Coronado Free Speech Case Goes To Trial in San Diego

For immediate release - September 6, 2007

Prominent Environmental Leader Goes To Trial in Free Speech Case

Rodney Coronado, well-known environmental, animal rights and Native American activist is facing charges brought by government prosecutors related to a public speech

WHEN: The trial starts Monday, September 10, 2007, 9 am with jury selection.
A hearing for in limine motions regarding admissibility of evidence will be held at 1:30 pm on Thursday, Sept. 6. There will be a press conference after jury selection as proceedings begin on Tuesday, Sept. 11. Time TBA.

WHERE: Federal District Court, 940 Front St., San Diego, California; court of Judge Jeffrey T. Miller, Room 16, 5th floor

WHAT: Rod Coronado is being prosecuted by the federal government for a public speech he gave in 2003 in San Diego. During a question and answer period following the speech, he was asked about previous direct action he has taken in defense of animals and the environment. The government is employing a rarely used statute to prosecute Coronado that relies on the intent of the speaker to foment criminal activity.

WHO: Rod Coronado has been affiliated with many environmental and animal rights organizations, beginning with his work with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society in the late 1980's. He stands as an effective and inspiring speaker and writer on the ecological crisis facing current society. Coronado served a 4 _ year sentence for destroying a fur farm in the 90's and more recently, was imprisoned for moving and setting off traps set to harm mountain lions in a wilderness area in Arizona.

The legal team defending Coronado in this case includes San Diego attorney Jerry Singleton, legendary San Francisco attorney J. Tony Serra, and Omar Figueroa from San Francisco.
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Bay Area Coalition for Headwaters (BACH)
2530 San Pablo Ave.
Berkeley, CA 94702
phone: 510 548 3113
email: bach [at] headwaterspreserve.org
http://www.HeadwatersPreserve.org