The Earth Liberation Prisoners Support Network exists to provide information on people imprisoned for actions in defence of the earth and its inhabitants. We include people, animal and earth liberationists, those fighting on anti-nuclear and peace issues, indigenous struggles, anti-fascists, MOVE prisoners and more. Subscribe to our bi-monthly email newsletter, Spirit Of Freedom, by emailing us and asking to be added. Subscribe to ELP Extra! to be emailed the latest breaking news.

ELP has just learnt that the American vegan activist, Eric McDavid, has had his sentencing put back again! ELP has lost count of how many times Eric's sentencing has been put back since his guilty verdict, where he was convicted of conspiring to carry out ELF actions (please note: no actions were actually carried out. He was found guilty of merely thinking about doing something illegal!)

For anyone who has ever awaited sentencing you'll know how awful this period is. Your life goes on hold. All of the hope of a not guilty verdict, you kept with you throughout the trial, has gone. Whilst awaiting your sentencing you can't do anything. After you are sentenced you have an end date. Even if its a long way away, you have an end date. But whilst awaiting sentencing there is no end date. Nothing to look forward to. You imagine the worse. As you dare not hope, for fear of disappointment. So in Eric's mind he'll be preparing himself for a 20 year sentence.....

The fact Eric's sentencing has been put back again is nothing but pure psychological torture for Eric. His morale will be at rock bottom with this news. So please please please send Eric a message of support today to help keep him strong.

Eric McDavid X-2972521 4E231A
Sacramento County Main Jail
651 "I" Street
Sacramento
CA 95814
USA

Below is a message from Eric's support campaign. Please help Eric in every way you can, but above all, please send him a letter of support.

> Date: Sun, 30 Mar 2008 13:49:29 -0700
> Subject: Eric's Sentencing Moved to April 10
> From: sacprisonersupport@riseup.net
> To:
>
> Dear friends,
>
> We just wanted to let everyone know that, much to our dismay, Eric's
> sentencing has been pushed back yet again. Sentencing is now on calendar
> for Thursday, April 10, at 9 am.
>
> If you are able, please consider attending Eric's sentencing to show your
> support for him in the courtroom. Please remember to come dressed
> appropriately for court. We will continue to keep everyone updated of any
> changes.
>
> Yours,
> SPS

An American 17 year old youth, Michael Sykes, has been arrested accused of setting fire to two newly constructed houses. The cops have told the media that Michael has admitted the arson attack saying he did it in protest against urban sprawl. The cops also state he has admitted to torching a supermarket and a string of vandalisms, including damaging an 80-foot utility pole, painting an anarchist symbol and burning the American flag.

Despite the cops claim that Michael has admitted these offences he has pleaded not guilty in court and has been remanded into custody.

Please send letters of support to:

Michael W. Sykes
100 East 2nd St
Monroe
Michigan 48161
USA

Below is a mainstream media article about Michael:

_____

Acused Arsonist May Get Plea Deal
Article published Thursday, March 27, 2008 - www.toldeoblade.com

MONROE - A plea bargain could be in the works to resolve criminal charges
against the Lambertville teenager accused of setting fires that caused
more than $500,000 damage to unfinished homes in Bedford Township, his
attorney said in court yesterday.

Michael W. Sykes, 17, of 7472 Canterbury Drive, appeared in Monroe County
District Court for a pretrial hearing on arson and home invasion charges
stemming from a March 14 fire that destroyed a house being built on
Brentridge Lane.

At the request of the youth's attorney, Judge Mark Braunlich waived a
preliminary exam scheduled for Monday.

The defense attorney, Andrew Peth, told Judge Braunlich that a preliminary
exam may not be necessary because he was in discussions with prosecutors
about a possible resolution that would avoid the case going to trial.
Judge Braunlich scheduled a pretrial hearing for April 9.

Investigators said the teenager confessed to the arson fire at the
unfinished home on Brentridge and admitted setting fire two days earlier
to a nearby condominium on Fountain Circle in a subdivision off Douglas
Road.

He was arrested March 16 when he attempted to siphon gasoline from the
vehicle of an undercover Monroe County sheriff's deputy, who was among
nearly a dozen officers working in a stakeout to catch the arsonist
responsible for the fires.

According to detectives, the Sykes youth, who is being held in the county
jail in lieu of a $1 million bond, admitted to setting the arson fires
because of his dislike for the development of new homes in the Toledo
suburb and the cutting of trees to build houses.

