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Grand Jury Resister Jailed
Animal Advocate Jailed for Standing Up to Abuse by the Federal Grand Jury Process
On Thursday (8/26), a federal grand jury presently convened in Seattle sent yet another political dissident to jail. This time, the dissident -and now federal prisoner- is Gina Lynn, a long-time animal activist from Southern California. Gina was jailed on contempt charges after refusing to answer questions based on her
constitutional rights under the First and Fifth Amendments.
Members of the Seattle-based grand jury exhibited a shocking lack of understanding of the importance of these constitutionally-protected rights. One juror even went so far as to challenge Gina to explain her reasoning for refusing to answer on the basis of the First Amendment. Gina quietly explained how the First Amendment protects free speech and privacy as well as freedom of association, but the thick-headed juror simply responded that Gina is "completely misinformed."
States Gina, "It has never been my intention to cooperate with this political witch hunt, and I remain firm in my principled resistance to these secretive probes. Their aim is to disrupt and destroy political movements such as ours. I will not be a willing participant."
Since being jailed for exercising her constitutionally-protected rights, Gina has been refusing food in protest. Please join her in taking a stand for civil liberties.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
* Donate to Gina's Support Fund.
Gina is most concerned about the well-being of her companion animals while she's in jail, and she'd rather have donations toward their care than anything else. Her dog Jude has cancer, so money to help cover any necessary medical care for her is one of the most pressing needs.
Checks and money orders should be made out to Gina Lynn and sent to:
Gina Lynn Support Fund
c/o Allison Lance Watson
PO Box 3241
Friday Harbor, WA 98250
* Send letters of support to Gina!
Gina Lynn
25998-044, Unit DA
FDC SeaTac
2425 South 200th Street
SeaTac, WA 98198
Gina can also receive books. Please email
<https://mail.resist.ca/src/compose.php?send_to=FreeGina%40rock.com>FreeGina [at] rock.com
if you'd like to send her a book so that we can ensure she doesn't receive any duplicates or books she's already read. We can also help you select books that may be of interest to her.
* Call the jail
SeaTac Federal Detention Center: (206) 870-5700
BACKGROUND:
A federal grand jury in Seattle has been convened to investigate the animal right movement in the Pacific Northwest. They have harassed and subpoenaed activists, denied them their constitutionally-guaranteed rights and thrown them in jail for
refusing to cooperate with this sort of repressive behavior.
The grand jury system, long since abolished in most democratic nations, denies individuals their most fundamental civil rights and poses a grave threat to the constitutional rights of every American. The grand jury is the antithesis of all that is democratic and has no place in a free society. Within grand jury proceedings, individuals are denied the presence of legal counsel and can even be
denied the right to Fifth Amendment protections from self-incrimination. . As such, simply asserting one's right to remain silent can and all too often does result in indefinite imprisonment.
constitutional rights under the First and Fifth Amendments.
Members of the Seattle-based grand jury exhibited a shocking lack of understanding of the importance of these constitutionally-protected rights. One juror even went so far as to challenge Gina to explain her reasoning for refusing to answer on the basis of the First Amendment. Gina quietly explained how the First Amendment protects free speech and privacy as well as freedom of association, but the thick-headed juror simply responded that Gina is "completely misinformed."
States Gina, "It has never been my intention to cooperate with this political witch hunt, and I remain firm in my principled resistance to these secretive probes. Their aim is to disrupt and destroy political movements such as ours. I will not be a willing participant."
Since being jailed for exercising her constitutionally-protected rights, Gina has been refusing food in protest. Please join her in taking a stand for civil liberties.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
* Donate to Gina's Support Fund.
Gina is most concerned about the well-being of her companion animals while she's in jail, and she'd rather have donations toward their care than anything else. Her dog Jude has cancer, so money to help cover any necessary medical care for her is one of the most pressing needs.
Checks and money orders should be made out to Gina Lynn and sent to:
Gina Lynn Support Fund
c/o Allison Lance Watson
PO Box 3241
Friday Harbor, WA 98250
* Send letters of support to Gina!
