Spirit of Freedom (August 2008)

Produced by EARTH LIBERATION PRISONERS SUPPORT NETWORK

“The whole experience has been tough, but all the kind and strengthening words
and wise thoughts from strangers made it much easier!” (Former Swedish Animal Rights Prisoner)

Produced by EARTH LIBERATION PRISONERS SUPPORT NETWORK

“The whole experience has been tough, but all the kind and strengthening words
and wise thoughts from strangers made it much easier!” (Former Swedish Animal Rights Prisoner)

Welcome to the August 2008 edition of Spirit of Freedom. As people will soon see, ELP’s prisoner lists have grown yet again. If we exclude the Geek anarchist, Vaggelis Botzatzis, and the two Americans Richard Sills and Michael Sykes (all of whom are listed by ELP as ‘Other Prisoners’), there are now 40 listed animal & earth liberation prisoners in Europe & America.
There are also a number of non-listed prisoners, who are not listed either by their own choice, or because they betrayed their fellow activists and became informants. And remember these numbers do not include those people who are either under House Arrest or on Bail pending Trial. Nor do they include the activists whose locations are currently unknown and who are described by the police as “on the run”. Seeing so many good people removed from their families & loved ones for merely acting out of compassion and a desire to stop environmental destruction and animal abuse is heartbreaking.
Some of the prisoners ELP lists are very well known, others are less well known. However ALL of them deserve our love and support. ALL of the listed prisoners welcome letters of support. Even if it’s just a card saying “Hi. I’m thinking of you”. So please, no matter where you are in the world, support the eco-prisoners. And no compromise in defence of Mother Earth.

ECO-DEFENCE PRISONERS

Tre Arrow, SWIS #640393, Multnomah County Detention Center, 1120 S.W. 3rd Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97206, USA. Awaiting sentencing of six and a half years imprisonment having reached a non-cooperation plea-bargain with the authorities who accuse him of involvement in two arsons. 1) an arson on logging trucks 2) an arson on vehicles owned by a sand & gravel company. (Tre is a raw energy vegan – He has asked that his letters of support are written on scrap paper or tree-free paper).

Grant Barnes #137563, San Carlos Correctional Facility, PO Box 3, Pueblo, CO 81002, USA. Serving 12 years for setting fire to a number of SUV vehicles. The letters ELF were spray painted onto all of the vehicles. (Grant is a vegan).

Nathan Block, #36359-086, FCI Lompoc, Federal Correctional Institution, 3600 Guard Road, Lompoc, CA 93436, USA. Serving 7 years & 8 months for an ELF arson against a Poplar Tree Farm and an ELF arson against an SUV dealership. Also admitted his role in an ELF/ALF conspiracy. (Diet unknown).

Marco Camenisch, Postfach 3143, CH-8105 Regensdorf, Switzerland. Serving 18 years. 1) Ten years for using explosives to destroy electricity pylons leading from nuclear power stations. 2) Eight 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. (Marco is a meat eater who encourages organic living).

Daniele Casalini, Casa Circondariale, Via Burla 59, 43100 Parma, Italy. Il Silvestre activist awaiting trial accused of using explosives to damage an electricity pylon in protest at nuclear energy. (Daniele is a vegan).

Rod Coronado – See details in Animal Liberation Prisoners List.

Francesco Gioia, C.C. Sollicciano, Via Girolamo Minervini 2/R, 50142 Firenze Sollicciano (FI), Italy. Il Silvestre activist awaiting trial accused of using explosives to damage an electricity pylon in protest at nuclear energy. (Francesco is a vegetarian and Straight Edge).

Paola Gori, Via delle Macchie 9, 57124 Livorno, Italy. Il Silvestre activist awaiting trial accused of allowing her house to be used to plan illegal activity. (Paola is a vegan).

Bryan Lefey #38664-086, FDC SeaTac, Federal Detention Center, P.O. Box 13900, Seattle, WA 98198, USA. On remand accused of an ELF action that saw the damaging of GM trees and the damaging of US Forestry Service vehicles. (Diet unknown).

Jeffrey Luers, # 13797671, CRCI, 9111 NE Sunderland Ave, Portland, OR 97211-1708, USA. Serving 10 years for arson on a SUV dealership & the attempted arson of an oil truck. The original sentence was 22 years & 8 months, but was reduced on appeal. (Diet unknown).

Eric McDavid, 16209-097. FCI Victorville Medium II, PO BOX 5700, Adelanto, CA 92301, USA. Serving 19 years & 7 months for planning to destroy the property of the U.S. Forestry Service, mobile phone masts and power plants. At the point of his arrest no criminal damage has actually occurred. (Eric is a vegan).

Daniel McGowan, #63794-053, FCI Terre Haute, Federal Correctional Institution, P.O. Box 33, Terre Haute, IN 47808, USA. Serving 7 years for an ELF arson against a Poplar Tree Farm and an ELF arson against an old growth logging corporation. Also admitted his role in an ELF/ALF conspiracy. At the moment Daniel is in transit as he has been ordered to appear before some Grand Juries. Daniel is refusing to answer the Grand Jury questions and is gaining additional prison time because of this (Daniel is a vegetarian).

Jonathan Paul – See details in Animal Liberation Prisoners List.

Briana Waters, 36432-086, FDC – Seatac, Federal Detention Center, P.O. Box 13900, Seattle, WA 98198, USA. Serving six years for involvement in an ELF arson on a University. (Diet unknown).

Joyanna Zacher, #36360-086, FCI Dublin, 5700 8th St.- Camp Parks- Unit F, Dublin, CA 94568, USA. Serving 7 years & 8 months for an ELF arson against a Poplar Tree Farm and an ELF arson against an SUV dealership. Also admitted her role in an ELF/ALF conspiracy. (Diet unknown).

ANIMAL LIBERATION PRISONERS
(All Animal Liberation Prisoners follow a minimum vegetarian diet and most are vegan).

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. (Jon is a vegan).

Dan Amos VN7818, HMP Exeter, 30 New North Road, Exeter, Devon, EX4 4EX, England. On remand having pleaded guilty to conspiracy to blackmail Huntingdon Life Sciences. (Dan is a vegan)

Gregg Avery TA7450, HMP Winchester, Romsey Road, Winchester, SO22 5DF, England. On remand having pleaded guilty to conspiracy to blackmail Huntingdon Life Sciences. (Gregg is a vegan).

Natasha Avery NR8987, HMP Bronzefield, Woodthorpe Road, Ashford, Middx. TW15 3JZ, England. On remand having pleaded guilty to conspiracy to blackmail Huntingdon Life Sciences. (Nat is a vegan).

Mel Broughton TN9138, HMP Woodhill, Tattenhoe Street, Milton Keynes, Bucks MK4 4DA, England. On remand accused of involvement with an arson and blackmail campaign against an Oxford University vivisection establishment.
(Mel is a vegan).

Martin Balluch, (JA Josefstadt), Justizanstalt Wr. Neustadt, Maximiliang. 3, 2700 Wr. Neustadt, Austria. One of ten Austrian’s held on remand accused of various animal rights actions. (Martin is a vegan)

Christoph, Antirep 2008, Postfach 101, 1070, Vienna, Austria. One of ten Austrian’s held on remand accused of various animal rights actions. At the moment Christopher does not wish to have his full name published. (Christoph is a vegan).

