Briana Waters' trial begins in US District Court in Tacoma (1717 Pacific Ave.) this Monday, February 11. Trial will run weekdays from 9 am to 4 pm with a break for recess at noon to 1 pm. Visitors will be admitted until 9 am in the morning, then court will be closed to entry until the break. Feb. 18 is a federal holiday, there is no court on this day. Carpools to the court from Olympia will depart from the Grocery Outlet parking lot in the Westside at 7:30 am. Any adjustments to this schedule will be announced here on this website and on our ONLINE CALENDAR. The Online Calendar for the Briana Waters trial maintained by OlyCivLib is available here: (select "week" or "agenda" view)
OLYCIVLIB ONLINE CALENDAR (Briana Waters Trial)
08 February 2008
04 February 2008
Public Meeting Feb. 7 at 8 PM
OlyCivLib is hosting a public meeting Thursday, February 7 at Media Island (816 Adams St. in Olympia). The meeting starts at 8 pm and will last one hour.
We will be touching on the details of the Briana Waters case before her trial starts in Tacoma on Monday, February 11 at 8:30 AM.
There are several areas of support for Briana that volunteers can plug into but the most important goal is packing the courtroom. Come find out how you can plug into the organizing of support and witnessing this precedent setting case. Anyone interested in civil liberties should be interested in this trial.
We will be touching on the details of the Briana Waters case before her trial starts in Tacoma on Monday, February 11 at 8:30 AM.
There are several areas of support for Briana that volunteers can plug into but the most important goal is packing the courtroom. Come find out how you can plug into the organizing of support and witnessing this precedent setting case. Anyone interested in civil liberties should be interested in this trial.
31 January 2008
Update from Briana's Pretrial
The judge closed the hearing to the public. The dozen or so supporters
waited outside and gave support to Briana at breaks and lunch. There was
some media there as well. Both witness lists are out and public.
The trial is confirmed for February 11, 2008 in Tacoma, WA at the federal
courthouse, 1717 Pacific Ave. It is expected to run for a month or more.
It will start Monday at 8:30- 3:30. Carpools to the trial will leave at 7:45 Monday morning from the Grocery Outlet parking lot. It is expected to go Monday through
Thursday with some Fridays. Appropriate dress for the court is requested.
Carpools will be leaving daily from Olympia. The public observation is
important for this case. We need to bear witness to this precedent setting
case.
waited outside and gave support to Briana at breaks and lunch. There was
some media there as well. Both witness lists are out and public.
The trial is confirmed for February 11, 2008 in Tacoma, WA at the federal
courthouse, 1717 Pacific Ave. It is expected to run for a month or more.
It will start Monday at 8:30- 3:30. Carpools to the trial will leave at 7:45 Monday morning from the Grocery Outlet parking lot. It is expected to go Monday through
Thursday with some Fridays. Appropriate dress for the court is requested.
Carpools will be leaving daily from Olympia. The public observation is
important for this case. We need to bear witness to this precedent setting
case.
29 January 2008
25 January 2008
Briana Water Pretrial Rescheduled
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.
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
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