Assistant Prosecutor Michael Roehrig said later in an interview outside
the courtroom that discussions have been held with the teenager's attorney
to reach a possible resolution.

"But nothing has been reached at this date," he added.

In addition to arson fires that destroyed the homes, authorities said the
teenager confessed to setting earlier fires in the condo in Crystal Water
Villas and attempting to chop down an 80-foot utility pole along Sterns
Road on March 14.

The teenager also confessed to stealing an American flag from a residence
near Sterns and painting the anarchist symbol - the letter "A" inside a
circle - on it.

Mr. Roehrig said the investigation into the incidents was being reviewed
to determine possible charges, but a decision had not been made.

Sheriff's Detective Tom Redmond said the teenager also admitted to
committing arson fires when he was 15, including the January, 2006, blaze
behind the Kroger store at Sterns and Secor roads in Lambertville that
destroyed a semi trailer and filled the store with smoke.

The teenager's parents attended the court hearing. They talked privately
to their son as deputies were escorting him from the courtroom, where he
was to be taken back to the jail.

ELP is sad to report that American Earth First! activist Frank Brian Ambrose has pleaded guilty one count of conspiracy to commit arson. In doing so he has admitted his involvement in the 1999 ELF arson on Michigan State University. He has suggested that four other people (named in the original charge) were also involved with the arson. He has also admitted his involvement in an arson on a logging company in 2000, again suggesting the other four people named in the original charge were also involved.

In addition to this Ambrose has also admitted his involvement in eleven other ELF actions occuring between 1999 and 2003. The actions include arson, criminal damage and tree spiking.

Ambrose has agreed to cooperate with the FBI in their investigation into these and other ELF actions including an agreement to testify against others.

In exchange for his guilty plea of conspiracy to commit arson Ambrose will face no other charges. He now faces a sentence of between 5 and 20 years imprisonment.

For full details of Ambrose's guilty plea/cooperation deal go to
http://midwestgreenscare.files.wordpress.com/2008/03/plea-agreement-frank-ambrose.pdf

Following this cooperation agreement ELP is denoucing Frank Brian Ambrose as a police informant and we shall not be offering Ambrose any more support either now or at any time in the future.

Last week a group of Austrian and Czech animal rights activists broke into a chicken farm to as part of an open "ploughshares style" animal rights action.

However during that raid one of the Czech activists, Michal, fell from a ladder onto a concrete floor. He was knocked unconscious, he broke his leg and badly injured his back.

ELP did not reveal the news at the time as we wanted to make sure Michal was okay before breaking the news.

The latest news is Michal has had to endure 2 operations and is still in hospital. However he is recovering but is said to be feeling very depressed. Since the accident Michal has received a few messages of support, from people who were told about the accident and these are said to be cheering him up.

Because e-mails are helping to cheer Michal up ELP has decided to go public with this story and we ask that everyone please help aid Michal's recovery by sending him an e-mail of support. The address to e-mail is realita.tv@gmail.com

Oh and there is some good news about this action. At least one hen was rescued during this action, despite the accident.

ELP has received the following mailout from Canadian Animal Rights Prisoner [update- released!], Gabriel Villeneuve's supporters.

