Feds pay $2 million to activists branded terrorists in Oakland

Feds pay $2 million to activists branded terrorists in Oakland

Fri, Apr. 23, 2004
Associated Press


OAKLAND, Calif. - The federal government has agreed to pay $2 million to settle a lawsuit filed by two environmental activists who were arrested and branded eco-terrorists by the FBI 14 years ago.

The settlement with two leaders of the group Earth First! is one of the largest sums paid out as a result of the FBI's action, attorneys for the plaintiffs said. FBI officials confirmed the settlement had been approved.

Darryl Cherney and the estate of the late Judi Bari, who died of cancer in 1997, will divide the $2 million settlement as well as a separate $2 million settlement approved by the Oakland City Council last year.

The two activists were arrested by the FBI when a pipe bomb exploded in their car in Oakland on May 24, 1990. Bari, who was driving, suffered a crushed pelvis, and Cherney received cuts from the blast.

The two were arrested within hours, and their homes and vehicles were searched. Authorities at the time said they believed that Bari and Cherney had been carrying the bomb in her car and that it had detonated accidentally.

The two activists later sued the FBI and Oakland police investigators, alleging false arrest, illegal search, slanderous statements and conspiracy.

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