Gina Lynn
25998-044, Unit DA
FDC SeaTac
2425 South 200th Street
SeaTac, WA 98198
Gina can also receive books. Please email
<https://mail.resist.ca/src/compose.php?send_to=FreeGina%40rock.com>FreeGina [at] rock.com
if you'd like to send her a book so that we can ensure she doesn't receive any duplicates or books she's already read. We can also help you select books that may be of interest to her.
* Call the jail
SeaTac Federal Detention Center: (206) 870-5700
BACKGROUND:
A federal grand jury in Seattle has been convened to investigate the animal right movement in the Pacific Northwest. They have harassed and subpoenaed activists, denied them their constitutionally-guaranteed rights and thrown them in jail for
refusing to cooperate with this sort of repressive behavior.
The grand jury system, long since abolished in most democratic nations, denies individuals their most fundamental civil rights and poses a grave threat to the constitutional rights of every American. The grand jury is the antithesis of all that is democratic and has no place in a free society. Within grand jury proceedings, individuals are denied the presence of legal counsel and can even be
denied the right to Fifth Amendment protections from self-incrimination. . As such, simply asserting one's right to remain silent can and all too often does result in indefinite imprisonment.
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Comments
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Fuck the grand jury witch hunt!
Gina Lynn currently sits in jail for doing nothing more than refusing to testify before a federal grand jury. In fact, Gina was told by the U.S. Attorneys Office that they would drop the federal charges currently pending against a close friend hers if Gina would only cooperate with the grand jury investigation. It's painfully clear that the U.S. government is threatening one activist with prison time to coerce cooperation from another. Of course, Gina refused to be bullied by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Friedman ( Andrew.Friedman [at] usdoj.gov) and his federal lackeys and she now sits in jail as they attempt to coerce her testimony.
Update on Gina Lynn (August 30, 2004)-- PLEASE FORWARD
LETTERS NEEDED TODAY!
Today Gina is imprisoned at the Seattle Federal Detention Center on a "fast" for asserting her right to remain silent and for refusing to provide the names of her friends and associates. Gina has not eaten since being jailed by Judge Thomas Zilly on Thursday, August 26th and she has publicly stated that she will NEVER cooperate with the U.S. (in)justice system.
Gina needs your help and the judge needs to hear from YOU! At this time, only a judge can grant Gina her freedom (even though she has committed no crime). Her freedom and the freedom of the animals whom we all fight for are depending on each of us to do our part.
WHAT YOU CAN DO TODAY:
Gina's legal team is in the process of filing motions before the court in an effort to win her freedom. The judge needs to hear from those of us who support Gina Lynn and the right to political dissent. At this time, please write polite letters to Judge Thomas Zilly explaining that Gina is a strong-willed and compassionate political activist who has dedicated her life to fighting for animals. Explain that Gina will continue to refuse to cooperate with this political grand jury—no matter how long they hold her in jail. As Gina will never willingly speak to federal investigators, we need to remind the judge that HE is the one who holds the keys to Gina's cell.
As soon as possible, please mail your letter (to the judge) and a copy (for Gina's attorney) to the addresses below. A sample letter is attached to help in drafting your own letter.
Judge Thomas Zilly
U.S. District Court- Western District of Washington
700 Stewart Street
Seattle, WA 98101
Peter A. Camiel, Esq.
710 Cherry Street
Seattle, WA 98104-1925
==========================================
SAMPLE LETTER:
August 30, 2004
Judge Thomas Zilly
U.S. District Court- Western District of Washington
700 Stewart Street
Seattle, WA 98101
RE: The imprisonment of Gina Lynn
Dear Judge Zilly,
I am writing to you regarding the current imprisonment of animal activist Gina Lynn. Since Thursday, August 26, 2004, Gina has been imprisoned at the Seattle Federal Detention Center on your order for her supposed refusal to testify before a federal grand jury investigating the animal rights movement as well as the activities of other political movements.
I know Gina Lynn personally to be a compassionate and dedicated individual. She is a person who has time and again put her life in jeopardy standing up for what is right, struggling against injustice, and fighting for the most oppressed segment of our society—the animals and Earth. Second only to her commitment to the animals is her strong will and determination... she never backs down when she knows her position to be morally just. Like me, Gina believes this political grand jury to be a fishing expedition and refuses to cooperate out of principle.
