Category: Global

Global

“Calm the Climate – No More Roads!” say protesters ‘nailed’ to asphalt in Aotearoa/New Zealand

28/12/06: The opening of the Wellington Inner City “Bypass” was delayed, as it was blockaded by protesters this morning in an action against new roads.

Road nailing action 1Road nailing action 228/12/06: The opening of the Wellington Inner City “Bypass” was delayed, as it was blockaded by protesters this morning in an action against new roads. Two people were nailed to the asphalt just before 7am at the corner of Taranaki and Arthur Streets. One person was arrested (15 cops showed up!) and was charged with obstructing a public way.

The long-awaited opening of the Wellington Inner City “Bypass” is/was delayed this morning, as it is/was blockaded by protesters who claim that new roads exacerbate climate change.
“The government could save billions of dollars, and slow climate change, by making a pro-active decision to stop building new roads,” said Charles Sylvester, a protester.

“It’s often said – for example in the Stern Report – that the potential costs of climate change massively outweigh the costs of reducing our emissions. But to stop building new roads would not even have a cost. In fact it would save billions – and help to stabilise our emissions. Every time we build a new road car-driving becomes easier, making people less likely to use the low-or non- polluting modes of transport such as walking, cycling, trains and buses. People also have to travel further due to small but cumulative increases in urban sprawl,” said Doris Brown, another protester.

“Our population’s collective total distance-travelled, and the percentage of people using each mode (bike, bus, etc), have a much greater influence on emissions than any “efficiency improvements” such as biofuels, hybrid vehicles and the reduction of idling time in traffic jams,” said Charles Sylvester.

“Billions of dollars may seem to be well-spent on new roads when cost-benefit analysis counts dollars but does not adequately recognise environmental and social values. Extending roading systems however promotes car use with money that could be used to improve public transport and provide further facilities such as cycleways to encourage walking and cycling,” said Doris Brown.

“The community here have struggled for over forty years to stop this so-called “by-pass” and we achieved a lot in terms of rescued buildings and a smaller road. The struggle is not over though. While political parties and greedy corporations squabble over who looks the greenest our global climate chaos worsens. People will not sit back and take it. The storms have come but seeds are sprouting. Expect to see more protest action!” said Charles Sylvester.

Melting icecaps, endangered Polar Bears and serious drought in Australia are “canaries in the mine” signaling a global climate change crisis that threatens the viability of weather and ocean systems on which life and civilisation depend.

“The GHG [greenhouse gas] problem is extremely dangerous to our civilization because we are predisposed to ignore it”, said Prof. Peter Barrett FRSNZ (Director, Antarctic Research Centre, Victoria University of Wellington) in an article originally published in the “Evening Post”, 10 May 2002 (www.gsnz.org.nz/gs_archive/gsprpb.htm). “If the shrinking trend [of the Arctic ice cap] continues at its present rate of 8 per cent a year, there could be no ice at all at the pole as early as the summer of 2060” reported the Dominion Post, 20 Sept, 2005, B1 summarising results of a study conducted by US National Snow and Ice Data Centre and NASA researchers. “Former U.S. vice-president Al Gore…visit[ed] Auckland [in November this year] to tell key business leaders and politicians in a closed meeting that they must act now to avert climate change catastrophe” (Sunday Star Times Oct 29, 2006, A1).

For further information see
www.sierraclub.org/sprawl/transportation/seven.asp
(seven articles in professional journals, showing that new roads induce new traffic)
www.vtpi.org (tranport policy analysis); www.livingstreets.org.nz (promoting walking)
www.option3.org.nz (people-friendly transport planning)
www.techmedia.co.nz/t2K/ (light rail etc); www.climatechange.govt.nz . (statistics)
www.hm-treasury.gov.uk (Stern Review)

Some red paint was discovered on the ‘bypass’ under Ghuznee Street by a photographer.

Links: Heartbeat | Climate IMC | Climaction | Option3 | Earth First! | Earth Liberation Front | Save Happy Valley

——–
Some notes on nail tactics:

Actually the nails were not very good, and only held the protesters down if they were VERY still. We used approx. 1.5 inch galvanised nails which were very hard to nail into the ashphalt, at least for a non-chippy, and they kept bending. If I had to do it again I would use 6 inch non galvanised nails and a decent hammer. I couldn’t see the need for galvanising. The nails were not going to rust off in the half hour or so the protesters were allowed to stay on the road.

I am not sure if police carry a claw hammer or jemmy, but if not, then then some decent nailing might have delayed the traffic until they could get one from the cop shop.
—
We tried the nails on another bit of asphalt that was newer and the nails went in really easily. The asphalt on arthur street was a bit older and compacted. Live and learn.
I think the galvanised nails were just ones they found and not specifically chosen for that reason.
And yeah it was more a photo stunt in order to get our voices heard… and it worked ;o)
Yay.

——–

video

coal-fired plants

URGENT Support is requested from Dine Elders and Youth!

Sithe Global & DPA are proposing to build the Desert Rock power plant, a 1,500 MW Coal Fired plant in the Four Corners area on the Navajo Reservation. This is an area already polluted by 2 other major coal power plants. Local Navajo residence and community members oppose this project for many harmful reasons!! This Desert Rock power plant is still in the environmental review process and has NOT yet been permitted.

URGENT Support is requested from Dine Elders and Youth!

Sithe Global & DPA are proposing to build the Desert Rock power plant, a 1,500 MW Coal Fired plant in the Four Corners area on the Navajo Reservation. This is an area already polluted by 2 other major coal power plants. Local Navajo residence and community members oppose this project for many harmful reasons!! This Desert Rock power plant is still in the environmental review process and has NOT yet been permitted.

However, Desert Rock company trucks have began moving onto the backyard of Alice Gilmore, an elderly navajo woman, and her family on wednesday to begin drilling efforts. Desert Rock officials and police have not shown any documents or permits to the local residents stating their purpose or permission to be there. Dine supporters and community members have joined Alice and her family to blockade the road. They are elderly women and youth, and they have been camped out on the road over night since Tuesday! Desert Rock trucks have repeatedly rushed them and have almost run-over people a number of times as they attempt to get by. Desert Rock power company is violating the lease rights of the local Navajo residences and is harassing elderly Navajo women and youth! This is an urgent time and support is needed!!!

Please read on to find out how you can help! and Please pass this onto others! (press release and additional article)

Lucy A. Willie, right, stands at the proposed Desert Rock Power Plant site outside of Burnham on Wednesday where she and
several friends and family stayed overnight to stop a contractor for Desert Rock Energy Company from doing preliminary work.

What they need:
– More People Support
– Fire wood
– $$
– Attention!

how You can Help!

– More People! More people are needed to sit in support! All are welcome!
directions to the area are below:
The site is between Gallup, NM and Shiprock, NM (northeastern, NM). Take the road between Gallup and Shiprock, the 491. at the Mustang Service Station (one of the only service stations between the two), turn East on road #5 towards Burnham Chapter. From Burnham Chapter turn North onto gravel road #5082. About 10-12 miles up the road turn West until you see the encampment. There will be markers (balloons) out on the roads. (if you begin to see a dragline, you’ve gone too far)

– Fire wood! it is cold outside and many of the resisters are elderly women. if you can get firewood to the site it is very very much needed! the directions to the site are above.

– $ Money! Resisters are in need of money for gas and food, and also for bail money if necessary. Please send donations to local resident and supporter:
Elouise Brown
1015 Glade Lane 34
Farmington, NM 87401
Elouise can also be reached at: thebrownmachine@hotmail.com

– ATTENTION! the more media and observers are present the least likely Desert Rock is likely to run people over or harass them. contact the media, tell them what is going on. Contact Navajo Authorities, tell them you are extremely concerned. Be a legal observer. Spread this Alert!

Media Contact: Lori Goodman, cell #: (970) 759-1908, e-mail address: kiyaani@frontier.net

Contact the Following Authorities! Tell them you have heard about Desert Rock’s harassment of Navajo elders and youth. Tell them you are extremely concerned! If enough people contact these offices they will know that the world is watching.

Shiprock Police Department
phone: (505) 368-1350
fax: (505) 368-1293

Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley’s Office
P.O. Box 9000 Window Rock, Arizona, 86515
phone #: (928) 871- 6352

also: George Hardeen, Navajo Nation Communications Director Office of the President
Office #: 928-871-7000
Cell #: 928-380-7688
e-mail: georgehardeen@opvp.org

Bureau of Indian Affairs (Gallup Office) they are conducting the Environmental Impact Statement.
Harrilene Yazzi, NEPA Coordinator Bureau of Indian Affairs, Navajo Regional Office
P.0. Box 1060 Gallup, New Mexico 87305
Phone: 505-863-8314
Fax: 505-863-8324

Be a Legal Observer – get to the site and help record/witness what is happening

Send this Action Alert Far and Wide!