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. (Jake is a vegan).

Rodney Coronado #03895-000, FCI El Reno, PO Box 1500, El Reno, OK 73036, USA. Serving one-year imprisonment after he informed people how to make an incendiary device during a speech at an animal rights gathering. (Rod is a vegetarian).

Donald Currie A3660AA, HMP Parkhurst, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 5NX, England. Serving an Indeterminate Sentence, of not less than six actual years, for carrying out arsons against targets associated the vivisection industry including HLS. (Don is a vegan).

Jürgen Faulmann, Justizanstalt Wr. Neustadt, Maximiliang. 3, 2700 Wr. Neustadt, Austria. One of ten Austrian’s held on remand accused of various animal rights actions. (Jurgen is a vegan).

Lauren Gazzola #93497-011, FCI Danbury, Federal Correctional Institution, Route #37Danbury, CT 06811, USA. Serving 54 months imprisonment for helping organise the SHAC-USA campaign. (Lauren is a vegan).

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. (Josh is a vegan).

Felix Hnat (JA Eisenstadt), Justizanstalt Wr. Neustadt, Maximiliang. 3, 2700 Wr. Neustadt, Austria. One of ten Austrian’s held on remand accused of various animal rights actions. (Felix is a vegan).

Jan, Antirep 2008, Postfach 101, 1070, Vienna, Austria. One of ten Austrian’s held on remand accused of various animal rights actions. At the moment Jan does not wish to have his full name published. (Jan is a vegan).

Kevin Kroemmer, Antirep 2008, Postfach 101, 1070, Vienna, Austria. One of ten Austrian’s held on remand accused of various animal rights actions. (Kevin is a vegan)

Sean Kirtley WC 6977, HM Prison Blakenhurst, Hewell Lane, Redditch, B97 6QS, England. Serving four and a half years for running an anti-vivisection campaign website. (Sean is a vegan).

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

Leo, Antirep 2008, Postfach 101, 1070, Vienna, Austria. One of ten Austrian’s held on remand accused of various animal rights actions. At the moment Leo does not wish to have his full name published. (Leo is a vegan).

Daniel McGowan – See details in Eco Defence Prisoners List.

Christian Moser, Justizanstalt Wr. Neustadt, Maximiliang. 3, 2700 Wr. Neustadt, Austria. One of ten Austrian’s held on remand accused of various animal rights actions. (Christian is a vegan).

Heather Nicholson VM4859, HMP Bronzefield, Woodthorpe Road, Ashford, Middx. TW15 3JZ, England. On remand accused of conspiracy to blackmail, in relation to her involvement with the SHAC campaign. (Heather is a vegan).

Jonathan Paul, #07167-085, FCI Phoenix, Federal Correctional Institution, 37910 N 45th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85086, USA. Sentenced to 51 months for an ALF arson on a horse meat plant. Also admitted his role in an ELF/ALF conspiracy. (Jonathan is a vegan).

Sabine, Antirep 2008, Postfach 101, 1070, Vienna, Austria. One of ten Austrian’s held on remand accused of various animal rights actions. At the moment Sabine does not wish to have their full name published. (Sabine is a vegan).

Andrew Stepanian #26399-050, USP Marion, P.O. Box 1000 Marion, IL 62959, USA. Serving 36 months for helping organise the SHAC-USA campaign. (Andrew is a vegan).

Elmar Völkl (JA Eisenstadt), Justizanstalt Wr. Neustadt, Maximiliang. 3, 2700 Wr. Neustadt, Austria. One of ten Austrian’s held on remand accused of various animal rights actions. (Elmar is a vegan).

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. (Kerry is a vegan).

Sarah Whitehead, VM7684, HMP Bronzefield, Woodthorpe Road, Ashford, Middx, TW15 3JZ, England. Serving two years for: 1) rescuing a puppy from horrific conditions. 2) rescuing over 100 animals from a pet breeder who was later prosecuted for animal abuse. Also awaiting trial for SHAC activity. (Sarah is a vegan)

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 20½ 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. (Diet unknown).

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 either under house arrest or released on bail.

ANTIFA PRISONERS

Vahtang Devitlidze, ul. Libbedova 42, UO 68/2, otryad 14, brigada 142, g. Hagyshensk, Krasnodarskiy Kray, 352680 Russia. Serving 2½ years for stabbing a neo-nazi in the leg whilst defending himself from attack. (Diet unknown).

Augustin Kraus, Vazebni veznice, PP-1, Litomerice, 41 201, Czech Republic.
Serving 14 months for his participation in attacks against local neo-nazis. His charge was “bodily harm”. He speaks Czech, Slovak and Polish. You can also write him short postcards in English. (Diet unknown).

Fabio Milan, C.C. via Pianezza 300, 10151 Torino, Italy. On remand accused of fighting with the police after an anti-fascist protest. (Diet unknown).

Andrea Neff, Bnr: 746/07/2, Justizvollzugsanstalt fur Frauen in Berlin, Arkonastrasse 56, 13189 Berlin, Germany. Serving 14 months for anti-fascist activity. (Diet unknown).

Christian Sümmermann, Bnr: 441/08/5, JVA Plötzensee, Lehrterstr. 61, 10557 Berlin, Germany. Serving 40 months for breaching the peace whilst serving a suspended sentence issued for anti-fascist activities. (Diet unknown).

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

Yuri Yurevich Milevskiy, SIZO #7 kamera 38, g. Brest, ul. Karla Marksa 86, 224000 Belarus. On remand for fighting with neo-nazis. (Diet unknown).

OTHER PRISONERS

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. (Diet unknown).

Vaggelis Botzatzis, Komotini Juridical Prison (“Dikastikes Fylakes Komotinis”), T.K. 69100, Greece. On remand accused of setting fire to two company cars owned by a energy/power company. It is believed that the person or persons unknown who carried out the arson did so in protest at the destruction of the natural environment and in support of two workers who died at the power plant. Vaggelis is also accused of setting fire to a bank and starting a fire inside a car yard. (Meat Eater).

Richard Sills (Address Unknown, USA). Serving 15 months for bomb hoaxing a University saying they would be targeted by the ALF if they didn’t stop their animal experiments. (Diet unknown).

Michael W. Sykes, 100 East 2nd St, Monroe, Michigan 48161, USA. Youth held on remand accused of anti-sprawl arsons, criminal damage, spray-painting an anarchist sign and burning the American flag. (Diet unknown)

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. (Fran is a vegan).

MOVE
MOVE is an eco-revolutionary group who carried out protests in defence of all life. All move prisoners describe themselves as vegetarians. 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 Graterford, PO Box 244, Graterford, PA 19426-0244, USA.

Edward Goodman Africa (AM4974), SCI Mahanoy, 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.

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 monthly prisoner listing which is circulated by e-mail.

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

Greek language ELP Website
http://greekelp.blogspot.com

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

Australian ELP.SN is our Australian contact. For more info 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.

Greek ELP.SN is our Greek contact. For more info e-mail greekelp@yahoo.gr

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

Sitting on piles of coal, revolting peasants, trashing things & fixing other things together, it’s the latest EF! Action Update

Smelters smelted and woodchippers chipped, protestors around the world have been busy again taking action against the planet-trashers – read all about it in the latest quarterly EF! Action Update.