Gina Lynn has stated publicly time and again that she cannot and will not cooperate with the Seattle grand jury or any political probe into the animal rights movement. Her path of non-cooperation stems not from personal choice or preference, but from moral and political mandates. If she must see this to the very end, she will... but she will not testify.
Currently, Gina's long-time animal companion, Jude, is dying of cancer back home in Southern California. Gina should be with her companion during the final days of her life, not in a jail cell. Gina's commitment to remain silent before the grand jury couldn't be any clearer as evidenced by the fact that she risks indefinite imprisonment for refusing to talk rather than simply cooperating and returning home to her dying dog.
Gina understands that she may never again see Jude alive, but cooperating with the grand jury has never been an option for her—and it never will be.
Her imprisonment has not one shred of coercive influence and it never will... no matter the circumstances. Free Gina Lynn today.
Until all are free,
Update on Gina Lynn (August 30, 2004)-- PLEASE FORWARD
LETTERS NEEDED TODAY!
Today Gina is imprisoned at the Seattle Federal Detention Center on a "fast" for asserting her right to remain silent and for refusing to provide the names of her friends and associates. Gina has not eaten since being jailed by Judge Thomas Zilly on Thursday, August 26th and she has publicly stated that she will NEVER cooperate with the U.S. (in)justice system.
Gina needs your help and the judge needs to hear from YOU! At this time, only a judge can grant Gina her freedom (even though she has committed no crime). Her freedom and the freedom of the animals whom we all fight for are depending on each of us to do our part.
WHAT YOU CAN DO TODAY:
Gina's legal team is in the process of filing motions before the court in an effort to win her freedom. The judge needs to hear from those of us who support Gina Lynn and the right to political dissent. At this time, please write polite letters to Judge Thomas Zilly explaining that Gina is a strong-willed and compassionate political activist who has dedicated her life to fighting for animals. Explain that Gina will continue to refuse to cooperate with this political grand jury—no matter how long they hold her in jail. As Gina will never willingly speak to federal investigators, we need to remind the judge that HE is the one who holds the keys to Gina's cell.
As soon as possible, please mail your letter (to the judge) and a copy (for Gina's attorney) to the addresses below. A sample letter is attached to help in drafting your own letter.
Judge Thomas Zilly
U.S. District Court- Western District of Washington
700 Stewart Street
Seattle, WA 98101
Peter A. Camiel, Esq.
710 Cherry Street
Seattle, WA 98104-1925
==========================================
SAMPLE LETTER:
August 30, 2004
Judge Thomas Zilly
U.S. District Court- Western District of Washington
700 Stewart Street
Seattle, WA 98101
RE: The imprisonment of Gina Lynn
Dear Judge Zilly,
I am writing to you regarding the current imprisonment of animal activist Gina Lynn. Since Thursday, August 26, 2004, Gina has been imprisoned at the Seattle Federal Detention Center on your order for her supposed refusal to testify before a federal grand jury investigating the animal rights movement as well as the activities of other political movements.
I know Gina Lynn personally to be a compassionate and dedicated individual. She is a person who has time and again put her life in jeopardy standing up for what is right, struggling against injustice, and fighting for the most oppressed segment of our society—the animals and Earth. Second only to her commitment to the animals is her strong will and determination... she never backs down when she knows her position to be morally just. Like me, Gina believes this political grand jury to be a fishing expedition and refuses to cooperate out of principle.
Gina Lynn has stated publicly time and again that she cannot and will not cooperate with the Seattle grand jury or any political probe into the animal rights movement. Her path of non-cooperation stems not from personal choice or preference, but from moral and political mandates. If she must see this to the very end, she will... but she will not testify.
Currently, Gina's long-time animal companion, Jude, is dying of cancer back home in Southern California. Gina should be with her companion during the final days of her life, not in a jail cell. Gina's commitment to remain silent before the grand jury couldn't be any clearer as evidenced by the fact that she risks indefinite imprisonment for refusing to talk rather than simply cooperating and returning home to her dying dog.
Gina understands that she may never again see Jude alive, but cooperating with the grand jury has never been an option for her—and it never will be.
Her imprisonment has not one shred of coercive influence and it never will... no matter the circumstances. Free Gina Lynn today.
Until all are free,
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