on Tuesday the 29th of July. As soon as any further information is known about this case we will let you know.
From the open publishing newswire:
Friends, On Monday, July 14, Daniel appeared in federal court in the Western District of Wisconsin (Madison) before Judge Barbara Crabb and was found in civil contempt for his refusal to answer questions before a grand jury.
Since he is already in custody for his existing prison sentence, this means that his clock of time being served has stopped. An appeal has been filed by his lawyer to the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals, as well as a motion for bail (in his case since he wouldn't be released, to start his federal time moving forward again). Right now, until the grand jury is dismissed or other agreements are made within that case and things are resolved, his time will not count as time served. It is unknown whether he will remain in county jail for the full extension of this period. So, for now, please continue to write to Daniel with positive thoughts, funny stories, and well wishes, as this has been a particularly stressful and difficult time. Letters are key to time passing quickly inside.  http://www.supportdaniel.org/
From the open publishing newswire:
Briana Waters was sentenced to six years in prison and three years probation. She did receive the terrorism enhancement. The judge recommended her to Dublin. Judge denied appeal bond and also the ability to self surrender.
Judge Burgess commented on the over 250 letters he received on Briana's behalf. Neil Fox, Ms. Waters' attorney, argued that the average of both Washington and Oregon cases was one and a half years per arson. Mr. Fox argued for five years with serving one and half suspending three and a half. The prosecution argued for ten years. Briana Waters spoke eloquently today on her behalf. There were a dozen supporters for Briana Waters in the court room.
From the open publishing newswire:
WHAT: Summer Solstice-Energy Circle for Tre
WHEN: June 20th, Friday @ 5:30PM WHERE: Top of Mt.Tabor WHY: This has been a really long road for Tre and he could really use our love, light, and healing energy. Tre is aware this is happening and he will be receiving the energy at 5:45pm. If you cannot make it to Mt. Tabor, please still send him positive energy at 5:45pm wherever you are. Summer officially begins wuth the Summer Solstice on Friday, June 20 at 4:59pm. Sol + stice derives from a combination of Latin words meaning "sun" + "to stand still." As the days lengthen, the sun rises higher and higher until it seems to stand still in the sky. As a major celestial event, the Summer Solstice results in the longest day and the shortest night of the year. The Northern Hemisphere celebrates in June, but the people on the Southern half of the earth have their longest summer day in December. The Summer Solstice represent a new beginning. It is time for purification, and renewal of the self. A time to release the sadness, fears, and pains from your life. It is time to celebrate the joy, warmth, and laughter of summer. A time for purification and renewed energy. A time to celebrate the fullness of life and the power of the sun. A time to heal mother earth, heal yourself, and heal Tre. *NAMASTE* ~Blessed Be~
From the open publishing newswire:
Briana is scheduled to be sentenced June 19 at 9 am at the federal courthouse at 1717 Pacific Ave. in Tacoma. Briana Waters trial began on Monday, February 11, 2008, at 1717 Pacific Ave, Tacoma. The trial ended on March 6 with Brianna being found guilty on two counts of arson. She is scheduled to be sentenced June 19 at 9 am.
The case was built on the word of two informants, Jen Kolar and Lacey Phillabaum. Although, Ms. Waters attorneys, Robert Bloom and Neil Fox, filed a motion that the government concealed important information and created a fraudulent FBI report. The Judge Burgess denied the motion in January.
From the open publishing newswire:
Tre Arrow accepted a plea bargain at the Federal Courthouse this morning. Here's his message to everyone: A warm blessing to you all - i thank you for your support and for being here today. Some may look at this non - cooperation plea agreement as a victory. Some may see it as a defeat. It's really neither! It's simply another step in this journey as i walk my path of conscience. You see, it's never been about me. From before the days of the ledge-sit, right thru 'til today, this has been and will always be about the commitment to leave our Earth Mother in a healthier, more beautiful state then when i arrived.
This is about taking back our power from the government and corporate entities that would have us believe that monetary wealth and the acquisition of material objects is more important than the health of the planet, it's people and the billions of life forms with whom we share this home. This is about being a voice for the trees, our animal friends, the waters, mountains and blue skies. This is a calling to consider our children grandchildren and the generations to follow. This is living up to our divine potential. This is an opportunity to be a voice for truth, compassion and respect in the face of profound corruption and disregard for the sanctity of life that permeates the governments and corporations of the world. http://trearrow.org/
From the open publishing newswire:
The North American Earth Liberation Prisoners Support Network has posted new information on Frank Ambrose's cooperation with the federal government in a series of cases pertaining to Earth Liberation Front (ELF) actions in Michigan. As part of his guilty plea, Ambrose agreed to provide information on actions of the Earth Liberation Front (ELF). Disturbingly, at various points in affidavits in the case Ambrose is singled out by the government for involvement in legal activities.
The Earth Liberation Prisoners Support Network is reporting that Ambrose has produced countless hours of recordings with other activists in the year before his indictment: http://www.mediamouse.org/features/052808michi.php
http://midwestgreenscare.org/
http://greenscare.org
http://greenisthenewred.org
From the open publishing newswire:
A Message from Tre: "Blessings to all of you.