This EF!AU is jam packed with exciting actions, plus features on international resistance against coal in time for this year’s Camp for Climate Action, a resurgence of anti-genetics campaigning, and proposals for a rolling blockade next year of Kingsnorth. You’ll be inspired to Taste the Waste, Leave it in the Ground and who knows what else!

EF! mine rest planets later logoSmelters smelted and woodchippers chipped, protestors around the world have been busy again taking action against the planet-trashers – read all about it in the latest quarterly EF! Action Update.

This EF!AU is jam packed with exciting actions, plus features on international resistance against coal in time for this year’s Camp for Climate Action, a resurgence of anti-genetics campaigning, and proposals for a rolling blockade next year of Kingsnorth. You’ll be inspired to Taste the Waste, Leave it in the Ground and who knows what else!

With stories of greenwash laid bare, guerrilla-gardening, revolting peasants, protest camps against coal mines and airports, buildings burnt down, conveyors and trains stopped, tires deflated, GM fields liberated & ‘trials’ decontaminated, despite tear-gas, jail threats, and fortress-like field protection, continuing resistance in Mayo & Iceland, and campaign successes, the diverse uses of superglue just become mundane. Got a broken tea cup or an incinerator to shut down? You know what to use!

And if smashing greenhouses or hanging about 60 metres up seems wierd, read on…

Also includes full lists of ecological direct action groups, protest camps & support groups. Batteries not included.

Pick up your copy at the Camp for Climate Action or at your nearest social centre. Or drop us a line at actionupdate AT earthfirst.org.uk and we’ll post you as many as you like for distributing around town and at events.

Download the latest EF!AU to share with others, subscribe or check out some past issues. The next issue will come out at the beginning of November.

And of course, this year’s EF! Summer Gathering (click here for latest news) is from Wednesday 27th August to Monday 1st September 2008, if you want to plot & plan, and laugh & chat with old friends & new.

Latest info on Camp for Climate Action (& action reports during the camp) – useful links including ‘what’s it like’ video

All the latest info you need to have a rewarding Camp for Climate Action is below – read more.

Also please note that during the camp, the best place to get related action reports will be https://indymedia.org.uk/en/actions/2008/climatecamp/, with others on the general IMC newswire. Daily video reports trailer.

We’ll do a round-up of actions & photos afterwards, as last year.

Climate camp penknifeAll the latest info you need to have a rewarding Camp for Climate Action is below – read more.

Also please note that during the camp, the best place to get related action reports will be https://indymedia.org.uk/en/actions/2008/climatecamp/, with others on the general IMC newswire. Daily video reports trailer.

We’ll do a round-up of actions & photos afterwards, as last year.

Getting there | What to bring | Neighbourhoods | Phones & security | Direct action | 9th August mass action | Other useful info about the camp | Workshop programme – you’ll find 2 workshops clearly labelled as EF! but there’ll be EF!ers, such as you dear reader, sprinkled here and there throughout the camp in all sorts of roles, or off site taking action; also check out all the exciting UK coal resistance workshops, mainly in the Welsh neighbourhood & not in the main workshop programme.

Video – Attending the camp. The practicalities, fun, and fears. Views, reassurance, clarification, and enthusiasm from people who attended in 2007, and a little bit of the magic in their words and eyes.

Activists take site for the Camp for Climate Action and reveal location

30 July 2008

Activists take site for the Camp for Climate Action and reveal location

Climate camp 08 banner & tripods30 July 2008

Activists take site for the Camp for Climate Action and reveal location

100 people entered and secured an uncultivated field at Deansgate Ridge at 3.00pm today, only 1 km from Kingsnorth Power Station. They erected and climbed tripods to prevent police from moving them and have erected a marquee alongside a banner which reads ‘No New Coal’.

Although the climate camp activists have been upfront and open about most aspects of their plans, the location of the camp had not been revealed until today in order to prevent E.ON and the police from attempting to stop it from happening. The uncultivated field is on a road that runs between Hoo St Werburgh and High Halstow. The Camp for Climate Action intends to return the field in two weeks in as good, if not better, condition than it was found.

Around 20 sheep were in the field when it was occupied. They have been rounded up and are being taken care of with food and water.

The camp, which is due to officially start on Sunday, 3 August, is expected to attract thousands of people coming from all over the UK. The week long camp hosts hundreds of workshops on sustainable living and the politics of climate change. The camp will culminate on Saturday 9 August in a mass direct action to shut down Kingsnorth power station on protest over E.ON’s plans to build the first new coal-fired power station in the UK for 33 years.

“We want to warmly invite people from the local community to come down and see for themselves what the camp is all about,” said Terry Graves, who has already pitched his tent up in the field.

“E.ON and the government believe that you can have endless fossil-fuelled economic growth in a world of finite resources,” said Christina Greensford, who helped to secure the camp. “People from all over the UK are here to create a democratic, low-carbon society in which our long term future on this planet is prioritised over the short term profit margins of the fossil fuel industry.”

“We have a future to protect, and today, in setting up the climate camp, we’ve drawn a line in the sand at Kingsnorth.” said Hannah Abbots. “We will not allow companies like E.ON drag us over the edge of climate catastrophe.”

Press can contact Conor O’Brian at 07530 306267 who is on site and arrange interviews, either over the phone or on the perimeter of the site.

Press can also contact the media team, who are not currently on site, at 07772 861 099

A press advisory will be shortly issued giving information as to when the first media tours of the camp will take place.

camp media team
press@climatecamp.org.uk
http://www.climatecamp.org.uk

The OS grid reference for the camp is TQ 773 742. The site is between Deangate round about on the A228 and the village of High Halstow. The site is on the west side of the road (left coming north from the A228) as you go up hill after the Deangate sports field and before Dux Court farm.

For directions and other useful info, see http://earthfirst.org.uk/actionreports/node/21137

Caravan heads for Camp for Climate Action – events programme – Heathrow conference – updated again

Angry Penguins & Climate Refugees to Visit Climate Criminals

Wednesday 30th July: A large group of displaced penguins, a homeless polar bear, and several human climate refugees crossed London Bridge to enter the City of London today

“We have been forced from our homes by the actions of companies that are reaping huge rewards from the perpetuation of a fossil fuel economy” said Penny LeGuin. “If they are allowed to continue with their reckless behaviour, you humans will also find yourselves without a home – planet Earth will become uninhabitable.”

Climate camp caravan 2Climate camp caravan 1Angry Penguins & Climate Refugees to Visit Climate Criminals

Wednesday 30th July: A large group of displaced penguins, a homeless polar bear, and several human climate refugees crossed London Bridge to enter the City of London today

“We have been forced from our homes by the actions of companies that are reaping huge rewards from the perpetuation of a fossil fuel economy” said Penny LeGuin. “If they are allowed to continue with their reckless behaviour, you humans will also find yourselves without a home – planet Earth will become uninhabitable.”

The group will be visited a variety of oil, gas and finance companies that they have identified as fuelling the runaway climate chaos that is destroying their homes. This event is part of the Climate Caravan, which is travelling through London, from Heathrow Airport to the Camp for Climate Action at Kingsnorth power station in Kent.

