Environmental Activists Denied Bail in “Green Scare” Case

Environmental Activists Denied Bail in “Green Scare” Case

For Immediate Release: June 2, 2006

Eugene, OR-Release was denied at a detention hearing held in federal
court in Eugene Thursday, June 1 before Judge Thomas Coffin in the
case of individuals associated with what is being called the "Green
Scare" round up of environmentalists in several states. The court
heard arguments as to why Joyanna Zacher, 28, and Nathan Block, 25,
should be released on bail. Judge Coffin denied bail.

Ms. Zacher and Mr. Block, both of Olympia, Washington, have been in
custody since February for an alleged arson in 2001. Their arrest
resulted from a bargain struck between federal authorities and one or
more individuals previously arrested for the same alleged crimes.
The previously arrested informants claim Zacher and Block's
involvement out of hope for future leniency.

The Bush Administration continued to describe the alleged crimes as
"terrorism" despite the fact that none of the defendants have been
formally charged as such and no injuries or casualties occurred. In
fact, Judge Coffin stated that he believes these are “arson cases,
pure and simple”. However, the judge denied bail despite the fact
that Block and Zacher presumably meet the legal standard for bail.
Neither fled or hid after others were arrested in December and no
weapons were found at their homes.

The grand jury is investigating acts of sabotage linked to the
underground ELF and the Animal Liberation Front (ALF). There have
been grand juries convened in San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle and
Colorado affecting a broad sweep of environmental and animal
activists suspected of property damage. The May 2001 fire occurred
at the Jefferson Poplar Farm on the Oregon Coast. The "Earth
Liberation Front" (ELF) claimed responsibility, citing the farm as a
location for field experimentation with trees genetically engineered
to grow unnaturally fast that could contaminate native forests.

Alejandro Queral, executive director of the NW Constitutional Rights
Center said: “The federal prosecutor continues to refer to these
cases as ‘terrorism’ and is seeking life imprisonment for the
defendants even when the judge clearly sees them as ‘arson.’ This is
a thinly veiled political persecution and the U.S. Attorney’s Office
is using these cases of property destruction as its perfect excuse.”

Judge Coffin cited “new information” describing Block and Zacher as
being willing to participate in increased violence, despite the fact
that no specific statements about violence were credited to them.
US Attorney Engdall cited “philosophical discussions” during a 2001
book club meeting and vague statements from other defendants under
coercive pressure to give information. The prosecutor also cited
alleged philosophical leanings of deceased defendant Bill Rodgers of
Arizona.

Coffin allowed Block and Zacher could come back to the court with
arguments for bail release again.

A press packet of related articles, background information,
historical examples of sabotage in the U.S., and a history of F.B.I.
repression of political activism is available. Please contact the
Civil Rights Outreach Committee at civilrightsoutreach at gmail.com.
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