Thank you for your support!!!

Enei Begaye
Executive Director
Black Mesa Water Coalition
408 E. Route 66, Suite #1
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Office #: (928) 213-9760

Jihan Gearon, Native Energy Campaign
Indigenous Environmental Network
(877) 436-2121

PRESS RELEASE
Wednesday, December 13, 2006

Contacts:
Sarah Jane White, Doodá Desert Rock Committee (505) 860-6166
Dailan J. Long , Diné CARE, Doodá Desert Rock Committee (505) 801-0713
Elouise Brown, Doodá Desert Rock Committee (505) 974-6159
Lori Goodman, Diné CARE (970) 759-1908

BURNHAM, SANOSTEE & NENANEZAH RESIDENTS BLOCKADE DESERT ROCK PROJECT

Burnham, NM –Burnham, Sanostee & Nenanezah Elders and citizens are braving the cold to protect the land from the encroaching Diné Power Authority (DPA) and Sithe Global LLC at the proposed Desert Rock site. Navajo residents confronted the Diné Power Authority/Sithe Global on Tuesday afternoon after learning of water drilling that had been occurring without the knowledge and notification of local residents.

“I have said ‘No’ over and over again and you keep coming over!� Nenanezah elder Alice Gilmore exclaimed to Sithe/DPA employees at the confrontation. For Gilmore, the issue is despicable and uncalled for since she gave no consent to allow DPA/Sithe into her grazing area. Members of the Doodá Desert Rock committee gathered to support her opposition and asked Sithe/DPA to disclose Drilling permits that allowed drilling activity to occur, to no avail. The residents refused to leave after the Navajo Nation Police attempted to give access to DPA/Sithe Global, claiming that permits for the Desert Rock project are not for public disclosure. The Burnham residents barricaded the roads to disallow traffic into the Desert Rock site and have remained in place since the Tuesday incident occurred.

Members of Diné CARE/Doodá Desert Rock Committee met this morning at the Shiprock Courthouse to get answers about drilling permits yet the Lieutenant Dempsey denied access to Gilmore and other concerned residents to view the permits. Residents are asking for: 1.) A copy of the categorical exclusion that is allowing the drilling activities to commence. 2.) Copies of the Clean Water Act Sections 401, 402 and 404, that would prove compliance with regulatory requirements have been met. There are major disturbance taking place and according to the Clean Air Act, these permits are a pre-requisite for drilling activity.

The proposed area is home to extended families, but arbitrarily drawn political boundaries by the Navajo Nation and company representatives have the families separated into the three chapters: Burnham, Sanostee, and Nenahnezad. The boundary defining Burnham and Nenahnezad has been moved south for benefit of DPA/Sithe as recently as two years ago.

“The local residents are not protesters but are resisters. Who would be happy if a well is being dug in their backyard especially when it is done in secrecy? So, how can those residents be considered protesters when they are simply standing up for their rights to have clean air, water, and environment.� Stated, Elouise Brown of Sanostee.

Burnham, Sanostee and Nenanezah residents are not waiting for remedy; many have set up camp at the proposed site and are refusing to move until they get the needed documents. “We’re fed up with them,� states Sarah J. White, President of the Doodá Desert Rock Committee, “the grandmas and the grandpas are being walked over by these monsters and they’re being denied information. We’re standing our ground now.� This incident follows accusations made against Sithe/DPA about environmental injustices, EPA’s proposed issuance of prevention of significant deterioration (PSD) permit Air Quality Permit for Desert Rock Energy Facility and the creation of Navajo Nation Energy Policies without public input.
###

Lori Goodman
Dine’ CARE
10 A Town Plaza, PMB 138
Durango, CO 81301
PH: (970) 259-0199
FAX: (970) 259-2300
Cell: (970) 759-1908
kiyaani@frontier.net
dinecare.org

Navajo traditional elders blockade power plant site

By Brenda Norrell
U.N. OBSERVER & International Report

BURNHAM, NEW MEXICO, USA – Elderly Navajo women and their children formed a blockade, built a fire and camped at the site of a proposed power plant on tribal land in northwest New Mexico. The blockade of
traditional Navajos halted site work in a region that is already toxic with air and water pollution from power plants, oil and gas wells and scattered radioactive tailings from the Cold War.

Facing the threat of arrest by tribal police at the blockade, Navajo elderly, including one medicine man, said they are willing to go to jail to protect their land and way of life.

Most of the elderly are already ill from living in an area where power plants have released 100 tons of coal combustion waste that is blowing in the wind. One of the Navajo elderly resisters is in a wheelchair and
another has severe asthma.

For the second night on Wednesday night, Dec. 13, Navajo resisters camped in the cold at the site.
“I have said ‘No’ over and over again and you keep coming over!� said Nenanezah elder Alice Gilmore, who holds the grazing permit for the area of the proposed Desert Rock Power Plant. The Navajo Nation and
Sithe Global LLC plan to build the power plant, which would be the third power plant in the Farmington/Bloomfield area.

Confronting Sithe and Navajo DPA employees, Gilmore was adamant that she has not given permission for the power plant on her land. Navajo elders from Burnham, Sanostee and Nenanezah chapter, all taking a bold
action to fight the tribal government and corporate aggression, joined Gilmore at the blockade.
“We’re fed up with them,� said Sarah J. White, president of the Doodá Desert Rock Committee. “The grandmas and the grandpas are being walked over by these monsters and they’re being denied information. We’re standing our ground now.�

White said Navajos at the barricade need everything in the way of food, firewood and supplies. “We need everything from A to Z,� White said.

The blockade was formed just 10 days after Navajo Nation elected leaders gathered with representatives from 14 countries and formulated a global ban on uranium mining on Native lands. The power plant
blockade also comes as Navajo Nation leaders are fighting in the federal Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals to protect San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff, Ariz., from the desecration of snowmaking from recycled
wastewater for tourism. The mountain is sacred to 13 area Indian tribes.

However, both Navajo President Joe Shirley, Jr., and the Navajo Nation Council support the construction of the Desert Rock Power Plant and accompanying coalmine, which Navajos say would add more pollution to
the air, land and water, already saturated with disease-causing toxins.

The Navajo Nation tribal government has attempted to censor the voices of Navajos speaking out against the Desert Rock power plant in New Mexico and the use of aquifer water for coal mining by Peabody Coal on
the western side of the Navajo Nation in Arizona.

The proposed site of the new Desert Rock power plant is in the Four Corners Region, targeted since the 1970s as a national sacrifice area for energy production.

It is also the sacred region of Dinetah, the place of origin of Navajos. However, the air is so polluted in the region of Dinetah near Bloomfield that persons with asthma and respiratory diseases find it difficult to breathe.

Further, Navajos say while they struggle with respiratory diseases, cancer and the death of their loved ones in this region, many Navajos must also haul water and live without electricity, since the power plants on Navajo land primarily provide electricity for non-Indians.

The Navajo blockade comes as O’odham in Sonora, Mexico, challenge a secret plan by the government of Mexico, with the knowledge of the US EPA, to create a hazardous waste dump near the sacred site of Quitovac where O’odham hold ceremonies. The Navajo blockade coincides with an action by Pima on Gila River tribal land in Arizona to halt expansion of a hazardous dumpsite.

At the same time, Yaqui in Sonora, Mexico, gathered to prohibit the use of banned pesticides in agricultural fields, now resulting in cancer and deaths.

At the proposed new Desert Rock power plant site in New Mexico, Navajo residents confronted the Diné Power Authority/Sithe Global on Dec. 12, after discovering that water drilling was carried out without the
knowledge and notification of local Navajo residents.

Members of the Doodá Desert Rock committee gathered to support Gilmore’s opposition and asked Sithe/DPA to disclose drilling permits that allowed drilling activity to occur. However, no permits were provided.

The residents refused to leave after the Navajo Nation Police attempted to give access to DPA/Sithe Global, claiming that permits for the Desert Rock project are not for public disclosure. The Burnham residents barricaded the roads to disallow traffic into the Desert Rock site and Navajos remained at the blockade.
Members of Diné CARE/Doodá Desert Rock Committee met Dec. 13, at the Shiprock tribal courthouse to get answers about drilling permits.

Navajo residents said a tribal police lieutenant denied Gilmore and other residents access to view the permits.