Paula Bare explained – “Our Caravan began in Sipson, where an entire community faces eviction for a suicidal 3rd Runway for Heathrow. On our journey to the site of an equally absurd proposed new coal-fired power station at Kingsnorth, we are bringing the catastrophic impacts of climate chaos to the oil-soaked heart of the problem – the City of London.”

Notes for Editors:
1. The Climate Caravan began on Sunday July 27th, leaving from the site of last years’ hugely successful Camp for Climate Action which was held on Sipson Lane, under the deafening roar of Heathrow’s flightpath. By wheel and foot, around 50 people are making their way to the Camp for Climate Action under the shadow of Kingsnorth Power Station. The 60+ mile trip will take a week, with events planned at each stop. The Caravan will arrive at the Camp on Sunday 3rd August. See www.climatecamp.org.uk/caravan

2. See www.climatecamp.org.uk for more information on The Camp for Climate Action.

3. Contact the Caravan Press Team on 07989 985 442.

———-

Caravan Events Programme

These events are to act as local outreach in the run up to the Camp as well as to provide entertainment/interest to Caravaners.

Sunday 27th July: Launch of the Climate Caravan.
The Climate Caravan starts its 60 mile journey from Heathrow to Kingsnorth.
9.30am Harlington Baptist Church, 266 High Street, Harlington Hayes, UB3 5DG

Sunday 27th July: Climate Camp-What’s it all about?
Come along & meet the campers.
7.30pm Grove Gardens Chapel, Lower Grove Rd, off Queens Rd, Richmond.

Monday 28th July: ‘Turning the world upside down’-
The Putney Climate Debate.
Arrive 6.30pm. Speakers from 7pm. St Mary’s Church, Putney High Street, SW15 1SN.
Speakers :
Andrew Simms (New Economic Foundation)
Jenny Jones (London Green Party)
Penny Eastwood (The Camp for Climate Action)
Leila Deen ( World Development Movement)
Simon Okotie ( London Citizens)
Keith Wilson (Treesponsibility)
Andy Goldring (Permaculture Association)
Dr. Paul Chatterton (Leeds University) will introduce and facilitate.

Tuesday 29th July: A fair & sustainable transition. How do we make it happen?
7.00pm: Synergy Centre, 220 Farmers Road, Oval. SE5 OTW
This evening starts with a 50 minute film “Power of the Community” about Cuba introducing peak oil, post fossil-fuel communities, permaculture, urban food solutions and transitioning to a post-fossil fuel economy whilst maintaining a welfare state. A brief intro to transition towns follows and then an open space creative visioning session to prepare us for a positive debate around how to get this going here and now.

Wednesday 30th July: Climate & Capitalism
Finance and The City
A Tour; meet at 3.30pm outside Liverpool St, Bishopsgate exit. (1 ½ hours).
*Tackling climate change starts at home, apparently.*
Examining the root causes of climate change has brought us to the bleeding
heart of London: the single square mile of the business district. Decisions
made in the City over financial investments across the world are locking us
into decades of carbon emissions. How are we tied up in this? How do we
affect it?
Take the tour, meeting at Liverpool St on Bishopsgate at 3.30pm.
Look for the suits with umbrellas..

Thursday 31st July: Life Beyond Cars
Family friendly foray into a fossil fuel free future. Bring your bikes-Dr Bike in residence. Workshops, talks, displays & demonstrations.
4-6pm: nr Oxleas Wood Cafe, Crown wood lane, Shooters Hill, Greenwich, SE18 35A
Friday 1st August: Climate Camp-What’s it all about?
Come along & meet the campers.
7.30pm: St Botolph’s Church Hall, The Hill, Northfleet. DA11 9EU.
Saturday 2nd August: Climate Camp-What’s it all about?
Come along & meet the campers.
7.30pm: Church of St Francis of Assisi, Galahad Avenue, Strood, ME2 2YS.

——-

See also cyclists arriving in Newcastle from Scotland

Heathrow launch conference

Stop Incineration caravan from Sussex

Practical caravan info, meeting points etc | Route
——-

29.07.08 Climate camp caravan – film stop.

The climate camp caravanners stopped at the Synergy centre in Oval for a scheduled break from their travels on Tuesday evening.

Around 30-50 people of varying backgrounds and ages settled in for the night, and after a home-made meal they watched a film about sustainable living in Cuba, and how to introduce techniques for sustainable living into their lives here in the UK. The film was shown on a cycle-powered cinema, which featured 2 bicycles, allowing people to swap when they got tired without loss of power.

Afterwards the group gathered together for a group discussion about sustainability, which began with speeches by a Camden councillor, two environmental thinkers and a member of the climate camp staff. The theme of the evening was very much about how to try and ensure the communities in which the caravanners live become as self-sufficient and environmentally friendly as soon as humanly possible.

Finally, an exhausted caravan did their best to absorb it all and wash up before crashing for the night.

In a few days time the caravan will arrive at the site at Kingsnorth, whose site has already been claimed by the Campers, in preparation for their arrival…

Onward.
: ))

——-

Caravan penguinscaravan polar bearCaravan at RBS HQ with dumped penniesWednesday 30th July, the fourth day of the Climate Caravan traveling to this year’s Climate Action Camp in Kingsnorth, Kent. The theme of today’s leg was ‘Climate & Capitalism’, and so, there’s probably no better place to point out the links between Climate Chaos and Capitalism’s obsession with making bucks out of the depletion of the planet’s natural resources, than the Square Mile.

Fleeing penguins and polar bears, and climate refugees on boats migrating due to the devastating effects of climate change, invaded London Bridge at about eleven in the morning, and they slowly made their way into the City of London. The traffic in London Bridge was brought to a standstill for about one hour, whilst protesters gave away hundreds of leaflets and the Camp’s newspaper to the passers-by.

The Caravan then moved into the City itself, with a detour through several of the City’s main landmarks. It eventually stopped at the global investment banking and securities firm Goldman Sachs, where a long speech was made through the bike sound system about the sort of ‘investments’ Goldman Sachs are involved in, and how this relates to Climate Change and its effects on communities and the environment. It was also pointed out that Goldman Sachs had already been targeted before by the Justice For Cleaners campaign, for their low standards of employment conditions for the City’s army of invisible cleaners.

The Caravan then moved to St Paul’s Cathedral where it stopped for a couple of hours for lunch. A photo exhibition was set up, whilst the bike sound system kept playing chill tunes for the participants, as well as for the many tourists that approached it to find out what was all that about.

The Caravan then set off for the meeting point at Liverpool Street station, where it was joined by some more people waiting there. It then moved to the nearby headquarters of the Royal Bank of Scotland, where bags full of pennies where thrown at the main entrances to symbolize the corporation’s investments in Climate Chaos.

——

The caravan is on the move! For four days now the collection of bikes, trikes, walkers, penguins, pirate ship and polar bear have manoeuvred their way from the site of last year’s camp into the heart of London. From beautiful city parks to three-laned roundabouts the group has brought bright colours,music and a vibrant, positive change to the surrounding environment. This was most apparent today (Wednesday) as we danced in sunshine through the financial district of London, flyering inquisitive onlookers and setting a different stage for city lunch-time buyers.

The response from passing people as we weave our way through the streets has been astounding. Everywhere we have visited pedestrians and drivers alike have taken a genuine interest in why we are here- and willing to talk about the relevant issues of climate change.