Perhaps you've heard that I'm set to take a plea bargain on June 3rd. In the aftermath of Briana Waters' and Eric McDavid's trials, I have weighed the options and decided that I don't want to take the risk of potentially being convicted and spending the rest of my life in prison. I want you all to know that this is a non cooperation plea agreement: I am in no way selling my soul just to receive a sweet deal from the prosecution. By this I mean I am not giving them any information about anyone or any thing which could lead to others being prosecuted. They offered me a deal I couldn't refuse, which takes into account the time I served in Canada. For those who supported me through all of this, I thank you deeply. I continue to stand firm in my commitment to being a voice for the Earth. I speak for the trees, for our fellow co inhabitants, and for the voices commonly ignored. This is our home, our one and only Earth Mother. Just as I will protect my birth mother from violation and harm, I am dedicated to being a force to stop the unnecessary and egregious assault on this precious planet. To this end I devote my music, my passion, my life. I look forward to seeing everyone on June 3rd. Tre Arrow Plea Bargain Court Date June 3rd | www.trearrow.org
From the open publishing newswire:
Hello, all -
We just found out that Daniel has been transferred out of FCI Sandstone. This was completely unexpected, and we do not know what his final destination will be. Please hold off on mailing letters for the time being; we'll send out an update as soon as we have one. Best, Family & Friends of Daniel McGowan http://supportdaniel.org
From the open publishing newswire:
Tre's Legal Update.
From Paul Loney, Tre's attorney... Hi folks, Tre's 5/6/2008 Jury Trial has been reset for 7/8/2008 at 09:00AM before Judge James A. Redden. We needed to set a new trial date because additional time is needed for pretrial investigation and trial preparation. So there is no court appearance for May 6th. The July 8th date is also subject to change. http://www.trearrow.org
From the open publishing newswire:
FBI escalates its intimidation tactics on Marie Mason supporters We would like to make Marie's friends and close supporters aware that recently individuals who have gone to visit Marie in Michigan have been pulled over for the most minor traffic violations by local law enforcement. A situation that should result in a warning or quick ticket turns into an interrogation of the identity, intent, and associations everyone in the vehicle. We believe this to be another form of harassment and attempt to isolate Marie likely being directed at Marie's friends and supporters from the FBI or some other related alphabet soup gang. If you are planing on visiting Marie it is best to give the vehicle you are traveling in a look over for any violation that could result in a ticket. You should also have the vehicles registration and insurance papers in order. The driver should have a valid drivers license on him or her. This wont stop them from pulling you over but will hopefully make the interaction go smoother.
Thanks to a recent supreme court ruling you are REQUIRED to identify yourself to law enforcement on request. Outside of this we would like to remind everyone that they are under no obligation whatsoever to speak with law enforcement under any circumstances without an attorney present. Additionally, if you do choose to speak to law enforcement, and are found later to have been untruthful in any way, this constitutes basis for criminal prosecution. Its perfectly legal for law enforcement to lie to you but it is a criminal act for you to lie to them. The National Lawyers Guild has established a hotline, 888-NLG-ECOL, for individuals arrested, subpoenaed or questioned for offenses related to environmental or animal activism. We encourage people to call the NLG hot line if you are contacted by law enforcement and would like to consult with an attorney on these matters. Its all about the Struggle,
From the open publishing newswire:
Marie Mason was arrested and charged with ELF activities in Michigan dating back almost a decade. As many of you already know Marie has since been released on an unsecured bond and has been under house arrest for over a month now awaiting trial. While house arrest is no where near as bad as incarceration it still has its own bag of stresses and hardships. We are encouraging folks to continue to send Marie letters of support. House arrest does not have any silly jail rules like what type of ink or paper you use so get creative. Letters, Photos, Art, videos, collages, vegan baked goods and vegan recipes are all welcome. Email letters of support are also welcome and can be sent to
 freemarie@riseup.net and will be forwarded to Marie.
We want to be clear though Marie's needs and isolation in this respect are not as pressing as some of the other Green Scare prisoners who are currently incarcerated. If you are only able to write just one letter, we at Got Your back encourage you to send it to one of the following people below. Briana Waters - www.supportbriana.org Eric McDavid - www.supporteric.org Sadie and Exile - solidaritywithsadieandexile@gmail.com
Tre Arrow - www.trearrow.org Tre has been locked up almost four years awaiting trial, Both Briana and Eric are locked down awaiting sentencing and Sadie and Exile are serving 7+ years for Green Scare related actions. updates are being posted at www.midwestgreenscare.org
From the open publishing newswire:
Dear friends, Sentencing has been re-scheduled for May 1st. When re-scheduling the date, Eric's lawyer attempted to set it for April 24, but was unable to do so because Judge England will be getting married next week. In lieu of wedding gifts, we're asking that folks make a small donation to Eric's commissary fund to help his transition to federal prison. When he moves to a federal facility, his commissary account will move with him. If he has money in his account when he arrives, he will be able to purchase the necessities - including money for phone calls to loved ones, vegan food, and writing material. If you would like to make a donation, you can send a check or money order to "Sacramento Defense Fund" at: SPS, PO Box 163126, Sacramento, CA 95816
Yesterday Eric was moved to a different floor. His new address is: McDavid, Eric x-2972521 7E128 Sacramento County Main Jail 651 "I" St. Sacramento, CA 95814 http://www.supporteric.org |
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