Navajo residents are asking for a copy of the categorical exclusion, which would allow the drilling activities to commence, and copies of the Clean Water Act Sections 401, 402 and 404, that would prove compliance with regulatory requirements have been met.

“There are major disturbance taking place and according to the Clean Air Act, these permits are a pre-requisite for drilling activity,� Navajo residents said in a public statement.

Further, Navajos say tribal boundary lines were redrawn to accommodate the power plant corporation.

The proposed area is home to extended families, but arbitrarily drawn political boundaries by the Navajo Nation and company representatives have the families separated into the three chapters: Burnham, Sanostee, and Nenahnezad.

Navajo residents said the boundary defining Burnham and Nenahnezad was moved to the south for the benefit of DPA/Sithe within the past two years.

Elouise Brown of Sanostee said, “The local residents are not protesters but are resisters. Who would be happy if a well is being dug in their backyard especially when it is done in secrecy? So, how can those residents be considered protesters when they are simply standing up for their rights to have clean air, water, and environment.�

Burnham, Sanostee and Nenanezah residents are not waiting for remedy; many have set up camp at the proposed site and are refusing to move until they get the needed documents.

Navajos said this incident follows accusations made against Sithe/DPA about environmental injustices, EPA’s proposed issuance of prevention of significant deterioration (PSD) permit Air Quality Permit for Desert
Rock Energy Facility and the creation of Navajo Nation Energy Policies without public input.

Dine’ Establish Blockade Near Proposed Power Plant Site

December 14th 2006

Lucy A. Willie, right, stands at the proposed Desert Rock Power Plant site outside of Burnham on Wednesday where she and several friends and family stayed overnight to stop a contractor for Desert Rock Energy Company from doing preliminary work.

Dine blockadeDecember 14th 2006

Lucy A. Willie, right, stands at the proposed Desert Rock Power Plant site outside of Burnham on Wednesday where she and several friends and family stayed overnight to stop a contractor for Desert Rock Energy Company from doing preliminary work.

Please send far and wide!!!!

URGENT Support is requested from Dine Elders and Youth!

Sithe Global & DPA are proposing to build the Desert Rock power plant, a 1,500 MW Coal Fired plant in the Four Corners area on the Navajo Reservation. This is an area already polluted by 2 other major coal power plants. Local Navajo residence and community members oppose this project for many harmful reasons!! This Desert Rock power plant is still in the environmental review process and has NOT yet been permitted.

However, Desert Rock company trucks have began moving onto the backyard of Alice Gilmore, an elderly navajo woman, and her family on wednesday to begin drilling efforts. Desert Rock officials and police have not shown any documents or permits to the local residents stating their purpose or permission to be there. Dine supporters and community members have joined Alice and her family to blockade the road. They are elderly women and youth, and they have been camped out on the road over night since Tuesday! Desert Rock trucks have repeatedly rushed them and have almost run-over people a number of times as they attempt to get by. Desert Rock power company is violating the lease rights of the local Navajo residences and is harassing elderly Navajo women and youth! This is an urgent time and support is needed!!!

Please read on to find out how you can help! and Please pass this onto others! (press release and additional article)

What they need:
– More People Support
– Fire wood
– $$
– Attention!

how You can Help!

– More People! More people are needed to sit in support! All are welcome!
directions to the area are below:
The site is between Gallup, NM and Shiprock, NM (northeastern, NM). Take the road between Gallup and Shiprock, the 491. at the Mustang Service Station (one of the only service stations between the two), turn East on road #5 towards Burnham Chapter. From Burnham Chapter turn North onto gravel road #5082. About 10-12 miles up the road turn West until you see the encampment. There will be markers (balloons) out on the roads. (if you begin to see a dragline, you’ve gone too far)

– Fire wood! it is cold outside and many of the resisters are elderly women. if you can get firewood to the site it is very very much needed! the directions to the site are above.

– $ Money! Resisters are in need of money for gas and food, and also for bail money if necessary. Please send donations to local resident and supporter:
Elouise Brown
1015 Glade Lane 34
Farmington, NM 87401
Elouise can also be reached at: thebrownmachine@hotmail.com

– ATTENTION! the more media and observers are present the least likely Desert Rock is likely to run people over or harass them. contact the media, tell them what is going on. Contact Navajo Authorities, tell them you are extremely concerned. Be a legal observer. Spread this Alert!

###

Contact the Following Authorities! Tell them you have heard about Desert Rock’s harassment of Navajo elders and youth. Tell them you are extremely concerned! If enough people contact these offices they will know that the world is watching.

Shiprock Police Department
phone: (505) 368-1350
fax: (505) 368-1293

Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley’s Office
P.O. Box 9000 Window Rock, Arizona, 86515
phone #: (928) 871- 6352

also: George Hardeen, Navajo Nation Communications Director Office of the President
Office #: 928-871-7000
Cell #: 928-380-7688
e-mail: georgehardeen@opvp.org

Bureau of Indian Affairs (Gallup Office) they are conducting the Environmental Impact Statement.
Harrilene Yazzi, NEPA Coordinator Bureau of Indian Affairs, Navajo Regional Office
P.0. Box 1060 Gallup, New Mexico 87305
Phone: 505-863-8314
Fax: 505-863-8324

Be a Legal Observer – get to the site and help record/witness what is happening

Send this Action Alert Far and Wide!

Thank you for your support!!!

Enei Begaye
Executive Director
Black Mesa Water Coalition
408 E. Route 66, Suite #1
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Office #: (928) 213-9760
PRESS RELEASE
Wednesday, December 13, 2006

Contacts:
Sarah Jane White, Doodá Desert Rock Committee (505) 860-6166
Dailan J. Long , Diné CARE, Doodá Desert Rock Committee (505) 801-0713
Elouise Brown, Doodá Desert Rock Committee (505) 974-6159
Lori Goodman, Diné CARE (970) 759-1908

BURNHAM, SANOSTEE & NENANEZAH RESIDENTS BLOCKADE DESERT ROCK PROJECT

Burnham, NM –Burnham, Sanostee & Nenanezah Elders and citizens are braving the cold to protect the land from the encroaching Diné Power Authority (DPA) and Sithe Global LLC at the proposed Desert Rock site. Navajo residents confronted the Diné Power Authority/Sithe Global on Tuesday afternoon after learning of water drilling that had been occurring without the knowledge and notification of local residents.

“I have said ‘No’ over and over again and you keep coming over!� Nenanezah elder Alice Gilmore exclaimed to Sithe/DPA employees at the confrontation. For Gilmore, the issue is despicable and uncalled for since she gave no consent to allow DPA/Sithe into her grazing area. Members of the Doodá Desert Rock committee gathered to support her opposition and asked Sithe/DPA to disclose Drilling permits that allowed drilling activity to occur, to no avail. The residents refused to leave after the Navajo Nation Police attempted to give access to DPA/Sithe Global, claiming that permits for the Desert Rock project are not for public disclosure. The Burnham residents barricaded the roads to disallow traffic into the Desert Rock site and have remained in place since the Tuesday incident occurred.

Members of Diné CARE/Doodá Desert Rock Committee met this morning at the Shiprock Courthouse to get answers about drilling permits yet the Lieutenant Dempsey denied access to Gilmore and other concerned residents to view the permits. Residents are asking for: 1.) A copy of the categorical exclusion that is allowing the drilling activities to commence. 2.) Copies of the Clean Water Act Sections 401, 402 and 404, that would prove compliance with regulatory requirements have been met. There are major disturbance taking place and according to the Clean Air Act, these permits are a pre-requisite for drilling activity.

The proposed area is home to extended families, but arbitrarily drawn political boundaries by the Navajo Nation and company representatives have the families separated into the three chapters: Burnham, Sanostee, and Nenahnezad. The boundary defining Burnham and Nenahnezad has been moved south for benefit of DPA/Sithe as recently as two years ago.

“The local residents are not protesters but are resisters. Who would be happy if a well is being dug in their backyard especially when it is done in secrecy? So, how can those residents be considered protesters when they are simply standing up for their rights to have clean air, water, and environment.� Stated, Elouise Brown of Sanostee.