> 1-Message from Gabriel Villeneuve
> 2-First court appearance this Thursday - come to show your support!
> 3-Gabriel Villeneuve - political prisoner
>
> -------------------
> 1-Message from Gabriel Villeneuve
>
> Dear supporters,
>
> Thank you for your kind words and your support. I have been receiving a
> lot of mail from all over the world. It's amazing to see all the support
> I get. You all make my time in jail a lot easier and help me to keep my
> focus. I feel a lot less alone in my cell with tons of support of all of
> you who fight for a common cause. You can't imagine how good it feels to
> receive letters of support. It's the only thing that connects us
> prisoners, to the rest of the animal right scene. Now I know that I'm not
> alone.
>
> I'm doing well here; the first five days were ruff because the jail staff
> refused to give me vegan food so I starve until they realize I was not
> going to eat unless I was served vegan food. So now I eat beans and salad
> every single meal...at least I eat! I use this time to do positive things
> like exercising, reading, writing, sleep and rest. I usually work more
> than 60 hours a week on the SHAC campaign so it's appreciated rest but I
> feel a lot of frustration that I'm stuck here and no longer useful for the
> animals. However I know that when I will get out I will have more energy
> and rage to fight even harder.
>
> As for my arrest and my imprisonment, I obviously think it's totally
> outrageous and a disgusting violation of the basic international human
> rights and the freedom of speech act guaranteed by the Canadian
> constitution. This situation is only making me stronger and more
> determined as an activist. I have food, a place to go outside to work
> out, people to socialize with, visits from my family, and even more
> important, the insurance that one day I will be free. My situation is
> luxury compared to what billions of animals have to go through every
> single day. They don't have that opportunity to be released one day. For
> them, the only way out is death. They only have us, animal rights
> activists that have the ability to shut down those animal research labs,
> fur farms, slaughterhouses and all the other industries that abuse not
> only animals but humans and Mother Earth too. It doesn't matter if they
> shut down because of boycott, political pressure, direct actions or other
> means. What matters is that they shut down as quickly as possible. We
> must use the most effective tactics to achieve our goals as there are
> lives on the line.
>
> A lot of people write me that I am an inspiration to them and even a hero.
> I appreciate your kind words but seriously I am not special, I don't have
> special skills or power; anyone can do what I do and a lot more. All you
> need is determination. Even if you have a full time job or go to school,
> making phone calls and writing letters to animal abusers scum bags or
> participating one hour a week at a demonstration, is possible for anyone.
> You don't have to work full time, all you need is consistency. This is
> how we're going to achieve our goal. For me my heroes are people who have
> families to take care, a full time job and bills to pay, and still take
> the time every single week to end all forms of injustice. It is up to all
> of us to act on our convictions.
>
> I hope to hear from you soon and hear about all the great things you do
> for animal liberation. Thanks again for your support, it is much
> appreciated.
>
> P.S. A lot of my mail is not given to me by the prison staff (or takes
> weeks to be given to me) so don't worry if I didn't answer your letter
> yet. I will write you back for sure as soon as I get your letter.
>
> WORDS AND TEARS MEAN NOTHING, ACTION MEANS EVERYTHING!
>
> UNTIL ALL ARE FREE!
>
> Gab
>
> ---------------------------
> 2-First court appearance this Thursday - come to show your support!
>
> Come to support Gabriel Villeneuve at his first court appearance and its
> possible release from jail!
>
> Where? Palais de Justice de Québec, room 2.10
> When? Thursady March 20, 2008
> Time : 9 :30am
>
> If you need transportation, please contact us at 514-966-6460 /
> shaccanada@riseup.net
>
> Flyer in attachment
> ------------------------
>
> 3-Gabriel Villeneuve - political prisoner
> (Flyer in attachment)
>
> While out of town to give a talk and a workshop on direct action and SHAC
> tactics, Gabriel Villeneuve and 3 other activists were arrested and thrown
> in jail on Friday Feb. 22 in Quebec city, Canada (near Montreal) for
> allegibly participating in a demonstration against a company that do
> business with Huntingdon life Sciences. They presumably went inside a
> company office armed with a megaphone banner and informative flyers. They
> informed the workers and customers about the relation the company has with
> HLS and left the property as soon as someone asks them to leave.
>
> Apparently freedom of speech covered by the Canadian constitution doesn't
> cover freedom to express our disgust against companies who see no problems
> of paying and supporting the murder of 500 animals a day at HLS. Everyone
> was eventually released out of jail after 3 days but authorities decided
> to keep Gabriel for a much longer and not determined period of time
> because the Judge didn't believe Gab when he said that he wasn't at the
> protest and because of his activism history regarding animal rights
> protests. Gabriel is a long time SHAC activist and is someone who, a few
> years ago, decided to put everything aside in his life to dedicate his
> life to help shut down HLS. He is a great source of inspiration for many
> people, please support him.
>
> You can send him postal cards, letters, pictures (no Polaroid), drawing,
> news clip, internet articles, Canadian and international stamps and money
> order. He is not allowed to receive books, magazine and other material.
>
> You can also write him letters by email (at shaccanada@riseup.net)which
> will be printed and sent to him by his prisoners support committee. He
> would like to receive short letters more often than long letters only
> once.
>
> He would like to hear about all kinds of actions that is going on in your
> area and everywhere else in the world. He likes DIY punk rock, hardcore,
> black history, general activism causes and vegan raw nutrition. Gab
> biggest wish while in jail is to see a rise in the amount of
> demonstrations and all types of actions across the world against HLS.
>
> Please take a few minutes to write him a letter!
>
> Gabriel Villeneuve #HUL03299801
> [update- released!]

