Briana Waters Pretrial conference hearing has changed to Tuesday January 29, 2008. It is important to come dressed and act appropriate for the court. The pretrial is set for 9am. Judge Burgess maintains a prompt start to his court. Carpools will leave Grocery Outlet in Olympia at 7:35am on the westside.
25 January 2008
18 January 2008
Briana Waters Trial Feb 11th in Tacoma
Briana Waters pretrial Conference Hearing will be on January 25, 2008 at
9am. Please dress and act appropriately for court.
Briana Waters' trial will begin February 11, 2008.
The scope of the investigation has been targeted at several Olympia
residents and groups. It is important that Olympians create a presence
during the trial to bear witness to the events.
More info at www.portlandindymedia.org/greenscare
A Repost:
Tacoma, Washington, U.S. - U.S. District Judge Franklin Burgess today
refused to hear evidence that federal prosecutors and FBI agents had
conspired to and did manipulate evidence to make their case against
accused eco-saboteur Briana Waters. Less than two weeks ago, her lawyer,
Robert Bloom, filed motions that alleged that authorities committed
perjury in their effort to produce evidence that pointed towards Water's
guilt. Bloom asked for a conference with the judge to discuss his charges
against two federal prosecutors and two FBI agents, but was turned down
flat.
Waters was indicted two years ago, on charges that she aided in the
destruction of a research facility that was supposedly conducting
dangerous genetic engineering experiments. The action was claimed in the
name of the Earth Liberation Front. The state's case against her rests
largely, if not entirely, on the word of two admitted arsonists who helped
light the blaze and were caught or turned themselves in about two years
ago.
Previous article:
Seattle, Washington, U.S. - The lawyer of accused Earth Liberation Front
(ELF) lookout, Briana Waters, has charged that two federal prosecutors and
two FBI agents committed perjury to build a case against his client.
Attorney Robert Bloom filed motions for dismissal before U.S. District
Judge Franklin Burgess Wednesday.
Waters, 32, of Berkeley, California, is a violin teacher and the mother of
small child. She was arrested in early 2006 as part of the FBI's Operation
Backfire. Prosecutors say that she acted as a lookout for four individuals
who started a fire, at University of Washington research facility, in
2001. The action was claimed in the name of the ELF.
As for the four individuals prosecutors claim actually started the fire -
two, Jennifer Kolar and Lacey Phillabaum, have been co-operating with
investigators and aiding their efforts to indict others since late 2005
and early 2006. Bill "Avalon" Rodgers took his own life in an Arizona jail
shortly after his arrest and Justin Solondz has yet to be arrested and is
believed to be out of the country. The FBI considers Solondz a "fugitive
from justice."
Waters faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 35 years in federal prison,
if convicted of all charges. Her lawyer claims that the report from a
December, 2005 FBI interview with co-operating government witness Jennifer
Kolar was doctored to include Water's name, when it initially did not. He
also says that evidence of his client's innocence was suppressed. A trial
date is currently set for February 11th.
9am. Please dress and act appropriately for court.
Briana Waters' trial will begin February 11, 2008.
The scope of the investigation has been targeted at several Olympia
residents and groups. It is important that Olympians create a presence
during the trial to bear witness to the events.
More info at www.portlandindymedia.org
A Repost:
Tacoma, Washington, U.S. - U.S. District Judge Franklin Burgess today
refused to hear evidence that federal prosecutors and FBI agents had
conspired to and did manipulate evidence to make their case against
accused eco-saboteur Briana Waters. Less than two weeks ago, her lawyer,
Robert Bloom, filed motions that alleged that authorities committed
perjury in their effort to produce evidence that pointed towards Water's
guilt. Bloom asked for a conference with the judge to discuss his charges
against two federal prosecutors and two FBI agents, but was turned down
flat.
Waters was indicted two years ago, on charges that she aided in the
destruction of a research facility that was supposedly conducting
dangerous genetic engineering experiments. The action was claimed in the
name of the Earth Liberation Front. The state's case against her rests
largely, if not entirely, on the word of two admitted arsonists who helped
light the blaze and were caught or turned themselves in about two years
ago.
Previous article:
Seattle, Washington, U.S. - The lawyer of accused Earth Liberation Front
(ELF) lookout, Briana Waters, has charged that two federal prosecutors and
two FBI agents committed perjury to build a case against his client.
Attorney Robert Bloom filed motions for dismissal before U.S. District
Judge Franklin Burgess Wednesday.