Burnham, Sanostee and Nenanezah residents are not waiting for remedy; many have set up camp at the proposed site and are refusing to move until they get the needed documents. “We’re fed up with them,� states Sarah J. White, President of the Doodá Desert Rock Committee, “the grandmas and the grandpas are being walked over by these monsters and they’re being denied information. We’re standing our ground now.� This incident follows accusations made against Sithe/DPA about environmental injustices, EPA’s proposed issuance of prevention of significant deterioration (PSD) permit Air Quality Permit for Desert Rock Energy Facility and the creation of Navajo Nation Energy Policies without public input.
###

Lori Goodman
Dine’ CARE
10 A Town Plaza, PMB 138
Durango, CO 81301
PH: (970) 259-0199
FAX: (970) 259-2300
Cell: (970) 759-1908
kiyaani@frontier.net
dinecare.org

=====================================================================

Navajo traditional elders blockade power plant site

By Brenda Norrell
U.N. OBSERVER & International Report

BURNHAM, NEW MEXICO, USA – Elderly Navajo women and their children formed a blockade, built a fire and camped at the site of a proposed power plant on tribal land in northwest New Mexico. The blockade of traditional Navajos halted site work in a region that is already toxic with air and water pollution from power plants, oil and gas wells and
scattered radioactive tailings from the Cold War.

Facing the threat of arrest by tribal police at the blockade, Navajo elderly, including one medicine man, said they are willing to go to jail to protect their land and way of life.

Most of the elderly are already ill from living in an area where power plants have released 100 tons of coal combustion waste that is blowing in the wind. One of the Navajo elderly resisters is in a wheelchair and another has severe asthma.

For the second night on Wednesday night, Dec. 13, Navajo resisters camped in the cold at the site.

“I have said ‘No’ over and over again and you keep coming over!� said Nenanezah elder Alice Gilmore, who holds the grazing permit for the area of the proposed Desert Rock Power Plant. The Navajo Nation and Sithe Global LLC plan to build the power plant, which would be the third power plant in the Farmington/Bloomfield area.

Confronting Sithe and Navajo DPA employees, Gilmore was adamant that she has not given permission for the power plant on her land. Navajo elders from Burnham, Sanostee and Nenanezah chapter, all taking a bold action to fight the tribal government and corporate aggression, joined Gilmore at the blockade.

“We’re fed up with them,� said Sarah J. White, president of the Doodá Desert Rock Committee. “The grandmas and the grandpas are being walked over by these monsters and they’re being denied information. We’re standing our ground now.�

White said Navajos at the barricade need everything in the way of food, firewood and supplies.

“We need everything from A to Z,� White said.

The blockade was formed just 10 days after Navajo Nation elected leaders gathered with representatives from 14 countries and formulated a global ban on uranium mining on Native lands. The power plant blockade also comes as Navajo Nation leaders are fighting in the
federal Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals to protect San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff, Ariz., from the desecration of snowmaking from recycled wastewater for tourism. The mountain is sacred to 13 area Indian tribes.

However, both Navajo President Joe Shirley, Jr., and the Navajo Nation Council support the construction of the Desert Rock Power Plant and accompanying coalmine, which Navajos say would add more pollution to the air, land and water, already saturated with disease-causing toxins.

The Navajo Nation tribal government has attempted to censor the voices of Navajos speaking out against the Desert Rock power plant in New Mexico and the use of aquifer water for coal mining by Peabody Coal on the western side of the Navajo Nation in Arizona.

The proposed site of the new Desert Rock power plant is in the Four Corners Region, targeted since the 1970s as a national sacrifice area for energy production.

It is also the sacred region of Dinetah, the place of origin of Navajos. However, the air is so polluted in the region of Dinetah near Bloomfield that persons with asthma and respiratory diseases find it difficult to breathe.

Further, Navajos say while they struggle with respiratory diseases, cancer and the death of their loved ones in this region, many Navajos must also haul water and live without electricity, since the power plants on Navajo land primarily provide electricity for non-Indians.

The Navajo blockade comes as O’odham in Sonora, Mexico, challenge a secret plan by the government of Mexico, with the knowledge of the US EPA, to create a hazardous waste dump near the sacred site of Quitovac where O’odham hold ceremonies. The Navajo blockade coincides with an action by Pima on Gila River tribal land in Arizona to halt expansion
of a hazardous dumpsite.

At the same time, Yaqui in Sonora, Mexico, gathered to prohibit the use of banned pesticides in agricultural fields, now resulting in cancer and deaths.

At the proposed new Desert Rock power plant site in New Mexico, Navajo residents confronted the Diné Power Authority/Sithe Global on Dec. 12, after discovering that water drilling was carried out without the knowledge and notification of local Navajo residents.

Members of the Doodá Desert Rock committee gathered to support Gilmore’s opposition and asked Sithe/DPA to disclose drilling permits that allowed drilling activity to occur. However, no permits were provided.

The residents refused to leave after the Navajo Nation Police attempted to give access to DPA/Sithe Global, claiming that permits for the Desert Rock project are not for public disclosure. The Burnham residents barricaded the roads to disallow traffic into the Desert Rock site and Navajos remained at the blockade.

Members of Diné CARE/Doodá Desert Rock Committee met Dec. 13, at the Shiprock tribal courthouse to get answers about drilling permits. Navajo residents said a tribal police lieutenant denied Gilmore and other residents access to view the permits.

Navajo residents are asking for a copy of the categorical exclusion, which would allow the drilling activities to commence, and copies of the Clean Water Act Sections 401, 402 and 404, that would prove compliance with regulatory requirements have been met.

“There are major disturbance taking place and according to the Clean Air Act, these permits are a pre-requisite for drilling activity,� Navajo residents said in a public statement.

Further, Navajos say tribal boundary lines were redrawn to accommodate the power plant corporation.

The proposed area is home to extended families, but arbitrarily drawn political boundaries by the Navajo Nation and company representatives have the families separated into the three chapters: Burnham, Sanostee, and Nenahnezad.

Navajo residents said the boundary defining Burnham and Nenahnezad was moved to the south for the benefit of DPA/Sithe within the past two years.

Elouise Brown of Sanostee said, “The local residents are not protesters but are resisters. Who would be happy if a well is being dug in their backyard especially when it is done in secrecy? So, how can those residents be considered protesters when they are simply standing up for their rights to have clean air, water, and environment.�

Burnham, Sanostee and Nenanezah residents are not waiting for remedy; many have set up camp at the proposed site and are refusing to move until they get the needed documents.

Navajos said this incident follows accusations made against Sithe/DPA about environmental injustices, EPA’s proposed issuance of prevention of significant deterioration (PSD) permit Air Quality Permit for Desert Rock Energy Facility and the creation of Navajo Nation Energy Policies without public input.

For more information on the Navajo blockade:
Lori Goodman
Dine’ CARE
PH: (970) 259-0199
FAX: (970) 259-2300
kiyaani@frontier.net
dinecare.org

eco-prisoners – Spirit of Freedom November 2006

Spirit of Freedom
(November 2006)
Produced by
EARTH LIBERATION PRISONERS SUPPORT NETWORK

“I thank you all dearly for writing”

Prisoner Solidarity 12Spirit of Freedom
(November 2006)
Produced by
EARTH LIBERATION PRISONERS SUPPORT NETWORK

“I thank you all dearly for writing”
(Jon Ablewhite, Animal Rights Prisoner)

Welcome to the November 2006 edition of Spirit of Freedom. First off I’d like to appologise for this edition of the newsletter being late. As people may be aware the USA-SHAC 7 where all due to start their prison sentences this month and we were awaiting to hear where they were before we went to print. Sadly all of the USA-SHAC 7 defendants are now in jail so we urge everyone to please write to them. They have been jailed for merely reporting the news, so please do support them. However, whilst supporting the USA-SHAC 7, please don’t forget the other prisoners. They also need our support. So please, no matter where you are in the world, please support the eco-prisoners and no compromise in defence of Mother Earth!

COURT REPORTS & LEGAL UPDATES

OREGON UPDATE
In early November 2006, it was announced that four Americans, Jonathan Paul, Daniel McGowan, Nathan Frazer Block and Joyanna Zacher, who are all defendants in the Oregon Case, had entered Guilty pleas to various charges against them.

When entering their Guilty Pleas these four remained true to their principles and although admitting their own guilt refused to name any
others. It is unclear what length of sentences the four will receive but it is clear they no longer face the possible ‘Life imprisonment without the possibility of parole’, which they were facing if they’d gone to trial. All four are due to be sentenced in mid-December 06.

Also in early November, Grand Jury prisoner, Jeff Hogg, was released from prison. Jeff had always refused to testify against anyone in the Oregon case and was serving an indefinite prison sentence as a result. ELP celebrates Jeff’s release and praise him for his moral stance.

With other news in this investigation, in early October 2006, two of the police informants in the University of Washington arson case, Lacey Phillabaum and Jennifer Lynn Kolar (also known as Jen), pleaded guilty to their roles in the arson which occured in 2001. Kolar also admitted to an arson against a gun club. Following their guilty pleas Kolar is expected to receive a sentence of between 5-7years imprisonment, whilst Phullabaum is expected to received 3-5 years imprisonment.