ELP has received a letter from the American prisoner Grant Barnes asking if people can send him reading material. Grant is a vegan activist currently serving 12 years for a series of ELF arsons against SUVs. His reading material requests include:

Any material about the history of, or theory of, the Earth Liberation struggle.
Any material about the history of, or theory of, the Animal Liberation struggle.
Any well documented accademic studies about environmental climate change.
Any anti-fascist literature.
Any feminist literature.
Any social theory literature including writings about athropology, sociology, politics or economics.
Any literature about non-literate or non-agricultural societies.

However, Grant would welcome any reading material what so ever, including all and any letters of support.

Please send books, letters, magazines, etc., to:

Grant Barnes #137563
San Carlos Correctional Facility
PO Box 3
Pueblo
CO 81002, USA.

ELP has just learnt that the American environmental prisoner Jeff "Free" Luers has been transfered to a new prison. His new address is:

Jeff Luers #13797671
CCCI
PO Box 9000
Wilsonville, OR 97070
USA

Below is a statement from his support campaign

> From: info@freejeffluers.org
>
> Dear Friends,
>
> We have just been informed that Jeffrey Free Luers has been transferred to
> an intake processing facility at Coffee Creek Correctional Institution in
> Wilsonville, Oregon. Jeff will be processed as a new prisoner and will
> eventually be sent to another facility for the remainder of his sentence.
> This transfer follows his resentencing of 2/28/08 in which his sentence
> was reduced from 23 years to 10 years, making him eligible for release by
> December 2009 with “good behavior”.
>
> Although we do not know how long Jeff will be at Coffee Creek, it may be
> several weeks, so please write to him and offer your support. Jeff has
> also requested books be sent to him, and although he did not request
> anything specific, he is not shy to admit he is a geek and loves fantasy
> and vampire books. NOTE: Books must be *new* and sent directly from the
> publisher or from online sites such as AKPress.com or Amazon.com.
> If you have any questions about mail regulations, please consult the
> Oregon inmate mail regulations here:
> http://arcweb.sos.state.or.us/rules/OARS_200/OAR_291/291_131.html
>
> And as you may expect, we are still fundraising to pay Jeff’s legal debt,
> so please donate whatever you can through the various options at:
> http://freejeffluers.org/donate.html
>
> Jeff’s temporary address:
>
> Jeff Luers #13797671
> CCCI
> Po Box 9000
> Wilsonville, OR 97070
>
> Thank you all for your amazing support these past few years. We are all
> very ecstatic that the end is near!
> -Friends of Jeffrey Free Luers

ELP has just learnt that the American prisoner, Briana Waters', attempt to be released today, prior to her sentencing later on this year, has failed. This means she will remain within prison.

Please send urgent letters of support to:

Briana Waters 36432-086
FDC - Seatac
Federal Detention Center
P.O. Box 13900
Seattle,
WA 98198
USA

Please remember, despite having been found guilty of her alleged involvement in an ELF action Briana maintains her innocence and is intending to appeal against her conviction. ELP regards Briana to be the victim of a miscarriage of justice.

As most ELP supporters will be aware, Briana Waters has been found guilty of two counts of arson relating to an ELF action. Following her guilty verdict Briana was outragiously taken immediately into custody (this is despite the fact Briana poses no flight risk what so ever).

ELP understands that Briana is appealing against this detention and will appear in court tomorrow. If she is lucky she will be released. If she is not she will remain inside.

ELP will bring you the news just as soon as we have it. In the meantime we can confirm Briana's prison address is:

Briana Waters
36432-086
FDC - Seatac
Federal Detention Center
P.O. Box 13900
Seattle, WA 98198
USA

Below is an activist media article about Briana.