Waters, 32, of Berkeley, California, is a violin teacher and the mother of
small child. She was arrested in early 2006 as part of the FBI's Operation
Backfire. Prosecutors say that she acted as a lookout for four individuals
who started a fire, at University of Washington research facility, in
2001. The action was claimed in the name of the ELF.
As for the four individuals prosecutors claim actually started the fire -
two, Jennifer Kolar and Lacey Phillabaum, have been co-operating with
investigators and aiding their efforts to indict others since late 2005
and early 2006. Bill "Avalon" Rodgers took his own life in an Arizona jail
shortly after his arrest and Justin Solondz has yet to be arrested and is
believed to be out of the country. The FBI considers Solondz a "fugitive
from justice."
Waters faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 35 years in federal prison,
if convicted of all charges. Her lawyer claims that the report from a
December, 2005 FBI interview with co-operating government witness Jennifer
Kolar was doctored to include Water's name, when it initially did not. He
also says that evidence of his client's innocence was suppressed. A trial
date is currently set for February 11th.
27 November 2007
Peter Young Speaking in Olympia
Former animal liberation prisoner Peter Young is speaking at The Evergreen State College on Saturday, December 8th, at 6pm in Seminar II, room E1107. Following the lecture, there will be a benefit concert on campus in the HCC, beginning at 8pm.
Here's the press release:
Convicted animal rights activist Peter Young, released from prison this year after serving time for his role in freeing thousands of mink form fur farms, is returning to the Northwest to speak about his experiences as a fugitive, political prisoner, and clandestine animal liberator.
After a multi-count federal indictment charging him with extortion and “Animal Enterprise Terrorism”, Young was on the FBI’s “Wanted” list for 7 years before being apprehended in 2005. He was convicted of the Animal Enterprise Terrorism charges and sentenced to 2 years in federal prison.
Tagged a “folk hero in the animal rights movement” by the Associated Press, and “terrorist” by the fur industry, Young earned notoriety in activist circles for his role in a two week wave of daring midnight raids on fur farms across the Midwest. The campaign saw 5 farms visited and 8,000 to 12,000 mink and fox released.
Released this year after a stretch in federal prison, Young has remained unapologetic for his actions telling the court his only regret was that he didn’t raid more farms.
“With one night and $20 in gas, we saved the lives of thousands of animals. Those are the results you don’t get writing letters.”
With sweeps on animal rights and environmental activists increasing – including the recent sentencing of a cell of eco-saboteurs in Eugene – Young is a rare and uniquely credible voice for those who cross legal lines to liberate animals from captivity.
Young will be speaking on the subjects of the prison experience; political trials; and his story of moving from mainstream activism, to masked midnight raider, to prison and beyond.
Here's the press release:
Convicted animal rights activist Peter Young, released from prison this year after serving time for his role in freeing thousands of mink form fur farms, is returning to the Northwest to speak about his experiences as a fugitive, political prisoner, and clandestine animal liberator.
After a multi-count federal indictment charging him with extortion and “Animal Enterprise Terrorism”, Young was on the FBI’s “Wanted” list for 7 years before being apprehended in 2005. He was convicted of the Animal Enterprise Terrorism charges and sentenced to 2 years in federal prison.
Tagged a “folk hero in the animal rights movement” by the Associated Press, and “terrorist” by the fur industry, Young earned notoriety in activist circles for his role in a two week wave of daring midnight raids on fur farms across the Midwest. The campaign saw 5 farms visited and 8,000 to 12,000 mink and fox released.
Released this year after a stretch in federal prison, Young has remained unapologetic for his actions telling the court his only regret was that he didn’t raid more farms.
“With one night and $20 in gas, we saved the lives of thousands of animals. Those are the results you don’t get writing letters.”
With sweeps on animal rights and environmental activists increasing – including the recent sentencing of a cell of eco-saboteurs in Eugene – Young is a rare and uniquely credible voice for those who cross legal lines to liberate animals from captivity.
Young will be speaking on the subjects of the prison experience; political trials; and his story of moving from mainstream activism, to masked midnight raider, to prison and beyond.
Prisoner Support and Letter Writing Event
On Saturday, December 1st, from 1-4pm, OAR (Olympia Animal Rights) is hosting a letter writing party at Media Island to support political prisoners. Supplies, addresses, and snacks will be provided.