As soon as any of the sentences, of any of the defendants in this case, are known ELP will bring you the news. However we would like to remind everyone that we do not support police informants and therefore, although reporting their sentences, we will not be listing the prison details of any of the police informants in this case. We do offer our total support to those who have pleaded guilty to their personal charges but not cooperated with the authorities whilst doing so.

Also, despite the various guilty pleas ELP would like to remind everyone that this case is not over. There are still at least three defendants in this case who locations are unknown to the FBI. And also, Briana Waters has formally pleaded not guilty to the University of Washington fire and is scheduled for trial in May 2007. ELP will keep you informed as to all the developments in Briana’s trial.

NADIA WINSTEAD
In mid-October 2006, American animal rights activist, Nadia Winstead, was found Guilty of contempt of court after she refused to testify before a Grand Jury which is investigating a series of Animal and Earth Liberation actions. Nadia was granted leave to appeal her conviction and that appeal hearing is due later on this month. ELP will bring you more news just as soon as we have it.

IL SILVESTRE UPDATE
In early November 2006, Giuseppe Bonamici, was released from prison under house arrest. Giuseppe is one of ten Il Silvestre members, arrested in May 2006, who has been charged with using explosives to destroy an electricity pylon in protest against nuclear power. Following Giuseppe’s release this means that six of the ten defendants are now under house arrest, but four remain imprisoned.

The remaining four are all said to be doing well and remaining strong. One of the four Benedetta Galante, initially after her imprisonment found herself subject to strict mail censorship and only received a few letters within the first four months of her imprisonment. However, her mail now does appear to be reaching her and is described as “flooding in”, so much so that the prison doesn’t have enough mail censors to keep up with her post!!!

Besides the four Il Silvestre prisoners awaiting trial following the May 06 arrests, ELP would like to remind everyone that a fifth Il Silvestre activist is also currently imprisoned. Francesco Gioia is serving 5 years and 2 months for promoting & participating in COR direct action. He is also awaiting trial for escaping from house arrest.

JOE HARRIS
On 20/09/06 British Animal Rights activist, Joe Harris, was sentenced to 3 years imprisonment for taking direct action against Huntingdon Life Sciences targets. His tactics included gluing locks and slashing car tyres.

MADELINE BUCKLER
On 22/09/06 British Animal Rights activist, Madeline Buckler, was sentenced to 2 years imprisonment for sending hate mail to the Hall family, who use to supply guinea pigs to the vivisection industry.

ECO-DEFENCE PRISONERS

Fadalla Idris Alajaimy (address unknown). Sudan anti-dam protester on remand accused of Waging War against the State for protesting against the construction of a dam. The sentence for this crime is Death.

Mohamed Ahmed Alajaimy (address unknown). Sudan anti-dam protester on remand accused of Waging War against the State for protesting against the construction of a dam. The sentence for this crime is Death.

Tre Arrow, CS# 05850722, Vancouver Island Regional Correction Center, 4216 Wilkinson Rd., Victoria, BC, V8Z 5B2, Canada. On remand accused of involvement with an arson on logging trucks and an arson on vehicles owned by a sand & gravel company. Both arsons occurred in the USA. Tre is fighting his extradition to the USA.

Nathan Block, #1663667, Lane County Jail, 101 W 5th Ave., Eugene, OR 97401, USA. On remand accused of involvement in an arson against a Poplar Tree Farm and an arson against an SUV dealership. Also charged with involvement in a conspiracy to carry out direct action in Oregon.

Federico Bonamici, Casa di Reclusione, ia Nuova Poggioreale 177, 80143 Napolo Poggioreale (NA), Italy. Il Silvestre member on remand accused of using explosives to damage an electricity pylon. Also accused of planning to overthrow the State.

Marco Camenisch, Postfach 3143, CH-8105 Regensdorf, Switzerland. Serving 27 years. 1) Ten years for using explosives to destroy electricity pylons leading from nuclear power stations. 2) Seventeen years for the murder of a Swiss Boarder Guard whilst on the run. In ’02 Marco completed a 12-year sentence in Italy for destroying electricity pylons in Italy.

Ibai Ederra, Carcel de Pamplona, C/San Roque. Apdo. 250, 31080 РIru̱ez РPamplona, Navarra (Espa̱a), Spain. Serving just under 5 years for sabotaging machinery at the controversial Itoiz dam construction site.

Rodney Coronado #03895-000, FCI Tucson, 8901 South Wilmot Rd, Tucson, AZ 85705, USA. Serving 8 months for his role in an Earth First! hunt sabotage against a mountain lion hunt. Rod is also facing additional charges relating to a speech he made at an animal rights gathering in 2003.

William Frediani (currently under house arrest). Il Silvestre activist sentenced to 6 years imprisonment for promoting & participating in COR direct action.

Benedetta Galante, Casa Circondariale, Contrada Capo di Monte, 82100 – Benevento (BN), Italy. Il Silvestre activist sentenced to 3 years 6 months for promoting & participating in COR direct action. Also awaiting trial accused of using explosives to damage an electricity pylon in protest at nuclear energy.

Francesco Gioia, Via Maiano, 10, 06049 Spoleto, Italy. Il Silvestre activist sentenced to 5 years 2 months for promoting & participating in COR direct action. Also awaiting trial for escaping from house arrest.

Silvia Guerini, Carcere “La Dozza”, Via Del Gomito 2, 40127 Bologna, Italy.
Il Silvestre member on remand accused of using explosives to damage an electricity pylon.

Leonardo Landi (currently under house arrest). Il Silvestre activist sentenced to 3 years 6 months imprisonment for promoting & participating in COR direct action.

Jeffrey Luers, #13797671, OSP, 2605 State St. Salem, OR 97310, USA. Serving 22 years & 8 months for arson on a SUV dealership & the attempted arson of an oil truck.

Ali Mohamed Alhassen Massad (address unknown). Sudan anti-dam protester on remand accused of Waging War against the State for protesting against the construction of a dam. The sentence for this crime is Death.

Eric McDavid X-2972521 4E 231A, Sacramento County Main Jail, 651 “I” Street, Sacramento, CA 95814, USA. On Remand accused of planning to destroy the property of the U.S. Forestry Service, mobile phone masts and power plants.

Christopher McIntosh 30512-013, USP Hazelton, US Penitentiary, PO Box 2000, Bruceton Mills, WV 26525, USA. Serving 8 years for a joint ELF/ALF arson attack on a McDonalds restaurant.

Alessio Perondi (currently under house arrest). Il Silvestre activist sentenced to 3 years 8 months imprisonment for promoting & participating in COR direct action.

Costantino Ragusa, Casa Circondariale, Via Prati Nuovi 7, 27058 Voghera (PV), Italy. Il Silvestre activist sentenced to 5 years for promoting & participating in COR direct action. Also awaiting trial accused of using explosives to damage an electricity pylon in protest at nuclear energy.

John Wade #38548-083, FCI Petersburg Low, Satellite Camp, PO Box 90027, Petersburg, VA 23804, USA. Serving 37 months for a series of ELF actions against a number of targets including McDonalds & Burger King; urban sprawl; the construction industry; and an SUV dealership.

Joyanna Zacher #1662550, Lane County Jail, 101 W 5th Ave, Eugene, OR 97401, USA. On remand accused of involvement in an arson against a Poplar Tree Farm and an SUV dealership. Also charged with involvement in a conspiracy to carry out direct action in Oregon.

ANIMAL LIBERATION PRISONERS

Jon Ablewhite TB4885, HMP Lowdham Grange, Lowdham, Nottingham, NG14 7DA, England. Serving 12 years for attempting to blackmail a farmer who supplied guinea pigs for vivisection.

Natasha Avery NR8987, HMP Bronzefield, Woodthorpe Road, Ashford, Middlesex, TW15 3JZ, England. Serving 16 months for a public order offence after telling a fox hunting murder what she thought of them.

Dave Blenkinsop EM7899, HMP Rye Hill, Onley, Warwickshire, CV23 8AN, England. Serving 10 years. 1) Three years for a stave attack on the Managing Director of HLS. 2) 18 months for rescuing 600 guinea pigs from a lab supplier. 3) 51â?„2 years for planting incendiary devices under an abattoirs vehicles.

Madeline Buckler PR7492, HMP Morton Hall, Swinderby, Lincoln, LN6 9PT, England. Serving 2 years for sending hate mail to a family who supplied guinea pigs for vivisection.

