COINTELPRO 101
Join the RNC 8 Defense Committee and the Scott and Carrie Support Committee for dinner, a screening of the new documentary COINTELPRO 101, and Q&A w/ former political prisoners Claude Marks and Ricardo Jiménez. Proceeds benefit soon-to-be political prisoner Scott DeMuth’s defense fund.
*When: Dinner at 6:30pm, Film at 7:00pm
*Where: Waite House, 2529 13th Ave. S., Minneapolis
*Cost: $5-15 sliding scale, kids $2
*Vegan and gluten-free options; childcare provided
This event is the first of an ongoing series, with funds raised going to a different defense fund or political project each week. For info on future events in the series, visit http://rnc8.org/events.
As mentioned in our last update, SCSC still needs to raise several thousand dollars to cover legal fees for Scott, and our goal is to have this done before his sentencing on December 15th, so that we can focus on raising commissary and other forms of support for him while he’s in prison. To that end, following is info about five upcoming fundraisers for his defense fund. Hope you can make one–or 5! Read More…
On Monday, September 13, 2010, Scott DeMuth pled guilty to one count of misdemeanor conspiracy to commit animal enterprise terrorism under the Animal Enterprise Protection Act for his role in the April 29, 2006 ALF raid on Lakeside Ferrets, Inc., in Howard Lake, Minnesota. The plea was to a lesser included charge of the second superseding indictment (available here: https://davenportgrandjury.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/10-0413second-superceding-indictment.pdf) for an action causing less than $10,000 in damage, and carries a maximum of six months in prison and a period of supervised release. As a condition of Scott’s plea, the government has agreed to ask for a sentence of the full six months in prison, but not to ask for the imposition of any fine. This is NOT a cooperating plea agreement; Scott has not been asked to testify against anyone else, nor would he do so. Though the action in question was committed in a different federal district and, according to Judge Jarvey, lacked any connection to the Southern District of Iowa, Scott also agreed to waive his right to contest the venue in which it was prosecuted. Scott’s sentencing has been scheduled for December 15, 2010, with a surrender date likely to be set for early 2011. In the meantime, the government raised no objection to his continued release, and agreed to the removal of his electronic monitoring, stating that he “poses no flight risk.” Read More…
1. Trial starts in a week! (Info on schedule, housing and rides)
2. We need another $3000 *this week*!
3. TC Anarchist Book Fair
4. 9/26: “Secret of NIMH” Film Screening in Minneapolis
5. 9/26: “Bold Native” Film Screening in Des Moines Read More…
A relatively uneventful day in court on Monday for Scott DeMuth was followed by
an unexpected subpoena for former grand jury resister Carrie Feldman.
During pre-trial hearings for Scott held at the federal courthouse, lawyers
discussed pending motions in need of resolution before trial. There were no
oral arguments or decisions by the court. There will be a suppression hearing
before the trial to determine whether evidence seized in a raid on Scott's
house prior to the 2008 Republican National Convention can be legally used at
the trial. This hearing is scheduled for the morning of Monday, September 13.
Prosecutor Cliff Cronk has indicated that he will appeal the decision of the
courts if they suppress that evidence, likely postponing the trial until that
issue is resolved. For the time being, though, trial is scheduled to begin on
Tuesday, September 14 at 9 am.
Cronk also indicated that he intends to call up to sixty witnesses at trial.
Many of these witnesses could be cut if the defense is willing to stipulate to
various facts of the case. Cronk also said that he expects the trial to take
around three weeks, three times as long as we had been expecting.
Cronk was ordered to file a list of expert witnesses by Wednesday and to
respond to a motion in which the defense argues that he should be barred from
talking about a number of things at the trial, including other ALF actions,
Scott's associations with the RNC Welcoming Committee, and the use of the words
"terrorism" or "terrorist" to describe the actions Scott is being charged with.
Later that evening, the Conspiracy Tour had an event in nearby Rock Island,
Illinois. Two federal agents waited outside the event in plain clothes until
Carrie walked outside to get something from the tour van. When she did, they
handed her a subpoena to testify at the trial. A scanned copy of the subpoena
will be available on https://davenportgrandjury.wordpress.com shortly.
In the weeks before trial, we will be finalizing our support plans for Scott
and Carrie, so stay tuned for more information. And we're inviting all of you
to join us in court if you're able. To find out how to help with support work
in Davenport, email us at scottandcarrie(A)riseup.net. Even if you can't come
to the trial, you can help spread the word and help us raise legal defense
funds in your own community.
1. August 23: Pre-trial Hearing for Scott in Davenport, IA
2. August 19-August 26: One More Week of the Conspiracy Tour
3: September 13: Trial Call Starts for Scott
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1. August 23: Pre-trial Hearing for Scott in Davenport, IA
Scott’s final pre-trial hearing is happening next Monday! It’s currently scheduled to be in court in Davenport, although there’s a possibility that it could just be a phone conference. If you’re in the Quad Cities area and want to join us in court, come on out! Here’s what you need to know:
* When: Monday, 8/23, 11am
* Where: Federal Courthouse, 131 E. Fourth St.