Know Your Rights Workshop
The People's Legal Defense Fund (PLDF) is hosting a Know Your Rights workshop on Thursday, December 6th, at 6:30pm at Traditions Cafe.
From PLDF: "Topics will include your rights while interacting with police on the street, as well as at protests. Also discussed will be your rights in the legal system. After the speakers, Larry Hildes, a lawyer who commonly represents activists and serves as a legal observer at protests, and Karen Hildes, will be available to speak with people who were arrested at the Port of Olympia, or feel their rights have been violated by the police."
From PLDF: "Topics will include your rights while interacting with police on the street, as well as at protests. Also discussed will be your rights in the legal system. After the speakers, Larry Hildes, a lawyer who commonly represents activists and serves as a legal observer at protests, and Karen Hildes, will be available to speak with people who were arrested at the Port of Olympia, or feel their rights have been violated by the police."
22 October 2007
Update on Sadie
A letter from Solidarity with Sadie and Exile:
Dear Friends and Supporters of Sadie and Exile,
I recently visited with Sadie at Dublin and wanted to share that experience with everyone. She is doing well, keeping busy, and finds her new life much improved from the confines of Lane County. While there are some perks to prison life; better food, access to arts and crafts, more freedom of movement, a wardrobe (well, sort of), cats, coffee, real shoes, and opportunity for fresh air and exercises...there are also new challenges she is having to face.
Within the prison system, racial and class tensions are high, and the guards can be unnecessarily tough. As Sadie put it, "there is always the jingling of keys coming up behind you", making it hard to ever really relax. However, she is doing her best to adjust and trying to make the most of her time. She was recently assigned a job as a plumber, and although she makes something like 8 cents an hour, she is glad to be learning a useful skill.
She also said she's grateful to recently have been receiving more mail,
but is still hoping to hear from others, especially those in Olympia!
One of her biggest concerns right now is maintaining funds for commissary. Unlike jail, in prison she has to buy EVERYTHING from clothes, to basic toiletries, shoes, pens, paper, radio, etc... And soon she will start having money deducted from her wages for restitution so she is trying to acquire all of the supplies she needs before that happens.
If you can send any financial support her way (via the support address and NOT directly to the prison), I know it would be greatly appreciated. She's there for a long, long time, and having the money for basic necessities and the occasional art supply will certainly make her time pass more interestingly.
Although she is finally settled, she still has a long and lonely road ahead. While it is easy for us
to get caught up in our lives, and take our freedom for granted, she is stuck- trying her best to find balance and normalcy amongst the razor wire and concrete that threatens to define her existence.
Lets do our best to remind her that she is loved, supported, and most importantly, has not been forgotten.
R.K.
Joyanna Zacher #36360-086
FCI Dublin
5700 8th St.- Camp Parks- Unit F
Dublin, CA 94568
Nathan Block #36359-086
FCI Lompoc
3600 Guard Rd,
Lompoc, CA 93436
Support funds to help with commissary and phone costs can be sent to:
SSE
c/o Maureen Block
328 Slab City Rd.
Lincolnville, ME 04849
13 September 2007
Sadie's new address
Date: September 13, 2007 5:49:38 AM EDTSubject: Another address changeSadie's unit has been changed once again (now UNIT "F") and writing ismore important than ever after all these long months of moving andreadjustment. Unfortunately, her address book has not followed her soshe would really appreciate hearing from you now so she can pick upthe correspondence. With the long road ahead, being able to maintaincontact with those of you have stood so solidly by her is a majorconcern. Thanks so much.Joyanna Zacher #36360-086FCI Dublin5701 8th St. Camp Parks-Unit FDublin, CA 94568
06 September 2007
update on Sadie and Exile
Date: August 17, 2007Greetings,Finally, Sadie confirmed in a letter yesterday that she is now atDublin. She sounds in very good spirits; settling in, getting used toyet another routine, and grateful for better food and surroundings,including flowers, birds and warm winds. Phone and visitingprivileges have yet to get established and go through, but she isanxious to be back in touch with friends as soon as possible via mail. If you can, send her a note. Her address is:JOYANNA ZACHER #36360-086FCI DUBLINFEDERAL CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION5701 8TH ST - CAMP PARKS- UNIT EDUBLIN, CA 94568Exile continues to be well and doing fine at Lompoc although he saidhe hasn't received much mail lately. Neither of them needs books atthe moment (we will post a list later on when they've exhausted whatthey have for reading now). If you've been thinking of doing so,please write to him.NATHAN BLOCK #36359-086FCI LOMPOCFEDERAL CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION3600 GUARD RD.LOMPOC, CA 93436Their community of support has been wonderful and... they still haveyears to go.Thanks to all.