Jacob Conroy #93501-011, FCI Victorville Medium I Federal Correctional Institution, P.O. Box 5300, Adelanto, CA 92301, USA. Serving 48 months imprisonment for helping organise the SHAC-USA campaign.

Rodney Coronado. Serving 8 months for his role in an Earth First! hunt sabotage against a mountain lion hunt. See his details in the Eco-Defence Prisoners list.

Donald Currie TN 4593, HMP Woodhill, Tattenhoe Street, Milton Keynes, MK4 4DA, England. On remand accused of arson against a courier company with links to the vivisection industry including HLS.

Josh Demmitt 12314-081, FCI Safford, Federal Correctional Institution, P.O. Box 9000, Safford, AZ 85548, USA. Serving 30 months for an ALF arson on a University animal testing facility.

Darius Fullmer #26397-050, FCI Fort Dix Satellite Camp, P.O. Box 1000, Fort Dix, NJ 08640 USA. Serving 12 months for helping organise the SHAC-USA campaign.

Garfield Marcus Gabbard TB 4271, HMP Moorland (Closed), Bawtry Road, Hatfield Woodhouse, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, DN7 6BW, England. Serving 36 months for Affray during an animal rights demo where he jumped onto a car and kicked a security guard who pulled him off the car.

Lauren Gazzola #93497-011, FCI Danbury Route #37, 33 1/2 Pembroke Road, Danbury, CT 06811 USA. Serving 54 months imprisonment for helping organise the SHAC-USA campaign.

Sarah Gisborne, LT5393, HMP Cookham Wood, Rochester, Kent, ME1 3LU, England.
Serving 51â?„2 years for conspiracy to cause criminal damage following the damaging of 8 vehicles owned by people linked to Huntingdon Life Science.

Joshua Harper #29429-086, FCI Sheridan Federal Correctional Institution, P.O. Box 5000, Sheridan, OR 97378 USA. Serving 36 months imprisonment for helping organise the SHAC-USA campaign.

Joseph Harris, TN5728, HMP Lewes, Brighton Road, East Sussex, BN7 1EA, England. Serving 3 years for damaging the property of people associated with Huntingdon Life Sciences.

Kevin Kjonaas #93502-011, FCI Sandstone, PO Box 1000, Sandstone, MN 55072 USA. Serving 72 months imprisonment for helping organise the SHAC-USA campaign.

Chris McIntosh. Serving 8 years for a joint ALF/ELF arson on a McDonalds.
See his details in the Eco-Defence Prisoners list.

Josephine Mayo PR6508, HMP Drake Hall, Eccleshall, Staffordshire, ST21 6LQ, England. Serving 4 years for attempting to blackmail a farmer who supplied guinea pigs for vivisection.

John Smith TB4887, HMP Lowdham Grange, Lowdham, Nottingham, NG14 7DA, England. Serving 12 years for attempting to blackmail a farmer who supplied guinea pigs for vivisection.

Andrew Stepanian #26399-050, FCI Butner Medium II Federal Correctional Institution, PO Box 1500, Butner, NC 27509 USA. Serving 36 months for helping organise the SHAC-USA campaign.

Daniel Wadham TF5524, HMP Rochester, Kent. ME1 3QS, England. Serving 12 months for a public order offence after telling a fox hunting murder what he thought of them.

Kerry Whitburn TB4886, HMP Lowdham Grange, Lowdham, Nottingham, NG14 7DA, England. Serving 12 years for attempting to blackmail a farmer who supplied guinea pigs for vivisection.

Peter Daniel Young, #10269-111, FCI Vitorvill Medium II, Federal Correctional Institution, PO Box 5700, Adelanto, CA 92301, USA. Serving two years for releasing mink and foxes from six different fur farms. Also awaiting trial for his alleged involvement in a raid on a fur farm in South Dakota.

PLOUGHSHARES PRISONERS

Helen Woodson, 03231-045, FMC Carswell – Admin. Max. Unit, POB 27137, Ft. Worth, TX 76127, USA. Serving 8 years 10 months for actions that focused on the interrelationship of war & the destruction of the natural world. The actions included pouring red paint over the security desk of a federal court and making threatening communications. Previously Helen had served 201â?„2 years for: 1) Using a hammer to disarm a nuclear missile silo. 2) Burning $25,000 on the floor of a bank whilst denouncing war, environmental destruction & economic injustice. 3) Mailing warning letters with bullets attached to Government & corporate officials.

OTHER ANTI-WAR PRISONERS

Brendan Walsh, 12473-052, FCI Allenwood Low, PO Box 1000, White Deer, PA 17887, USA. Serving 5 years for an arson on an army recruitment office in protest at the War on Iraq.

THE LECCE FIVE
The Lecce Five have been charged with “subversive association” accused of damaging Esso petrol pumps to oppose the War on Iraq; sabotaging the cash machines of a bank which funds an immigration centre; and targeting the multinational company Benetton in support of Mapuche land rights activists in Chile. All of the defendants are currently under house arrest.

ANTIFA PRISONERS

Lasandra Burwell W063658, Ohio Reformatory for Women, 1479 Collins Ave. Marysville, OH 43040, USA. Serving 5 years for taking part in an
anti-fascist demonstration which turned into a riot.

Igor Kisielewicz, syn Aleksandra, A.S. Bialystok, Kopernika 21, 15-377 Bialystok, Poland. Serving 3 months for failing to do his community service imposed for antifa activity.

Tomasz Wiloszewski, Zaklad Karny, Orzechowa 5, 98-200 Sieradz, Poland.
Serving 15 years for accidentally killing a neo-nazi whilst defending himself.

PARTY & PROTEST
Around the world there have been several massive protests against global capitalism and its environmental impact. The following have all been jailed in connection with the protests.

Jonathan Philip Robert, Crisp County Detention Center, 197 Ga. Hwy. 300 South, Cordele, GA 31015, USA (12 months)

OTHER PRISONERS

Ted Kaczynski (04475-046), US Pen – admin Max Facility, PO Box 8500, Florence Colorado 81226, USA. Serving multiple life sentences for the infamous ‘Unabomber’ anti-technology bombing & murder campaign.

Olga Aleksandrovna Nevskaya, UU163/5, 7 Otryad, pos. Dzerzhinskiy, Mozhaysk 140090 Moskovskaya oblast, Russia. Eco-activist serving 6 years for arson, criminal damage and causing explosions in protest at the war in Chechnya. Due for release in 2009.

Fran Thompson, #1090915 HU 1C, WERDCC, PO Box 300, Vandalia, MO 63382, USA.
Serving Life for killing, in self-defence, a stalker who had broken into her home. Before her imprisonment Fran was an eco, animal & anti-nuke campaigner.

MOVE
MOVE is an eco-revolutionary group who carried out protests in defence of all life. There are currently eight MOVE activists in prison each serving 100 years after been framed for the murder of a cop in 1979. 9th defendant, Merle Africa, died in prison in 1998.

Debbie Simms Africa (006307), Janet Holloway Africa (006308) and Janine Philips Africa (006309) all at: SCI Cambridge Springs, 451 Fullerton Ave, Cambridge Springs, PA 16403-1238, USA.

Michael Davis Africa (AM4973) and Charles Simms Africa (AM4975) both at SCI Grateford, PO Box 244, Grateford, PA 19426-0244, USA.

Edward Goodman Africa (AM4974), 301 Morea Rd, Frackville, PA 17932, USA.

William Philips Africa (AM4984) and Delbert Orr Africa (AM4985) both at SCI Dallas Drawer K, Dallas, PA 18612, USA.

Mumia Abu Jamal, (AM8335), SCI Greene, 175 Progress Drive, Waynesburg PA 15370, USA. In 1981 Mumia, former Black Panther and vocal supporter of MOVE, was framed for the murder of a cop. He was originally sentenced to death but is currently awaiting re-sentencing following a court hearing in 2001.

MAPUCHE PRISONERS & OTHER LAND RIGHTS PRISONERS
Due to space limitation we cannot publish the names & addresses of the Mapuche & Land Rights prisoners in this edition of Spirit of Freedom, however if you would like a list please contact Spirit of Freedom.

STATEMENT ON VIOLENCE
Some people listed in this newsletter have carried out violent actions.
‘Spirit of Freedom’ does not condone violence. But we are also against censorship & believe people can decide for themselves who they wish to support.