> Repost from Portland Indymedia:
> http://portland.indymedia.org/en/2008/03/373233.shtml
>
> Briana's Detention Hearing this Weds. / Full update
>
> This is an update for those who have been following the trial of Briana
> Waters, a wonderful mother and violin teacher from the Bay area who to
> this day maintains her innocence of these charges she was just convicted
> of. We are going to continue doing our best to support her in the ongoing
> legal battle for justice.
>
> An important update is there is a detention hearing on Wednesday March 12,
> at 1:30 at the Federal courthouse in Tacoma to determine if Briana will be
> allowed to go home and take care of her life in preparation for her
> sentencing on May 30th. We are reminding people to get there early, like
> at 12:30, and people in Olympia will be carpooling from the Grocery Outlet
> Parking Lot at 11:45. Obviously, if she is living at home over the next 3
> months she will be better able to prepare for an appeal, as well as be
> able to take care of her daughter. She and her lawyers are requesting as
> many people as possible to come to show that she is part of a community
> and NOT a flight risk. Though that should be obvious, as she has showed up
> to every court date and hearing in 2 years. Join us then, at 11:45 to get
> a ride up there and show that we are watching the so-called justice system
> at work.
>
> What happened in Briana's trial on Thursday was very upsetting for those
> of us who hoped that common sense would prevail over fear and lies. It was
> a very emotional and stressful time, knowing that the prosecution had done
> their best to stretch and twist the evidence to their favor, and there was
> also a lot of hope that the jury had seen through their antics.
>
> The judge decided first that he would accept a partially hung jury, and
> there was a question of whether the jury would be polled on the hung
> counts... . I believe both Prosecution and Defense were pushing for this,
> (the prosecution's reasoning being that they would have more info to go on
> when they were deciding whether to re-try Briana on the hung counts).
> Burgess struck out on his own in this one and didn't allow it, so nobody
> knows what the ratio split was in the jury on the other 3 counts.
>
> The jury was brought in, and the air was dense with anticipation. The
> courtroom was packed, with Briana's supporters and a few media outlets on
> our side, and a collection of FBI agents and other feds, and more media on
> the other side.
>
> It started to feel surreal, as the jury foreman passed the note to the
> court clerk and she read the guilty verdicts on counts 5 and 7, or Arson
> of a building used in Interstate commerce, and Arson of a building that
> receives Federal funding. These 2 counts are for the same arson of course,
> just various excuses for the Gov't to heap on extra charges. It was a very
> emotional time for those of us who know she is innocent.
>
> The jury was instructed not to talk to either side's lawyers about the
> case at any point in the future, which seemed very unusual. Defense lawyer
> Bloom argued that they would like to have the ability to determine if the
> jurors had been influenced by the big arson fire in Woodinville on Monday
> morning. They were wanting some idea how much that contaminated the jury,
> with references made in initial news reports of devices and explosives(!)
> found in the unburned houses, worries about Booby-traps(!!), and the
> immediate pinning of those fires on the ELF and the requisite sound bites
> about terrorism.
>
> Though Bloom argued for the ability to contact the jury later to learn
> this, Burgess wouldn't hear it, for no apparent reason (not unlike many of
> this judge's 'decisions'). Needless to say, there are various groups that
> are concerned about this sort of thing and wish we had more of this kind
> of information.
>
> One court observer was quoted saying "I thought justice was supposed to be
> blind, not deaf and dumb... "
>
> At the hearing on Thursday afternoon, Bob Bloom argued eloquently for
> Briana to be released pending her sentencing hearing May 30th, citing the
> character witnesses that had testified to her exemplary life, the fact
> that she was absolutely No flight risk, and no danger to the community. He
> also went over in some detail some of the main appellate issues. The judge
> though, didn't seem to consider any of these points interesting, and
> ordered her detained, though they scheduled the detention hearing for this
> Weds. where his decision could be reversed.
>
> So, out of all this are many, many grounds for an appeal of the verdict.
> I'm not sure right now of the timeline for this, but we at Olympia Civil
> Liberties and other friends and supporters of Briana will continue to post
> and update people. Please join our low traffic listserve about this case,
> and possibly other Civil Liberties/Green Scare issues, with carpool info,
> etc. by going to www.olycivlib.org.
>
> The first thing you can do is come to the Detention Hearing at the Tacoma
> Courthouse this Weds. at 1:30pm. We have to arrive early! We will be
> gathering on the Westside of Olympia at 11:45. Please be there!
>
> Another thing is to write to Briana where she is being held right now. The
> moral support that we can give right now is invaluable. The address is:
>
> Briana Waters
> 36432-086
> FDC - Seatac
> Federal Detention Center
> P.O. Box 13900
> Seattle, WA 98198
>
> There are a few guidelines for writing to her to keep in mind:
> All letters must have a return address on the envelope.
> Put your name and address on each page of a letter, as it will be opened,
> and she may not get the envelope.
> Written correspondence and drawings may be in pencil, standard ink pen,
> typewritten, or computer generated. No felt pens, markers, crayon, or
> colored pencil, etc.
> Do not discuss her case or anything related to illegal activities. Keep in
> mind that all mail is read by authorities.
> Most facilities will NOT accept stamps or envelopes mailed to prisoners.
> Avoid using white-out, stickers, tape, colored ink or glitter.
> All personal artwork must be in black & white, copied pages can be in
> color. Most facilities do not allow torn pages from books, magazine or
> newspaper clippings. Photocopies, however, are accepted
>
> And of course, there are many costs that have come up through the course
> of this ordeal. Donations are needed by Briana and her family to continue
> fighting for justice in this upcoming period. If you can, donate through
> Briana's website: www.supportbriana.org Local donations can be arranged
> through Olympia Civil Liberties by emailing us. Thank you!
>
> We'll see you all on Wednesday!
> Olycivlib