The Putney debates was well attended as groups discussed six proposals to turn the world upside down. Topics ranged from permaculture to environmental economics, and was heartily begun with a song to remember the diggers of 1649.

Petrol stations have been constantly frequented along the route with guitar melodies to lighten the mood for those at petrol pumps.

Today, a waddle of penguins stopped traffic on London bridge and made their way towards the financial and advertising institutions complicit in the use of fossil fuels for short-term economic gain. This was an utterly amazing and inspiring action. The penguins had an open road over the bridge to enter the city as two lanes were used for waddling and the rest of the group calmly dealt with the traffic behind.

Penguins made visits all over London to the advertising companies promoting the likes of Shell (in solidarity with the Rossport camp), BAA and E-ON. Occupations were made at offices in Holborn and Tottenham Court Road areas where normal operations were disrupted and links to the carbon web expressed.

A trip was also made to the city hall in Stratford where a council meeting was being held concerning the expansion of City Airport. Tents were put up and members of the council given information concerning the impact of airport expansion and runaway climate change.

Tomorrow we leave London for Kent “the garden of England” to hear stories of Oxleas Wood and a step closer towards our destination at Climate Camp. Tonight we sang songs in Hackney City Farm and partied in London Fields with the locals, after hearing the brilliant news that the site has been taken next to the power station. Come and join us on are journey to Kingsnorth and certainly to a fossil-free sustainable future!

Following are the experiences of some of the caravaners so far on the route;

* Learning the stories of London along the route and connecting the Putney debates to another radical point in history has made me feel completely hopeful in achieving the big ideas for change.

* I’m tired but inspired by the beautiful train of bicycles and people with colourful flags and pirate ship. Weeving our way through the city has felt peaceful despite all the traffic. Every day is exciting and i can’t wait for the next. A highlight has been dancing in sunshine after navigating to the Synergy centre in Oval.

* Come join us! We have been shimmering our way through the city with the police leaving us aloneand self-managing are route.

* My favourite moment has been walking past a school with the caravan and all the kids looking really interested in what was going on. As we left the teacher seemed to start explaining our presence there.

* Going through hectic traffic junctions and working together has been so important in bringing the group together as a solid block. I’ve learnt loads about traffic control! and that we’re best tightly-knit and not as a fragmented troop.

* I’m really excited and felt tearful with joy earlier. It’s empowering walking on the road and feel amazingly safe. It’s really well organized and there’s great chances to chat with people and interact. You forget where the cars are and just enjoy the journey.

* I’m chuffed with the openness and feel of the caravan and there’s great freedom to get involved. it’s completely multi-faceted- as some people seem to walking as a pilgrimmage, while others for outreach. It doesn’t feel like a traditional march, it’s much more engaging with who we’re passing because we can take time to talk to passing motorists and pedestrians.

* I’ve found it absurd and amazing- i had loads of fun played sardines in leafy, overgrown Richmond graveyard. We’ve adapted to the new places we’ve arrived at and interacted well with the locals- from putting on events with them to doing handstands and streetdancing in Oval!

* I’m tired but very positive and elated to be here. It’s a non-stop rollercoaster of fun from meeting new people and seeing new place to learning new skills.

* I feel prepared, inspired and creative, and also part of a tradition in learning about the history of when people create something to stand up together.

* I feel excited and have gained energy from being part of this amazing group of people. I had concerns about the safety of the carava but these disappeared on the first day. Everyone is in high spirits, there’s good vegan food and wicked creativity.

EarthFirst! gathering workshop call & travel info

LAST CALL FOR RUNNING WORKSHOPS

at the Earth First! Summer Gathering
Ecological Direct Action without Compromise
27 Aug – 1 Sept 2008, Norfolk

Get in touch if you or your campaign/group/network would like to run a workshop or session at the gathering, especially if you can offer workshops on action training, direct action campaigns, ecology, ecological restoration and sustainable living.

Email us on summergathering _ AT _ earthfirst.org.uk or ring 01524 383012

Deadline 12 August!

We’ve already got lots of workshops confirmed. Join us for:


LAST CALL FOR RUNNING WORKSHOPS

at the Earth First! Summer Gathering
Ecological Direct Action without Compromise
27 Aug – 1 Sept 2008, Norfolk

Get in touch if you or your campaign/group/network would like to run a workshop or session at the gathering, especially if you can offer workshops on action training, direct action campaigns, ecology, ecological restoration and sustainable living.

Email us on summergathering _ AT _ earthfirst.org.uk or ring 01524 383012

Deadline 12 August!

We’ve already got lots of workshops confirmed. Join us for:

DIRECT ACTION TRAINING
including: Blockading, reccies for actions, security for actions, how to plan actions, legal and arrest info, map reading for beginners, squatting, how to run legal support and police liaison

GET INVOLVED IN AND PLAN DIRECT ACTION CAMPAIGNS
Leave it in the ground – resistance to coal
Stopping GM test fields
Saving Iceland: resistance to heavy industry
Food and Climate Change info and action
Opposing the nuclear industry
Biofuels
Smash Edo – what’s happening and intersting lessons for other campaigns
Rising Tide

ECOLOGY AND SUSTAINABLE LIVING
Learn about ecology, eco-centric ethics, sustainable living and ecological restoration including field trips and hands-on work.

There’ll also be international and national action round-ups, regional get-togethers, sessions on strategy, where next and how we communicate.

———

More info about the Earth First! Summer Gathering

Want to do something to stop our planet from getting trashed?

EF! is about direct action to halt the destruction of the Earth. It’s about doing it yourself rather than relying on leaders, governments or industry.
Direct action is at the heart of it, whether you’re standing in front of a bulldozer, shutting down an open-cast mine or ripping up a field of GM crops.

We’re a loose network of people, groups and campaigns coming together for ecological direct action.

Join us for 5 days of workshops, networking and planning actions, run without leaders by everyone who comes along. The gathering is also a
practical example of low-impact eco-living and non-hierarchical organising.

WHERE IS IT?
The gathering is happening on lovely fields less than 3 miles from Diss in Norfolk, with regular trains to Diss and buses from Diss to the site.
We recommend that you arrive Tue evening, as workshops will start on Wednesday morning and run until Sunday afternoon.

FOOD AND WHAT TO BRING
Delicious vegan food will be provided by the Anarchist Teapot for £4 per day, or you can cater for yourself
Bring camping gear – if you want details of B&Bs in the area contact us.
We are asking for a contribution of £15-£25 according to what you can afford.
Dogs: the gathering is held at a dog free site, unfortunately we will have to turn away any dogs that arrive.
Please leave your car at home, it’s really easy to get to by public transport or come by bike. You can also check out our lift sharing board:
http://www.easf.org.uk/forum/viewforum.php?f=15

WHAT YOU’LL FIND ON SITE
Welcome tent at the gate
Workshop spaces
Anarchist Teapot Kitchen
Veggies Cafe
Kids space with toys
Library with books on radical thought and some relaxing fiction
Book stall by Natterjack Press
A space for leaflets and displays
Cinema showing political/campaigns films
Bar
Washing facilities and compost toilets
Sauna and hot tubs
Renewable power

(Please not that the gathering is not a festival)

Find out more and join in!