ABOUT E.L.P. SUPPORT NETWORK
ELP is an international eco-prisoner support network founded, in Britain, in 1993 to support jailed eco-activists. We support the prisoners by producing various regular prisoner lists:

Spirit of Freedom is ELP’s international bimonthly publication (available via e-mail or in a paper version). If you would like to receive a copy contact Spirit of Freedom, BM Box 2407, London, WC1N 3XX, England. Or e-mail ELP4321@hotmail.com

Urgent ELP! Bulletin is an e-mail service that distributes the names of any new eco-prisoner as soon as ELP gets their details. For more info e-mail ELP4321@hotmail.com

On-Line Newsletters – ELP has a number of websites that provide news, prisoner lists and additional info about ELP & the prisoners.

English language ELP Website
www.spiritoffreedom.org.uk

North American ELP Website
www.ecoprisoners.org

Turkish language ELP Website
www.geocities.com/yesilanarsi/elp.htm

ELP Extra is an e-mail group that circulates the details of political prisoners, ELP learns about, who do not fall within the remit for support by ELP. To subscribe to the list e-mail ELP4321@Hotmail.com

Belgium ELP.SN is our Belgium contact. For more info e-mail elp_bel@hotmail.com

German ELP.SN is a prisoner led initiative run by eco-prisoner Marco Camenisch. For more info contact Marco Camenisch, Postfach 3143, CH-8105 Regensdorf, Switzerland.

North American ELP is our North American contact. For more information e-mail naelpsn@mutualaid.org

Turkey ELP.SN is our Turkish contact. For more info e-mail yesilanarsi@yahoo.com

North American ELP Prisoner Fund. The North American ELP group has set up a fund where people can pay money, for North American Eco-Defence and Animal Rights prisoners, which will then be distributed to the North American prisoners. For information about the Fund and how to make a donation please contact naelpsn@mutualaid.org

DEDICATION
ELP feels it its important to remember those who have died defending Mother Earth. We use Samhain (a traditional time to remember the dead) as our opportunity to honour all our fallen friends who have died over the years.

Due to space limitation we can only list EF! & ELF style fallen friends.
But for a full list of all Animal & Earth Liberation activists who’ve died in defence of the planet check out our full memorial list on our website
www.spiritoffreedom.org.uk

This edition of Spirit of Freedom is jointly dedicated to American David “Gypsy” Chain, who was crushed to death in September 1998 when a tree was felled on top of him whilst he defended the forests; Italian activists Maria Rosas & Edoardo Massari who died in custody, in 1999, whilst awaiting trial for their alleged involvement in the sabotaging of a high speed rail line construction site in the Northern Italian Alps; Brazilian Jose Marlucio da Silva who was shot dead by police in July 2000 whilst attempting to storm & occupy a bank during an anti-GM protest; British activist ‘Jo’ whose body was found in her burnt out hut at the Nine Ladies anti-quarry protest camp
in March 2002; American Beth O’Brien, who died in April 2002 after falling from a tree she was sitting in whilst trying to defend the forests; Brazilian Bartolomeu Morais da Silva (aka “Brasilia”) who led the struggle against illegal logging, land fraud and destructive large-scale infrastructure projects was found murdered in July 2002 from shot gun wounds and his legs broken; American Robert “Naya” Bryan, died October 2002 after falling from a tree he was sitting in whilst trying to defend the forests; French activist Sébastian B., who, in November 2004, was run by a train carrying nuclear waste after Sébastian had tied himself to the tracks; American William “Bill” Rodgers who ended his own life in December 2005 following his arrest for a series of ELF & ALF actions.

If you know of someone who should be on this list, but isn’t, please let ELP know.
“ELP Support Network”

Steal Something Day, a shameless 24-hour stealing spree!

The 24 hour moratorium on spending, ‘Buy Nothing Day’ is this Saturday 26th November in the UK. 6 years ago some Canadian anarchists came up with a critique of ‘Buy Nothing Day’ and called for a new initiative, ‘Steal Something Day’.

Steal Something DayThe 24 hour moratorium on spending, ‘Buy Nothing Day’ is this Saturday 26th November in the UK. 6 years ago some Canadian anarchists came up with a critique of ‘Buy Nothing Day’ and called for a new initiative, ‘Steal Something Day’.

As their original article seems to have virtually disappeared into the unrecoverable bowels of the digital archive of the internet, I thought I’d reproduce their critique along with it’s graphic and help document it. Hopefully it’ll help maintain their initiative for this ‘Buy Nothing Day’ and help people reflect on some of Adbuster’s problematic claims.

November 26, 1999 – Participate by participating!
(Press release from http://tao.ca/~lombrenoire)

For the past eight years, a few self-described “culture jammers” from Adbusters Magazine have dubbed the last Friday in November “Buy Nothing Day.”

From their stylish home base in Vancouver’s upscale suburb of Kitsilano, the Adbusters’ brain trust has encouraged conscientious citizens worldwide to “relish [their] power as a consumer to change the economic environment.” In their words, Buy Nothing Day “proves how empowering it is to step out of the consumption stream for even a day.”

The geniuses at Adbusters have managed to create the perfect feel-good, liberal, middle-class activist non-happening. A day when the more money you make, the more influence you have (like every other day). A day which, by definition, is insulting to the millions of people worldwide who are too poor or marginalized to be considered “consumers.”

It’s supposed to be a 24-hour moratorium on spending, but ends up being a moralistic false-debate about whether or not you should really buy that loaf of bread today or … wait for it … tomorrow!

Well, this year, while the Adbusters cult enjoys yet another Buy Nothing Day, accompanied by their fancy posters, stickers, TV and radio advertisements and slick webpages, a few self-described anarcho-situationists from Montreal’s East End are inaugurating Steal Something Day.

Unlike Buy Nothing Day, when people are asked to “participate by not participating,” Steal Something Day demands that we “participate by participating.” Instead of downplaying or ignoring the capitalists, CEOs, landlords, small business tyrants, bosses, PR hacks, yuppies, media lapdogs, corporate bureaucrats, politicians and cops who are primarily responsible for misery and exploitation in this world, Steal Something Day demands that we steal from them, without discrimination.

The Adbusters’ intellegentsia tell us that they’re neither “left nor right,” and have proclaimed a non-ideological crusade against overconsumption. Steal Something Day, on the other hand, identifies with the historic and contemporary resistance against the causes of capitalist exploitation, not its symptoms. If you think overconsumption is scary, wait until you hear about capitalism and imperialism.

Unlike the misplaced Buy Nothing Day notion of consumer empowerment, Steal Something Day promotes empowerment by urging us to collectively identify the greedy bastards who are actually responsible for promoting misery and boredom in this world. Instead of ignoring them, Steal Something Day encourages us to make their lives as uncomfortable as possible.

As we like to say in Montreal: diranger les riches dans leurs niches!

And remember, we’re talking about stealing, not theft. Stealing is just. Theft is exploitative. Stealing is when you take a yuppie’s BMW for a joyride, and crash into a parked Mercedes just for the hell of it. Theft is when you take candy from a baby’s mouth.

Stealing is the re-distribution of wealth from rich to poor Theft is making profits at the expense of the disadvantaged and the natural environment. Stealing is an unwritten a tax on the rich. Theft is taxing the poor to subsidize the rich. Stealing is nothing more than a tax on the rich. There is solidarity in stealing, but property is nothing but theft.

So, don’t pay for that corporate newspaper, but steal all of them from the box. Get some friends together and go on a “shoplifting “spree at the local chain supermarket or upscale mall. With an even larger mob, get together and steal from the local chain book or record store. Pilfer purses and wallets from easily identified yuppies and business persons. Skip out on rent. Get a credit card under a fake name and don’t pay. Keep what you can use, and give away everything else in the spirit of mutual aid that is the hallmark of Steal Something Day.

Download our detourned poster http://tao.ca/~lombrenoire, make copies and stick it up wherever you can. And don’t forget, send your scamming and stealing tips to us at lombrenoire@tao.ca.

See you next Steal Something Day which, unlike Buy Nothing, happens every day of the year.

Please Email, Phone or Write Today In Support Of Tortured Filipino Anarchists

Please take a minute to email, phone, fax, or write in support of The Sagada 11, young anarchists falsely accused of a Maoist guerilla attack and tortured in The Philippines. Today, November 17th is an international action day for them! A sample letter and contact details for officials follow this short description of the background to the case…

Please take a minute to email, phone, fax, or write in support of The Sagada 11, young anarchists falsely accused of a Maoist guerilla attack and tortured in The Philippines. Today, November 17th is an international action day for them! A sample letter and contact details for officials follow this short description of the background to the case…

BACKGROUND
On February 14th this year, a group of anarcho-punks from across the Philippines aged 15-25 were on a trip to Sagada, a well known hiking spot, to go walking. Police stopped the vehicle they were hitchhiking with and brutally arrested them without a warrant. Later, they were told of an attack by Maoist guerillas on a military outpost a few days before. When they denied involvement, they were subjected to further torture including suffocation, electrocution, simulated executions and drowning. The two youngest had to be released, but the 9 others have been charged with arson and murder.