News is coming in of a number of raids/arrests involving American environmentalists. The raids appear to be linked to an arson at Michigan State University in 1999 and another arson at a logging site in 2000. Both arsons where claimed at the time by the Earth Liberation Front.

Well known American Earth First! activist, Frank Ambrose, (who has been accused of ELF actions in the past) told ELP he has been charged on three counts of arson and conspiracy to commit arson. Other people listed in the indictment include Marie Mason, Aren Berthwick, Stephanie Sultz, and an "un-named participant known to the grand jury."

At this moment in time ELP is unaware of what has happened to Aren Berthwick or Stephanie Sultz, but we are aware that Maria Mason has also been arrested and is currently in custody in Ohio and is expected to be extradited to Michigan.

If anyone knows anything about Aren or Stephanie please contact ELP as soon as possible.

Update: ELP has learnt that the American Earth First! activist, Marie Mason, who has been accused of involvement in two ELF arsons, has been granted bail on $75,000 plus electronic tagging. There are also as yet unconfirmed reports that one of her co-defendants may be cooperating with the authorities in their investigation. It is ELP's understanding that Marie is maintaining her innocence.

As a lot of ELP supporters will be aware, sadly Tre Arrow's has been extradited to the USA. When we went to press with our March 2008 edition of Spirit of Freedom, we weren't quite sure where Tre was, so used his last known address. However Tre's supporters have since contacted us to give us his new address.

Please send letters of support (preferably on re-used or tree-free-paper) to

Tre Arrow
SWIS #640393
Multnomah County Detention Center
1120 S.W. 3rd Avenue
Portland, Oregon 97206
USA

ELP has just received from brilliant news. Jeff 'Free' Leurs has been resentenced to ten years imprisonment, meaning he'll be out in December 2009!

This is fantastic news and ELP's congratulations go out to everyone who has worked on his support campaign. Below is a statement from the Civil Rights Outreach Committee about the re-sentencing.

