Nadia Winstead was notified on Friday, December 22nd that the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has reversed U.S. District Court Judge Susan Illston's contempt order. The original order was issued after Winstead refused to testify before a Federal grand jury that many believe is harassing activists. The reason for the reversal is currently unknown, and Winstead is awaiting further details.

FBIWitchhunt.com says, "This is a huge victory for Winstead, but the battle is not over, as the case will likely go back before Judge Illston with the Ninth Circuit’s decision in mind." They say, "future demonstrations and court dates may be announced on short notice.

In May of 2005, Winstead and some 10 other Bay Area activists were subpoenaed to appear before a grand jury that claimed to be investigating the disappearance of Daniel Andreas San Diego. Winstead appeared before the grand jury in January ‘06 and again in August ‘06, each time asserting her Fifth Amendment right to remain silent. Her attorney has been attempting to force the U.S. government to disclose any illegal electronic surveillance that may have influenced their decision to subpoena Winstead to the grand jury. The government argued that they did not have to reveal their reasons for subpoenaing Winstead, garnered illegally or not, and Judge Illston again denied the motion. This grand jury is one of many convened around the country that target activists as a part of the U.S. government’s stepped-up efforts to silence dissent among eco and animal liberationists, now widely referred to as “The Green Scare”. Read more

Indybay's Past Coverage of Nadia Winstead | FBIwitchHunt.com