The nearest train station is up on the website (for booking advance train or coach tickets), and there’s a lift-sharing forum too.

Email us if you can offer a workshop, want to help out with the gathering or if you would like posters and leaflets to distribute.

http://www.earthfirst.org.uk, summergathering _ AT _ earthfirst.org.uk

Sustainable Transport: Climate Camp Style

The camp for climate action is already hotting up. Literally.

Scottish climate camp bike caravanThe camp for climate action is already hotting up. Literally.

The bicycle caravan heading down to Kingsnorth from Scotland arrived in Newcastle Upon Tyne yesterday. The group has made their way down from the Scottish Borders in blistering heat. They arrived looking happy and a wee bit sunburnt.

The group plan to cycle to to the camp for climate action calling at some of the u:k’s loveliest beauty spots and some of the ugliest polluters alike. See map on www.climatecamp.org.uk for details.
Unfortunately one of the riders took a tumble in the Scottish Border region and has fractured her elbow. The bicycle caravan and the injured rider are determined to carry on and to confront E-on and the UK governments coal fired and nuclear energy policy which is sponsoring climate chaos.

CALL OUT

The bicycle group are calling on all groups and individuals to put on your helmets and get on your bike. Join the cycle caravan to Kingsnorth and join the movement to stop climate change.

CONTACT: 07786 381674 – Leave a message and they will get in touch.

The 2008 climate camp is happening 3-11 August close to Kingsnorth power station in Kent, site of the proposed new coal fired power station. Everybody welcome!

Phones and privacy at the camp for climate action.

Traditionally it has been the content of communication that has been the focus of government surveillance but the police are increasingly interested in data mining techniques to uncover patterns of association. Simple data, when stored, aggregated and analyzed using sophisticated computer algorithms, contains far more information than is commonly appreciated.

Traditionally it has been the content of communication that has been the focus of government surveillance but the police are increasingly interested in data mining techniques to uncover patterns of association. Simple data, when stored, aggregated and analyzed using sophisticated computer algorithms, contains far more information than is commonly appreciated. Collating mobile phone numbers, and the data retained by network providers, can provide the police with a powerful incite into our networks of associations. This is not only an invasion of our privacy but may also threaten our ability to work together effectively.

At least years climate camp the police were taking people phone from them during stop and search. As well as browsing through people
phonebooks and text messages, they were typing *#06# to get the phones unique serial number (IMEI). They would then look up the registered owner of phone then threaten the holder of the phone with being arrested on suspicion of theft if they refused to prove that they were the owner of the phone by revealing their identity.

To reduce the ability of the police to steal our identities and learn
more about our social networks, please consider the following advice.

Mobile phones are useful tools for communicating and organising – we do not advise you to leave them at home. You will find them essential for staying informed and informing others. However…

Copy the entries in your phonebook and leave it at home.

Delete from your phonebook all but the numbers that will be essential during the week.

Rename those contacts to remove surnames, perhaps using code names instead.

Erase your sent and received call logs and text messages and do repeat this regularly.

Make use of the security features of your phone so that a PIN code is required to access any of its features.

There are generally two types of security on mobile phones, the PIN that protects the phone and PIN2 that protects the SIM card so it can’t be used in another phone without the code. It may be a little inconvenient to have to type in the number each time but it’s better than allowing the cops to browse through your phone book, call logs and messages.

If you can’t set your phone to require a PIN code each time it is used, simply switch off your phone when it looks like a police stop and search is likely.

—-

Might be worth noting about mobiles:

* That the police are also able to retrieve phone calls and sent text messages, both from the phone and the SIM. Once deleted off the phone they are NOT gone for good. If you have made a foolish phone call or sent something dodgy, and you are at risk from having your phone taken, get a whole new phone and SIM card.

* Police can use your mobile as a tracking device of your whereabouts, this evidence has already been used in cases – especially if making a call. This pinpoints your exact location. So don’t take it anywhere you’d rather the cops didn’t know about. Disconnecting the phone by taking out the battery apparently can stop this as the phone is no longer connected to any electrical source.

* Police can bug a mobile and use it as a listening device… if you are saying something you don’t want the cops to hear, and you want to be extra paranoid, remove the battery from your phone or leave it elsewhere. Turning it off will not necessarily work!

* If the cops ever get your phone and give it back to you… give it to someone else not involved in anything you are, donate it to charity or burn it. Do not ever use it again!

—-

Your advice about having an alternative SIM is OK if police are searching the physical phone for text messages. However if you are concerned about surveillance involving your mobile phone company, you should be aware that text messages (and phone calls too I would think) send a SIM ID *and* the phone IMEI. On that basis, sending a message using your contract phone but a PAYG SIM will still be easily traceable to you.

The best approach is to buy a PAYG phone with cash and only top it up with vouchers bought with cash, and use that alongside your regular phone. However you can’t get away from the fact that it is still a location-tracking device. If you have special need to be careful – and that’s a personal judgement – only put the battery in when you are away from your house to collect messages or to make calls. That said if you live in a highly populated area – such as flats in a city – then you have less reason to worry – the location tracking is not very sensitive AFAIK and it’s a right royal pain for the authorities to get the data. If you’re a Climate Camp activist and not part of a terrorist cell then it’s probably too much hassle for them.

It should be obvious but also be careful when sending personally-identifiable information in text messages – telephone numbers, addresses, email addresses, account numbers etc. In theory the same goes for voice content as software now can transcribe voice content quite reliably – however this often can’t be avoided and the best thing to do is not to worry about it too much. Remember: our worrying is what some upper echelons of the police want!

Ultimately for the activist there is a anti-surveillance/convenience trade-off. Don’t get paranoid as this makes you less effective in your chosen field. Be careful but, unless you are doing activism that is targetted for the harshest oppression, tolerate a bit of surveillance rather than re-organising your habits completely to avoid it.

DO BRING A PHONE TO CAMP!

If you can, bring a new PAYG phone, don’t fill it with your friends numbers, don’t use it from home and don’t call your mum on it.

Don’t ever put your normal SIM in your new phone or your new SIM in your normal phone.
Use the phone at the climate camp to:
keep the legal team informed about arrests and stop & searches
keep the media team informed about protests and actions
keep yourself informed about things going on around camp and beyond
call for help in a medical emergency

http://www.activistsecurity.org/

Camp for Climate Action: mass action promo video, Heathrow conference & newspaper

CLIMATE CAMP MASS ACTION PROMO VIDEO

How to take down the fences at Kingsnorth & have fun while you’re at it! Watch it & forward to your mates.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVaUYVF-Cfk

CLIMATE CAMP MASS ACTION PROMO VIDEO

How to take down the fences at Kingsnorth & have fun while you’re at it! Watch it & forward to your mates.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVaUYVF-Cfk

—-

Climate Camp goes back to Heathrow
Heathrow Conference
Saturday 26th July, 12 noon – 5pm,
Harlington Baptist Church,
High St, Harlington

All Welcome

Last August thousands of people spent a week camping in a field in the village of Sipson, which would be destroyed if Heathrow expansion went ahead, to draw attention to the threat of climate change. The event transformed Heathrow expansion into a national and even international debate on how we respond to climate change.