> From: info@freejeffluers.org
> Subject: Jeff Free Luers has been resentenced!
>
> The following is a press release sent out with help from the Civil Rights
> Outreach Committee:
>
> Jeffrey “Free” Luers Sentence Reduced to 10 Years
>
> February 28, 2008 (Eugene, OR)- This morning at 9:00am in Lane County
> Circuit Court the re-sentencing hearing for Jeffrey Luers took place in
> front of Judge Billings. This followed an Oregon court of appeals ruling
> in February 2007 that Luers original sentence of 22 years 8 months by
> Judge Lyle Velure was illegal, and the appeals court remanded the case
> back to Lane County Circuit Court for re-sentencing. Following the appeals
> court decision, negotiations have resulted in the decision today to reduce
> Luers sentence to 10 years, bringing his release date to late December
> 2009.
>
> In June 2001, then 23 year-old Jeffrey "Free" Luers was arrested for the
> burning of three trucks at a Eugene car dealership. His stated purpose was
> to raise awareness about global warming and the role that SUVs and trucks
> play in that process. Despite the fact that this action hurt no one,
> caused only $28,000 in damages and the cars were later resold, Luers
> received the draconian sentence imposed by Velure.
>
> Luers gained support locally as well as all over the world as a political
> prisoner. It is widely believed that Luers received such a drastic
> sentence because of the political nature of the action he took. Following
> his original sentence, Amnesty International and the Eugene Human Rights
> Commission (EHRC) issued letters of support citing that the sentence
> appeared to be politically motivated. During the course of his trial,
> statements were made by the police and prosecuting attorney that indicated
> it was Luers' political views on trial, not merely his actions. His
> defense successfully proved that evidence had been tampered with, officers
> had lied and that the prosecutor had manipulated evidence to get a legal
> search warrant at his residence. Luers was given a sentence that attempted
> to send the message to environmental and social justice activists that
> even a merely symbolic act of property destruction could be punished more
> harshly than many crimes against persons.
>
> Prior to his imprisonment, Luers was a very well respected community
> activist in Eugene, Oregon involved with forest defense and cooking free
> food for the city’s homeless population. He has remained active from
> prison, often writing news articles and monthly dispatches to his growing
> list of supporters. With a release date on the horizon, Luers future is
> bright and he plans to pursue courses and looks forward to sharing quality
> time with his family and loved ones.
>
> Statement from Jeffrey Luers:
> “Today I feel a great weight lifted off of me, and my loved ones. While I
> believe my new sentence is still more of a reflection of my activism and
> my dissent than my actual crimes; I am looking forward to my much closer
> release date.
> I am proud of the many things I have accomplished while incarcerated,
> including reaching beyond oceans and borders to help raise awareness
> about global warming and to help combat social injustice.
>
> I am thankful of my family, friends and the thousands of supporters and
> fellow activists from around the world who have stood by me since day
> one. And I’d especially like to thank my attorneys, and friends. Lauren
> Regan, Misha Dunlap and Shawn Wiley for never giving up on getting me out
> sooner than 22 years.
> I am happy to say this journey is almost over and I’ll be coming home soon.”
>
> For more information, go to www.cldc.org and www.freejeffluers.org.
>
> --
> Friends of Jeffrey Free Luers
> PO Box 3, Eugene, OR 97440
> info@freejeffluers.org
>www.freejeffluers.org
>
> To donate to Jeff's legal costs, go to http://www.freefreenow.org/donate.html

Below is a statement from Jeff 'Free' Luers about his re-sentencing.....