Olympia WA Benefit for Imprisoned Eco-Activists - This Friday! 9/7
September 7, 2007: Olympia WA Benefit Concert for Imprisoned
Eco-Activists
@ 10 PM until late, ALL AGES, $5-8.
Manium, 421 4th Ave. E., Downtown Olympia
Featuring:
Filastine - Cascadian export-product laptopista returns carry
transnational soundclash of incendiary beats in his shopping cart.
His only performance in the Pacific NW on this North American tour.
Orkestar Zirkonium- 12 piece balkan-style brass marching band
featuring musicians from Circus Contraptions and the Infernal Noise
Brigade
Tremel - trajects digitally saturated 4 track tape loops
Superjar DJ Fukumup - comes all the way from Amsterdam to spin us
the finest cuts of neoanalcore and thrashhouse
Where the money goes:
Operation Backfire is a nationwide FBI campaign against radical
environmentalists. Most defendants are being charged as terrorists.
Funds from this event will support the defendants who refused to
become police informants, all of whom will be spending the next 7+
years in prison for crimes against property.
30 November 2006
Olympia, WA Green Scare Benefit Dec. 8
International Day of Solidarity with Green Scare Indictees,
Detainees, and Political Prisoners
Olympia Benefit Show
Friday, December 8
at Solid Gold - 419 Boulevard Rd SE (at the corner of Pacific Ave. and
Boulevard Rd. across from the shell station)
Olympia, Washington
Doors open at 7 pm, music and performance begins at 8 pm
Suggested donation $5-20
Performing:
Bridget Irish (performance)
Leonardo (soul, house dj)
Myello (experimental dance electronics)
Onyxoxo (acoustica + dj)
Rachel Diamond, one lady band (!)
Shizunomargot (songs, performance)
Timezone Lafontaine (southern hip hop soulrock)
and more!!!
There will be free literature, merchandise and beverages for a donation,
and an opportunity to learn more about the "Green Scare" and how to
support earth liberation indictees, grand jury resistance, preserving
civil liberties & building solidarity, and refusing the criminalization of
dissent.
This event is a benefit for Olympia Civil Liberties Resource, Books To
Prisoners Olympia, and non-cooperating "Green Scare" indictees.
This event is in response to the call for An International Day of
Solidarity with Green Scare Indictees, Detainees, and Political Prisoners
to mark one year since the December 7, 2005 beginning of the federal
goverment's sweep of arrests of earth and animal liberation activists,
grand jury efforts to compel activists to testify, FBI investigation of
activist communities, and the resulting chilling effect on free speech and
dissent.
The term "Green Scare" refers to the federal government's expanding
prosecution efforts against animal liberation and ecological
activists, which is strikingly similar to the "Red Scare" of the
1950s. The "Green Scare" includes the cases from the "Operation
Backfire" indictments, and the cases of the SHAC 7, Eric McDavid, Rod
Coronado, grand jury resisters Jeff Hogg, Josh Wolf and several other
recent federal grand jury resisters.
Call for International Day of Solidarity:
http://greenscare.org/1206call.html
"Green Scare" Resources:
GreenScare.org http://www.greenscare.org
Civil Liberties Defense Center synopsis of cases:
http://www.cldc.org/green.html
Portland Indymedia "Green Scare" topic page
http://portland.indymedia.org/en/topic/greenscare/
Will Potter's "Green Scare" blog: http://www.greenisthenewred.com
In Olympia, WA (organizations to benefit from the Olympia event)
Olympia Civil Liberties Resource http://www.olycivlib.org
Books To Prisoners Olympia http://btpolympia.org/
Some "Green Scare" non-cooperating indictees and target activists who have
websites:
Briana Waters http://www.supportbriana.org
Daniel McGowan http://www.supportdaniel.org
Eric McDavid http://www.supporteric.org
Rod Coronado http://www.supportrod.org
Josh Wolf http://www.joshwolf.net
SHAC 7 http://www.shac7.com
Some Other Political Prisoners Resources
Break The Chains Blog http://breakallchains.blogspot.com
Earth Liberation Prisoners Support Network http://www.spiritoffreedom.org.uk
ELP Network USA http://www.ecoprisoners.org
Jeff "Free" Luers http://www.freefreenow.org
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