While this year we are concentrating our efforts at Kingsnorth where energy giant E.ON the Government is proposing to build a new coal-fired power station, we have not forgotten Heathrow. So, we decided to organise a conference to discuss with local residents and environmental organisations the next steps in the campaign to stop Heathrow expansion, titled:

“What do we do if the worst comes to the worst and the Government says ‘yes’?

The conference brings together the Camp for Climate Action, local campaign groups HACAN and NoTRAG (No Third Runway Action Group), and Greenpeace to discuss a broad strategy against expansion. This is the first time that local campaign groups and international environmental organizations have teamed up with the Camp for Climate Action to stage an event. We see this cross-fertilisation of ideas and experience as essential parts of Climate Camp strategy to develop a diverse social movement against climate change and for social justice.

The conference will focus on fusing our different ideas on how to stop expansion, from political lobbying to mass direct action, so we can all support each others efforts. More than that, we hope that we can learn from each other and develop new ideas that can have broad appeal.

The day will begin at 12 noon with short introductory talks on the latest state of play, on the implications of expansion for noise, climate change and community destruction, and around ideas for effective campaigning. After lunch, the bulk of the day will involve more structured discussions around moving forward together, followed by a final plenary session.

We’ve had conformation that in addition to many climate campers and local residents, politicians and trade unionists will be attending, so it looks like being an exciting event!

The following day Camp for Climate Action will set off in ‘a climate caravan’ on their journey to Kingsnorth in Kent where this year’s camp will be held.

Directions to the Conference are:

Heathrow Conference
Harlington Baptist Church,
High St, Harlington

About 8 minutes walk from Bath Road.
Take the 90 bus from Feltham, Hatton Cross or Hayes and Harlington Station;
Or take the 140 from Heathrow or Hayes and Harlington Station
Or the H98 from Hounslow, Cranford or Hayes and Harlington Station.- all stop outside the church.

NB there is only limited parking available.

The event is free but small donations on the day towards lunch and venue hire will be welcome!

Feel free to just turn up but it would be ideal if you could let us know before if you will be coming. Email info@hacan.org.uk or call John Stewart on 020 7737 6641

—-

Climate camp newspaper [5.3MB] at http://climatecamp.org.uk/themes/ccamptheme/files/paper.pdf

Spirit of Freedom (July 2008)

Produced by
EARTH LIBERATION PRISONERS SUPPORT NETWORK

“The whole experience has been tough, but all the kind and strengthening words and wise thoughts from strangers made it much easier!” (Former Swedish Animal Rights Prisoner)

Prisoner Solidarity 8Produced by
EARTH LIBERATION PRISONERS SUPPORT NETWORK

“The whole experience has been tough, but all the kind and strengthening words and wise thoughts from strangers made it much easier!” (Former Swedish Animal Rights Prisoner)

Welcome to the July 2008 edition of Spirit of Freedom. As a number of ELP supporters will be aware, ELP has traditionally dedicated our newsletters to fallen friends, who have either been killed or seriously injured as a result of their protest activities. For the past few months ELP hasn’t carried any dedication and we hoped that we would not have to dedicate another newsletter to a fallen friend again. However last month, ELP received the heartbreaking news about the death of Marie Vesco. Marie was a French activist living in England. She was involved with a number of groups including ‘Food Not Bombs’. On Wednesday the 4th of June 2008 Marie was cycling to the Carnival Against the Arms Trade when a Four Wheel Drive
vehicle (an SUV if your American) swerved across two lanes hitting Marie. A second vehicle then also hit Marie. Marie died instantly: she was just a few days away from her 20th birthday. Marie is remembered as a warm, loud, fun, vivacious figure with an infectious laugh that was always ready to help others. ELP understands that at least two Critical Mass cycle rides have already been dedicated to Marie. Likewise in memory of Marie ELP is dedicating this newsletter to her memory. The loss of Marie is a blow for the movement and our thoughts are with her family and friends.

ECO-DEFENCE PRISONERS

Tre Arrow, SWIS #640393, Multnomah County Detention Center, 1120 S.W. 3rd Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97206, USA. Awaiting sentencing of six and a half years imprisonment having reached a non-cooperation plea-bargain with the authorities who accuse him of involvement in two arsons. 1) an arson on logging trucks 2) an arson on vehicles owned by a sand & gravel company. (Tre is a raw energy vegan – He has asked that his letters of support are written on scrap paper or tree-free paper).

Grant Barnes #137563, San Carlos Correctional Facility, PO Box 3, Pueblo, CO 81002, USA. Serving 12 years for setting fire to a number of SUV vehicles. The letters ELF were spray painted onto all of the vehicles. (Grant is a vegan).

Nathan Block, #36359-086, FCI Lompoc, Federal Correctional Institution, 3600 Guard Road, Lompoc, CA 93436, USA. Serving 7 years & 8 months for an ELF arson against a Poplar Tree Farm and an ELF arson against an SUV dealership. Also admitted his role in an ELF/ALF conspiracy. (Diet unknown).

Marco Camenisch, Postfach 3143, CH-8105 Regensdorf, Switzerland. Serving 18 years. 1) Ten years for using explosives to destroy electricity pylons leading from nuclear power stations. 2) Eight 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. (Marco is a meat eater who encourages organic living).

Daniele Casalini, Casa Circondariale, Via Burla 59, 43100 Parma, Italy. Il Silvestre activist awaiting trial accused of using explosives to damage an electricity pylon in protest at nuclear energy. (Daniele is a vegan).

Rod Coronado – See details in Animal Liberation Prisoners List.

Francesco Gioia, C.C. Sollicciano, Via Girolamo Minervini 2/R, 50142 Firenze Sollicciano (FI), Italy. Il Silvestre activist awaiting trial accused of using explosives to damage an electricity pylon in protest at nuclear energy. (Francesco is a vegetarian and Straight Edge).

Paola Gori, Via delle Macchie 9, 57124 Livorno, Italy. Il Silvestre activist awaiting trial accused of allowing her house to be used to plan illegal activity. (Paola is a vegan).

Jeffrey Luers, # 13797671, CRCI, 9111 NE Sunderland Ave, Portland, OR 97211-1708, USA. Serving 10 years for arson on a SUV dealership & the attempted arson of an oil truck. The original sentence was 22 years & 8 months, but was reduced on appeal. (Diet unknown).

Eric McDavid, 16209-097. FCI Victorville Medium II, PO BOX 5700, Adelanto, CA 92301, USA. Serving 19 years & 7 months for planning to destroy the property of the U.S. Forestry Service, mobile phone masts and power plants. At the point of his arrest no criminal damage has actually occurred. (Eric is a vegan).

Daniel McGowan, Columbia County Jail, 403 Jackson Street, Portage, Wisconsin 53901, USA. Serving 7 years for an ELF arson against a Poplar Tree Farm and an ELF arson against an old growth logging corporation. Also admitted his role in an ELF/ALF conspiracy. (Daniel is a vegetarian).

Jonathan Paul – See details in Animal Liberation Prisoners List.

Briana Waters, 36432-086, FDC – Seatac, Federal Detention Center, P.O. Box 13900, Seattle, WA 98198, USA. Serving six years for involvement in an ELF arson on a University. (Diet unknown).

Joyanna Zacher, #36360-086, FCI Dublin, 5700 8th St.- Camp Parks- Unit F, Dublin, CA 94568, USA. Serving 7 years & 8 months for an ELF arson against a Poplar Tree Farm and an ELF arson against an SUV dealership. Also admitted her role in an ELF/ALF conspiracy. (Diet unknown).