> Jeffrey (Free) Luers Resentencing Hearing, Feb. 28, 2008 Eugene, OR
>
> Lane County Circuit Court Sentencing Hearing in front of Judge J.A. Billings
> Present: Defendant Jeffrey Luers, Attorneys Lauren Regan, Jess Barton and
> Hugh Duvall on behalf of Mr. Luers; Assistant District Attorney Erik
> Hasselman on behalf of the State of Oregon.
>
> Statement of Jeffrey Luers to Judge Billings at Sentencing
> It has been many years since I first stood in court to be sentenced for
> these actions. I now not only have the benefit of hindsight but also
> possess the knowledge and understanding that comes from leaving the
> naiveté of youth behind.
>
> I can now say with all honesty that I was wrong to think that arson would
> inspire social change. But, my failure in understanding that does not
> mean I have changed my opinion of radical activism.
>
> Mr. Hassleman has a written statement from me in which I have acknowledged
> being wrong. I have also committed to living the life of a law-abiding
> citizen and promoting my activism through legal means and channels.
> Understandably, the prosecutor has expressed some skepticism of my
> sincerity. I wish to lay those fears to rest.
>
> I am truly excited about my future. Through the love and support of my
> family, friends and many people I do not even know, I have numerous
> options available to me. I am looking forward to furthering my education,
> and pursuing my goals through hard work. I am ready to share my life with
> my loved ones and I am dedicated to giving back to the community that has
> shown me so much love and support through these years of imprisonment.
> That is not the lip service the prosecutor may fear, but my sincere desire
> to move on with my life.
>
> However, choosing to take a new path and recognizing my mistakes and
> failures does not make me ashamed of them. I am sorry if my actions
> instilled fear or the sense of victimization in the Romania family. That
> was never my intent.
>
> I sought to promote change through radical struggle. I viewed the refusal
> of our government and corporate institutions to address the issues and
> dire consequences of global warming as legitimate reasons for direct
> action. I still believe that government and corporate inaction is a
> legitimate reason for direct action. Yet, I recognize that militant
> struggle has failed to create widespread social change for many reasons.
> And I’m not sure if it is even capable of creating the change we
> desperately need.
>
> We are witnessing a mass extinction event taking place in our life times.
> The world’s top scientists are warning that by the middle of this century,
> 30 to 50 percent of all living species could be extinct. There are
> predictions of 250 million people, or more, dying for lack of water and
> food. Fears that melting glaciers in Alaska and Greenland could
> catastrophically raise global sea levels. While here at home our leading
> climate scientists have been censored by our government. Their reports
> edited by Bush appointees who now work for some of Americas biggest oil
> companies. We have been deceived by the very people responsible for our
> well-being.
>
> Fortunately, the veil has been lifted and many Americans are now demanding
> that action be taken on climate change and other environmental issues.
> Indeed many states are now confronting our federal government on the
> topic. However, so far all legislative attempts to solve the problem have
> failed or have lacked the necessary backbone to accomplish anything
> meaningful. The time for change has to be now. We no longer have the
> luxury of passing our problems off to the next generation. We must be
> vigilant in our determination to create change and find solutions to what
> is arguably the greatest threat humanity has ever faced. It is the people
> in this courtroom, the citizens of this country, this state and this
> country that must carry the responsibility for creating change. For if we
> can’t change our own lives how can we expect others to change theirs?
>
> I’m ready and willing to change so that I can help find real solutions to
> our problems. I’m ready to help find methods that aren’t limited to
> rhetoric. Doomed to failure by symbolism or rendered meaningless by
> corruption. I choose to take a new direction because not only is a new
> path sorely needed in my own life, but a new direction is sorely needed by
> our country. I recognize that if I’m not helping to create that change,
> I’m just standing in the way. We are all in this together whether we are
> labeled radical, conservative or liberal. And together is the only way we
> are going to solve this problem.
>
> It is easy for me to say these things. I doubt that my commitment to the
> environment or social change has ever been questioned. However, I am
> sure the court as well as many others, question whether or not I have
> truly left my militant past behind. To which all I can say is that I am
> ready to live my life. I’m ready to put the needs of my family first.
> And I’m also ready to find success where thus far radical struggle has
> failed. More than anything, I am just ready to move on.”
>
> To which Judge J.A. Billings responded that he has been a lawyer and a
> judge for 35 years and he has never received a statement from a defendant
> of such high quality. “I’m very impressed with you. I have no hesitation
> in accepting this sentence. I wish you only the best.”
>
> -------------------
>
> 2/28/08 Statement of Jeffrey Luers After Sentencing Hearing
>
> Today I feel a great weight lifted off of me, and my loved ones. While I
> believe my new sentence is still more of a reflection of my activism and
> my dissent than my actual crimes; I am looking forward to my much closer
> release date.
>
> I continue to stand by my actions and have no regrets about my choices.
> These last several years in prison have not deterred me from speaking my
> mind, following my heart or standing up against oppression and injustice.
>
> I am proud of the many things I have accomplished while incarcerated,
> including reaching beyond oceans and borders to help raise awareness about
> global warming and to help combat social injustice.
>
> I am thankful to my family, friends and the thousands of supporters and
> fellow activists from around the world who have stood by me since day one.
> And I’d especially like to thank my attorneys, and friends. Lauren Regan,
> Misha Dunlap and Shawn Wiley for never giving up on getting me out sooner
> than 22 years.
>
> I am happy to say this journey is almost over and I’ll be coming home soon.

ELP has just received the following e-mail from supporters of the American prisoners Laura and Kevin:

PLEASE RE-POST!!!

Kevin and Laura had a preliminary hearing on Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2008. The
morning session started at about 9am and they were the last case called
(after 12pm). Before the case was called, there was some discussion
between Laura's PD (public defender) and the DA, and also between Kevin's
PD (public defender) and the DA. When the case was called, Kevin and Laura
came out and were visible to the audience sitting next to each other in
the front. The defense and DA agreed to continue the hearing (meaning to
reschedule it) to a later date, March 13. Both Kevin and Laura looked well
and were allowed to wave at the attendees on their way out. According to
Laura, there is a possible plea pending, but more on that after the next
pretrial hearing on March 13.

I visited Laura today, Wednesday, and she said that she is receiving a lot
of mail and books! In fact she has too many books and has asked people to
stop sending books (she is only allowed three per month!) She thanks
everyone for the support. The last time I spoke with Kevin, he also had
received some mail which was greatly appreciated. He has moved facilities
again, so the contact addresses below should work for whereever he is.

They both have limited ability to call and can call landlines much easier
than cell phones. If you would like a call, put your phone number in the
letter. Also remember to put your address in the letter in case they
aren't given the envelope.

The updated contact info for each: (please misspell Laura's name as shown)

Maura Michlle Lungarlli, booking #1167062
[released!]

Kevin Olliff, booking #1167029
Terminal Annex
P.O. Box #86164
Los Angeles, CA 90086-0164, USA