Email us at scottandcarrie(A)riseup.net if you’re considering traveling to Davenport so we can give you the latest news on the hearing. If you can’t make it, keep your eye out for an update on the legal stuff next week.
2. August 19-August 26: One More Week of the Conspiracy Tour
The Conspiracy Tour is in its last week on the road! After going around a ton of the country, the Tour is working its way up the West Coast and will be heading back to the Midwest this weekend. You might still be able to catch a presentation, though! Check out the remaining event dates:
* August 19: Tacoma, WA *
Location: M11 Social Space, 1212 So. 11th St., Suite 24
Time: 7pm
* August 20: Seattle, WA *
Location: Wayward Vegan Cafe, 901 Northeast 55th Street
Time: 6:30pm
* August 21: Missoula, MT *
Location: Jeanette Rankin Peace Center, 519 S. Higgins
Time: 7pm
* August 23: Rock Island, IL *
Location: The Artery, 1629 2nd Avenue
Time: 6:30pm
* August 24: Iowa City, IA *
Location: Iowa City Public Library, 123 South Linn St, Meeting Room A
Time: 6pm
* August 26: Minneapolis, MN *
Location: PPNA Building, 821 East 35th St.
Time: 6pm
3: September 13: Trial Call Starts for Scott
Scott’s trial could start as early as September 13th! The federal district court has a trial call system, which means that the actual start date of the trial can vary. We’re planning to be in Davenport and ready to pack the courtroom starting on September 13, so we would love it if you could join us. Interested in coming out? Email us at scottandcarrie(A)riseup.net so we can help you get plugged in to the support work and figure out the logistics for your stay in beautiful Davenport.
Also, we’re still in need of legal defense funds! Our fundraising continues to progress, but we have a long ways to go to meet our goals. You can donate online by visiting https://davenportgrandjury.wordpress.com or you can send a check or money order made out to Coldsnap Legal Collective with “EWOK!” in the memo line to:
July 23: Potluck in the Park for the National Day of Solidarity for Scott
DeMuth
The National Day of Solidarity for Scott is TOMORROW, Friday, 7/23! If you’re
in Minneapolis, join us for food, fun, and good company, at the official
Conspiracy Tour kickoff event! Be among the first to join the Conspiracy!
Featuring:
- “Conspiracy: the Musical,” a puppet show extravaganza
- Music by our friend Heidi Barton Stink (http://www.myspace.com/bartonstink)
- Pre-Tour Discussion and Potluck
* When: Friday, July 23rd, 5-7:30pm for food and games
* Where: Powderhorn Park (near the stage), Minneapolis
If you’re able, please bring a dish to share. We’ll make sure to have some
vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options available, but bring what you need
with some to spare if you can. Donations are appreciated for Scott’s legal
defense fund.
Not in Minneapolis? Check out the tour schedule here:
http://conspiracytour.wordpress.com
1. Solidarity with the AETA 4
2. July 23: Potluck in the Park for the National Day of Solidarity for Scott DeMuth
3: July 25-August 26: Conspiracy Tour
4. August 23: Pre-trial Hearing in Davenport, IA
5. Legal Costs Rising…Can You Spare a Buck?
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1. Solidarity with the AETA 4
We write in solidarity with the AETA 4 on their victory in a San Jose federal court on July 12, 2010. The Judge dismissed the case because the state failed to explain exactly what the defendants allegedly did and how it amounted to a violation of law.
Adriana Stumpo, Maryam Khjavi, Nathan Pope, and Joseph Buddenberg were charged under the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act (AETA) for mobilizing support of animal rights and for expressing their opposition to animal experimentation through sidewalk chalking, chanting, distributing flyers, attending public protests, and the alleged use of “the Internet to find information on bio-medical researchers.” In other words, they were charged under a terrorism law for activities that are protected under the U.S. Constitution. Judge Ronald Whyte’s dismissal of the case was the only legally sensible decision. And while this is certainly a moment to celebrate, Judge Whyte made it clear that the state could still re-file charges at a later date, so we move forward with cautious optimism.
Meanwhile, the only other AETA case still in formal litigation concerns Scott DeMuth, a Minneapolis-based anarchist, graduate student, and Dakota language student charged with conspiracy under that law. The state claims DeMuth is linked to Animal Liberation Front (ALF) actions in Iowa and Minnesota in 2004 and 2006. Thus far, the “evidence” offered up against DeMuth amounts to the prosecution’s view that his “writings, literature, and conduct suggest that he is an anarchist and associated with the ALF movement. Therefore, he is a domestic terrorist.” That’s right: Scott’s ideas, his constitutionally protected political activities (such as volunteering with an eco-political prisoner support group in the Twin Cities), and his alleged affiliations are enough to brand him a “terrorist.”