ANIMAL LIBERATION PRISONERS
(All Animal Liberation Prisoners follow a minimum vegetarian diet and most are vegan).

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. (Jon is a vegan).

Gregg Avery TA7450, HMP Winchester, Romsey Road, Winchester, SO22 5DF, England. On remand accused of conspiracy to blackmail, in relation to his involvement with the SHAC campaign. (Gregg is a vegan).

Natasha Avery NR8987, HMP Bronzefield, Woodthorpe Road, Ashford, Middx. TW15 3JZ, England. Jailed for breaching her parole conditions imposed on her for telling a fox hunting murdering scum what she thought of them. Also awaiting trial accused of conspiracy to blackmail, in relation to her involvement with the SHAC campaign. (Nat is a vegan).

Mel Broughton TN9138, HMP Woodhill, Tattenhoe Street, Milton Keynes, Bucks MK4 4DA, England. On remand accused of involvement with an arson and blackmail campaign against an Oxford University vivisection establishment. (Mel is a vegan).

Martin Balluch, Antirep 2008, Postfach 101, 1070, Vienna, Austria. One of ten Austrian’s held on remand accused of various animal rights actions. (Martin is a vegan)

Christoph, Antirep 2008, Postfach 101, 1070, Vienna, Austria. One of ten Austrian’s held on remand accused of various animal rights actions. At the moment Christopher does not wish to have his full name published.

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. (Jake is a vegan).

Rodney Coronado #03895-000, FCI El Reno, PO Box 1500, El Reno, OK 73036, USA. Serving one-year imprisonment after he informed people how to make an incendiary device during a speech at an animal rights gathering. (Rod is a vegetarian).

Donald Currie A3660AA, HMP Parkhurst, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 5NX, England. Serving an Indeterminate Sentence, of not less than six actual years, for carrying out arsons against targets associated the vivisection industry including HLS. (Don is a vegan).

Lauren Gazzola #93497-011, FCI Danbury, Federal Correctional Institution, Route #37Danbury, CT 06811, USA. Serving 54 months imprisonment for helping organise the SHAC-USA campaign. (Lauren is a vegan).

Sarah Gisborne, LT5393, HMP Downview, Sutton Lane, Sutton, Surrey, SM2 5PD, England. Serving 5½ years for conspiracy to cause criminal damage following the damaging of 8 vehicles owned by people linked to Huntingdon Life Science. Due for release at the end of July (Sarah is a vegan).

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. (Josh is a vegan).

Jan, Antirep 2008, Postfach 101, 1070, Vienna, Austria. One of ten Austrian ‘s held on remand accused of various animal rights actions. At the moment Jan does not wish to have his full name published.

Kevin Kroemmer, Antirep 2008, Postfach 101, 1070, Vienna, Austria. One of ten Austrian’s held on remand accused of various animal rights actions. (Kevin is a vegan)

Leo, Antirep 2008, Postfach 101, 1070, Vienna, Austria. One of ten Austrian’s held on remand accused of various animal rights actions. At the moment Leo does not wish to have his full name published.

Sabine, Antirep 2008, Postfach 101, 1070, Vienna, Austria. One of ten Austrian’s held on remand accused of various animal rights actions. At the moment Sabine does not wish to have their full name published.

Sean Kirtley WC 6977, HM Prison Blakenhurst, Hewell Lane, Redditch, B97 6QS, England. Serving four and a half years for running an anti-vivisection campaign website. (Sean is a vegan).

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

Daniel McGowan – See details in Eco Defence Prisoners List.

Heather Nicholson VM4859, HMP Bronzefield, Woodthorpe Road, Ashford, Middx. TW15 3JZ, England. On remand accused of conspiracy to blackmail, in relation to her involvement with the SHAC campaign. (Heather is a vegan).

Jonathan Paul, #07167-085, FCI Phoenix, Federal Correctional Institution, 37910 N 45th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85086, USA. Sentenced to 51 months for an ALF arson on a horse meat plant. Also admitted his role in an ELF/ALF conspiracy. (Jonathan is a vegan).

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. (Andrew is a vegan).

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. (Kerry is a vegan).

Sarah Whitehead, VM7684, HMP Bronzefield, Woodthorpe Road, Ashford, Middx, TW15 3JZ, England. Serving two years for: 1) rescuing a puppy from horrific conditions. 2) rescuing over 100 animals from a pet breeder who was later prosecuted for animal abuse. Also awaiting trial for SHAC activity. (Sarah is a vegan)

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 20½ 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. (Diet unknown).

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 either under house arrest or released on bail.

ANTIFA PRISONERS

Vahtang Devitlidze, ul. Libbedova 42, UO 68/2, otryad 14, brigada 142, g. Hagyshensk, Krasnodarskiy Kray, 352680 Russia. Serving 2½ years for stabbing a neo-nazi in the leg whilst defending himself from attack. (Diet unknown).

Augustin Kraus, Vazebni veznice, PP-1, Litomerice, 41 201, Czech Republic. Serving 14 months for his participation in attacks against local neo-nazis. His charge was “bodily harm”. He speaks Czech, Slovak and Polish. You can
also write him short postcards in English. (Diet unknown).

Fabio Milan, C.C. via Pianezza 300, 10151 Torino, Italy. On remand accused of fighting with the police after an anti-fascist protest. (Diet unknown).

Andrea Neff, Bnr: 746/07/2, Justizvollzugsanstalt fur Frauen in Berlin, Arkonastrasse 56, 13189 Berlin, Germany. Serving 14 months for anti-fascist activity. (Diet unknown).

Christian Sümmermann, Bnr: 441/08/5, JVA Plötzensee, Lehrterstr. 61, 10557 Berlin, Germany. Serving 40 months for breaching the peace whilst serving a suspended sentence issued for anti-fascist activities. (Diet unknown).

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

OTHER PRISONERS

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. (Diet unknown).

Vaggelis Botzatzis, Komotini Juridical Prison (“Dikastikes Fylakes Komotinis”), T.K. 69100, Greece. On remand accused of setting fire to two company cars owned by a energy/power company. It is believed that the person or persons unknown who carried out the arson did so in protest at the destruction of the natural environment and in support of two workers who
died at the power plant. Vaggelis is also accused of setting fire to a bank and starting a fire inside a car yard. (Meat Eater).

Michael W. Sykes, 100 East 2nd St, Monroe, Michigan 48161, USA. Youth held on remand accused of anti-sprawl arsons, criminal damage, spray-painting an anarchist sign and burning the American flag. (Diet unknown)

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. (Fran is a vegan).

MOVE
MOVE is an eco-revolutionary group who carried out protests in defence of all life. All move prisoners describe themselves as vegetarians. 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 Graterford, PO Box 244, Graterford, PA 19426-0244, USA.

Edward Goodman Africa (AM4974), SCI Mahanoy, 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.

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 monthly prisoner listing which is circulated by e-mail.

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

Greek language ELP Website
http://greekelp.blogspot.com

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

Australian ELP.SN is our Australian contact. For more info 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.

Greek ELP.SN is our Greek contact. For more info e-mail greekelp@yahoo.gr

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