The youths were all active in ecological campaigns and groups such as Food not Bombs, but there is no evidence of any connection with any Maoist organisations, or guerilla groups, or any evidence for the crime. Their arrest was illegal. They are being held under terrible conditions without even basic necessities or enough food in overcrowded cells.

International solidarity could make a huge difference to this case. You can say you are phoning/writing about the Sagada 11, mention their names, and that you would like to enquire about their welfare/you think the arrests were illegal/demand their immediate release, etc. Please remember that they are being accused of being part of Maoist guerilla actions so be careful what you associate them with anything politically.

QUICK CONTACT DETAILS
Filipino police: Gen. Arturo Lumibao: 0063 27264361
Jail:see address below, phone number: 0063 744222304
Filipino Embassy: 0207 9371600, Fax: 020 79372925, Email: embassy@philemb.co.uk

Other important email addresses to send to: rvpuno@dilg.gov.ph, chiefacosta@edsamail.com.ph, sechbp@infocom.com.ph, drpvq@yahoo.com, omb1@ombudsman.gov.ph, ssyed@ohchr.org, tb-petitions@ohchr.org, scronin@ohchr.org . The full contact details are given after the sample letter but you can copy this email list to make mailing easier…

SAMPLE LETTER

I recently heard about a case involving eleven young people arrested, tortured and falsely accused of a terrorist attack in The Phillipines…

Names of those still in jail:

1. Rundren Berloize Lao (24) of Gerona, Tarlac.
2. Anderson Alonzo (18) of Calinan, Davao City
3. Aldoz Christian Manoza (18) of Sampaloc St.,
Santolan, Pasig City
4. Ron Pandino (20) of Barangay Mayatba, Siniloan,
Laguna
5. Jethro Villagracia (21) of Calinan, Davao City
6. Neil Russel Balajadia (25) of No. 026 Tawiran St.,
Santolan, Pasig City
7. Darwin Alagar (21) of Barangay Tipuso, Urdaneta
City, Pangasinan
8. Arvie Nunez (21) of Barangay Silangang Mayao,
Lucena City
9. Jefferson dela Rosa (20) of No. 211 A.M. De Leon
St., Santolan, Pasig City
All of them are presently detained in a jail in La
Trinidad, Benguet.

Name of minor victims released to their parent’s
custody:

1. Frencess Ann Bernal (15) of Calumpang, Marikina
City
2. Ray Lester Mendoza (16) of Blk. 157 Lot 32 San
Francisco St., Barangay Rizal, Makati City

Name of persons charged with torture: General Villamor Bumanglag, provincial director of the Benguet Provincial Police Office (BPPO); Police Superintendent Brent Madjaco, head of the 1604th Police Provincial Mobile Group (PPMG) and his men; and unidentified military agents and Cafgu members

It has come to my attention that the 11 persons, who were arrested and subsequently tortured by the police and military men on 14 February 2006, have filed another criminal charges before the Benguet Prosecutor’s Office on June 28. In the new complaint, the victims charged the police and military officials for arbitrary arrest and detention. As you are aware, the Regional Trial Court (RTC) in La Trinidad, Benguet had already ruled on May 19 that the arrest of the 11 victims was illegal.

I am deeply concerned that the prosecutor’s office may further delay in resolving this new complaint of arbitrary arrest and detention. I am aware that prior to the filing of this complaint, on March 31 the victims had also filed for violation of Republic Act 7438 against the same respondents. No formal charges have yet been filed against them in court. It is reported that the Office of the Deputy Ombudsman for the Military and Other Law Enforcement Office have yet to act on the recommendation made by the prosecutor’s office. Only until the Ombudsman takes action to the recommendation of the prosecutors the case will make progress in court.

Also, the administrative case filed with the regional office of the National Police Commission (Napolcom) is also dragging at their office. The Commission has yet to commence its summary hearing of the administrative complaint that the victims also filed on July 20 and 21, despite a long hiatus between its original complaint filed to them. The delay to resolve the case on part of the Commission and Ombudsman is seriously
affecting this case. I am deeply concerned this situation may prolong unless acted upon while the victims remained in jail.

I am deeply concerned that charges of robbery with homicide, which was re-filed by the policemen against the 11 victims, after the court’s ruling that the 14 February 2006 arrest and detention of the victims was illegal could be a mere rehash. I am extremely disappointed that the victims’ allegations that the confession and evidence taken from them by way of torture, which the police used prosecuting them, have not been acted upon. To my understanding, the succeeding proceeding–filing of the case–should have been subsequently declared as null and void as the arrest have already been declared illegal. I therefore urged the court, to consider these circumstances in their future deliberation.

I urged your appropriate intervention to ensure that the complaints the victims filed to the prosecutors’ office, ombudsman and the police commission are acted upon promptly. I believed that you would completely agree that promptness to resolve these cases is very essential. Please also request the prosecutor’s office in Benguet to consider dropping the charges of robbery with homicide against the victims re-filed by the police considering given the court’s ruling. If this cannot be done, please request the court to consider approving the victim’s petition for reinvestigation.

Reinvestigation is necessary in order that the allegations of torture are dealt with accordingly.

Additionally, please request the concerned government agencies, in particular the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to considering dismantling the armed militias they are utilizing–Civilian Auxiliary Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU). The utilization of Cafgu had already resulted to abuses. In this case, CAFGU members had been accused of taking part in the illegal arrest and detention. The government must send a strong message against the use of this force.

I trust that you will take action on this case.

Yours sincerely,

FULL CONTACT DETAILS

1. Mr. Ronaldo V. Puno
Chairman
National Police Commission (Napolcom)
A. Francisco Gold Condominium II
EDSA cor. Mapagmahal St., Diliman
Quezon City
PHILIPPINES
Voice: +63 2 925 0330 / 31
Fax: +63 2 925 0332
Email: rvpuno@dilg.gov.ph

2. Mrs. Persida V. Rueda-Acosta
Chief, Public Attorney Office (PAO)
DOJ Agencies Building,
NIA Road East Avenue
1104 Quezon City
PHILIPPINES
Tel. No. +63 2 929 9010 / 9436
Fax No. +63 2 927 6810 / 926 2878
Email: chiefacosta@edsamail.com.ph

3. Director General Oscar Calderon
Chief, Philippine National Police
Camp General Rafael Crame
Quezon City
PHILIPPINES
Tel: +63 2726 4361/4366/8763
Fax: +63 2724 8763

4. Atty. Jocelyn Castillo
Regional Director, Commission on Human Rights
Cordillera Administrative Region
3rd floor SSS Baguio Branch Bldg., Harrison Road
2600 Baguio City
PHILIPPINES
Tel: +63 074 619 9088/ 074 619 9089

5. Mr. Raul Gonzalez
Secretary
Department of Justice
DOJ Bldg., Padre Faura
1004 Manila
PHILIPPINES
Fax: +63 2 521 1614
Email: sechbp@infocom.com.ph

6. Ms. Purificacion Quisumbing
Commissioner
Commission on Human Rights
SAAC Bldg., Commonwealth Avenue
U.P. Complex, Diliman
Quezon City
PHILIPPINES
Tel: +63 2 928 5655 / 926 6188
Fax: +63 2 929 0102
Email: drpvq@yahoo.com

7. Mr. Orlando Casimiro
Deputy Ombudsman for the Military and
Other Law Enforcement Offices
3rd Floor, Ombudsman Bldg., Agham Road
Diliman (1104) Quezon City
PHILIPPINES
Tel: +63 2 926 9032
Fax: +63 2 926 7572
Email: omb1@ombudsman.gov.ph

8. Professor Manfred Nowak
Special Rapporteur on the Question of Torture
Attn: Mr.Safir Syed
OHCHR-UNOG
1211 Geneva 10
SWITZERLAND
Tel: +41 22 917 9230
Fax: +41 22 9179016 (ATTN: SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR ON THE QUESTION OF TORTURE)
E-mail: ssyed@ohchr.org, tb-petitions@ohchr.org
9. Mr. Leandro Despouy
Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers
Attn: Sonia Cronin
Room: 3-060
OHCHR-UNOG
1211 Geneva 10
SWITZERLAND
Tel: +41 22 917 9160
Fax: +41 22 917 9006 (ATTN: SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR INDEPENDENCE JUDGES & LAWYERS)
E-mail: scronin@ohchr.org

For more info, http://www.brightonabc.org.uk