Political prisoner: 22 years for burning SUVs

June 10-12, 2005 'Weekend of Resistance' for Political Prisoner Jeff 'Free' Luers

In June 2001, 23 year-old forest defense activist Jeffrey "Free" Luers was sentenced to 22 years and 8 months in prison for the burning of three Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) in Eugene, Oregon. To make a statement about global warming, Jeff and his codefendent, Craig 'Critter' Marshall, set fire to 3 Sport Utility Vehicles at a Eugene car dealership. Their stated purpose was to raise awareness about global warming and the role that SUVs play in that process. No one was hurt in this action nor was that the intent. An arson specialist at trial confirmed that the action did not pose any threat to people based on its size and distance from any fuel source. Despite the fact that this action hurt no one, caused only $40,000 in damages and the cars were later resold, Jeff was sent to prison for a sentence considerably longer than those convicted of murder, kidnapping and rape in Oregon state. Jeff is recognized as a political prisoner by the Jericho Movement and the Anarchist Black Cross Network and Federation and continues to write and agitate for his release while imprisoned at Oregon State Penetentiary. His appeal was filed in January 2002. You can read the latest on his appeal here.
The June 10-12th Weekend Of Resistance is three weeks away. Events for 2005 have already been planned in North America and around the world. Check out the Ideas for Action to plan an event in your community. Read about last year's June 12 Day of Action here and the FBI and Fox News' lies here.
Source: Indymedia