Both the AETA 4 and DeMuth cases demonstrate that, all too often, the government seeks to criminalize and persecute activists whether they work above or below ground, and regardless of evidence of any illegal activity. Therefore, these cases are about much more than animal rights and animal enterprises. In fact, the message from the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act and its supporters is for every one of us: if you express opposition to any powerful institution in this country, you may become a target of government repression and be labeled a terrorist. Since around half of all USAmericans object to animal experimentation and since the public’s trust in government is presently at an historic low, it would seem that we have an opportunity to build massive popular support for abolishing the AETA and for strengthening freedom movements everywhere. Let’s get to work.
2. July 23: Potluck in the Park for the National Day of Solidarity for Scott DeMuth
The National Day of Solidarity for Scott is only days away! If you’re in Minneapolis, join us for food, fun, and good company! And don’t miss the official Conspiracy Tour kickoff event! Be among the first to join the Conspiracy!
Featuring:
– “Conspiracy: the Musical,” a puppet show extravaganza
– Music by our friend Heidi Barton Stink (http://www.myspace.com/bartonstink)
– Pre-Tour Discussion and Potluck
* When: Friday, July 23rd, 5-7:30pm for food and games
* Where: Powderhorn Park (near the stage), Minneapolis
If you’re able, please bring a dish to share. We’ll make sure to have some vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options available, but bring what you need with some to spare if you can. Donations are appreciated for Scott’s legal defense fund.
Not in Minneapolis? There’s still time to arrange a solidarity event for Scott in your town! Grab some friends, do something fun, spread the word about Scott’s case, and contribute to creating a strong culture of resistance and solidarity across the nation!
3: July 25-August 26: Conspiracy Tour
The Conspiracy Tour will be hitting the road a couple days after the National Day of Solidarity for Scott. Have you seen the awesome promo video yet? It’s certain to have the feds shifting uncomfortably in their britches all summer.
Mark your calendars! Scott’s final pre-trial date before trial in September is on Monday, August 23rd. Late August is a lovely time to visit the Quad Cities and check out the quaint federal courthouse in Davenport. You’ll be sure to be met by friends from all over, including folks on the Conspiracy Tour, who will be making a mad dash from the West Coast to plop their butts down in the courtroom for a day. Start planning your Quad Cities vacation today–and invite your friends!
We’ll keep you updated on the details of the pre-trial hearing as we get them.
5. Legal Costs Rising…Can You Spare a Buck?
We almost made it through the announcement without begging for money, but couldn’t quite do it. In the last couple months before trial, we’re pushing hard to raise funds to help pay for Scott’s legal defense expenses. This is no small feat, as good legal defense costs a lot and Scott’s lawyers are pouring tons of time and energy into helping him fight back against state repression.
If you find a few dollars burning a hole in your pocket, we’d be happy to take them off your hands! You can donate online by visiting https://davenportgrandjury.wordpress.com or you can send a check or money order made out to Coldsnap Legal Collective with “EWOK!” in the memo line to:
Know how seriously we take the National Day of Solidarity for Scott? Seriously enough to have a picnic in the park with good food, fun games, and great company! Who says taking things seriously has to be serious?
If you’re in town, join in on the fun! And don’t miss the official Conspiracy Tour kickoff event! Be among the first to join the Conspiracy!
Featuring:
-“Conspiracy: the Musical”
-Music by Heidi Barton Stink
-Pre-Tour Discussion and Potluck
* When: Friday, July 23rd, 5-7:30pm for food and games
* Where: Powderhorn Park (near the stage), Minneapolis
If you’re able, please bring a dish to share. We’ll make sure to have some vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options available, but bring what you need with some to spare if you can. Donations are appreciated for Scott’s legal defense fund.
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Conspiracy Tour 2010 Slinking Into Your Town This Summer!
The State of Minnesota alleges that organizing a convergence space for protesters to have meetings, eat free meals, and check teh interwebs (on computers that an FBI informant helpfully set up!) makes the RNC 8 guilty of conspiracy. The Federal government claims that Scott DeMuth’s writings and associations suggest that he is an anarchist and therefore a domestic terrorist, making him guilty of conspiracy under the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act.
We say organizing resistance to state repression isn’t conspiracy. It’s survival. We say living our lives according to our principles isn’t terrorism. It’s our right. We say we’ll continue organizing no matter how much the state tries to destroy us and our communities.
So if this is conspiracy, we say to you…Join the Conspiracy!
This summer, the Conspiracy Tour is going on a whirlwind, month-long excursion across the continental United States to raise awareness of and solidarity for political activists from Minneapolis, MN who are facing severe state repression. Come join us in raising political support and much-needed legal defense funds for the RNC 8 and Scott DeMuth. Read More…
For media inquiries, email scsc.media@gmail.com or call 612-29-EWOKS (612-293-9657). For other questions, to get involved in support efforts, or if you have information regarding subpoenas or indictments, contact scottandcarrie@riseup.net or 612-29-EWOKS.
Support Scott DeMuth! 