Latest Updates on Jose Valle and the Spanish 12 Activists

[Carolyn Bailey]

Twelve animal rights activists were arrested on Wednesday morning by the Spanish police, in a series of raids sanctioned by the judge from the Magistrate's court, Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain.

Igualdad Animal/Animal Equality and Equanimal are committed to non-violent activism and dedicate their efforts to raising public awareness of animal rights, by informing society of the consequences of the consumption of animal products and the promotion of alternatives.

 

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This page has been set-up to update ARZone members on the progress in this case. Please feel free to add any additional information or ask any questions.

 

For more information, please visit http://www.animalequality.net/

 

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[Carolyn Bailey]

Jose Valle, Sharon Núñez and David Herrero, arrested Wednesday morning, June 22, in Madrid, have testified at Midnight on Thursday in Santiago de Compostela. They are on hunger strike, and have played host to the right of not declaring. Soon it will be before the Court.

 

They have been able to send us a message through their lawyer, Daniel Dorado: "We are well. This is a clear attack on antispeciesist organizations and the investigative work that reveals the horrors of animal exploitation."

José Ramón, one of the detained activists, was also able to send us a message through his lawyer: "We are resisting. Four of the activists detained in A Coruña are on hunger strike; They are trying to give us lettuce and tomato sandwiches. It's a police set-up. Inside we do everything we can. We need you to unite in protest and organize demonstrations calling for our freedom. They are trying to put an end to our movement. Show them from within and from outside they cannot"

 

http://www.facebook.com/notes/karol-orzechowski/first-message-from-...!/notes/karol-orzechowski/first-message-from-the-spanish-12-rough-translation/10150219456639286

[blackpanther]

and you can sign a petition on care2 asking for their liberation:

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/free-the-spanish-12---animal-right...

 

We were happy as the13  Austrian activists were proclaimed free from all charges a few weeks ago. (they were accused of terrorism at the beginning of the trial, which lasted for months.......)  They were arrested in 2008 and spent more than 100 days in custody. For two years they had been monitored night and day, including cameras at home and in their office. Nothing illegal found so the police and public prosecutor had to invent evidence, lie, pay informants, ignore exonerating documents etc........

but we feel it's starting again in Spain that time! hard to be an animal rights activist!

[Carolyn Bailey]

Five activists have been freed with charges, being Jose Ramon, Jennifer and Rafa from the group Equanimal, and a fifth person who wishes to remain unnamed. Olaia, from Equanimal, is to be held in custody until the trial. It is important to point out that Olaia is on hunger strike and it could be months before the date of the trial is set. The other activists from Equanimal and Animal Equality are still waiting to go before the Magistrate's Court in Santiago de Compostela to give their statements and hear the charges against them.

 

 

We need to show our support now more than ever, for the freedom of those still detained.

 

Saturday 2:20am (Spain) ~ http://www.facebook.com/AnimalEquality

[blackpanther]

in one of our european AR groups, Jose sent that mail, giving some news:

Hi all,
first things first: THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR AMAZING 
SUPPORT! It has been very emotional to all of us knowing about all the 
demos all over the world.
Now, the story so far…
Last Wednesday 
June 22 about 160 cops divided in thirteen different teams, wearing 
balaklavas and armed with submachine guns raided the homes of twelve animal rights activists
(…plus my mother's home -where I don't live anymore since 2003-!!) in a
coordinated action in different cities all over Spain. They arrested 11
animal rights activists (including some working with Igualdad Animal, 
Equanimal and some unrelated with this groups). Another activist, 
Javier, wasn't arrested at that time because he wasn't at his usual 
home, so he'll declare tomorrow morning.
They took dozens of boxes 
with our stuff, including laptops, tapes, hard drives, dvds, phones, 
money, cameras, hidden cameras, tshirts, books... imposing great 
difficulties to keep working on animal rights.
Right now there are 
three AR prisoners (Olaia Freíra, Eneko Pérez & Eladio Ferreira) and
8 others –including me– have been released with charges (this means 
that we must go every 1st and 15th of every month to sign in court).
We
are accused of illegal association, trespassing, harms against the 
environment (in reference to mink raids), property destruction and 
revealling secrets (installing hidden cameras or filming and releasing 
images obtained at them). One of the activists has the additional charge
of "disobedience to authority". All of them are criminal charges and 
the sentences could be several years in jail.
It seems the judge 
thinks we are the ALF and that we are responsible of a yet unknown 
number of actions (farms and labs raids, sabotages, etc.). He has even 
called us publicly "ecoterrorists"… tho there isn't such thing in our 
laws.
We still don't have the right to know the details of the 
investigation but we know that they have been following us, listening to
our phones, tracking them, reading our emails -including the one I am 
writing from right now I guess-, probably looking into our garbage and 
infiltrating undercover cops among other tactics. We know of at least one undercover cop who tried -without success- to gather information among the volunteers of our group.
We
expect that there will probably be more activists arrested in the 
following days and the whole process could go on for several months at 
least.
With just two exceptions, the media coverage has been totally 
bad, really bad (not checking the truthness of some statements, 
hyper-sensationalism, lies, etc). We are labelled as "ecoterrorists" and
"radical environmentalists". One of the main tv channels even said that
we had instructions on how to make bombs in our website!!! Of course, 
this is a fabrication and the closest thing they could ever find are 
some delicious vegan recipes.
We'll try to keep you updated and have a
new website with the English section running as soon as possible. As 
soon as we have the details / addresses of our 3 activists in jail, 
we'll post them in the list so people can send postcards / letters to 
keep their moral high.
thanks again + all the best,

jose

[blackpanther]

some news:

Appeal for the three Spanish activists currently on remand in custody ||June 28, 2011 
by thespanish12 

Today, 28 June 2011, at 11am, an appeal has been lodged against an ordergiven by the judge from the Magistrate's Court number 2, Santiago de Compostela, to place three of the twelve arrested Spanish activists on remand in custody. These activists are currently in Texeiro prison, Galicia, Spain and we are hoping that this appeal will result in their freedom, as - like all those arrested - they are innocent of all charges. 

We at Equanimal and Animal Equality strongly denounce this entire process, in which the animal rights movements is being criminalised. International support and solidarity is growing, since almost thirty countries have so far carried out protests in solidarity to demand the immediate acquittal of all the activists. 

We will continue to take action until all the arrested activists are acquitted of all charges. 

Email: [e-mail] 

Please sign a petition in support of the activists: http://bit.ly/mw663y 

http://thespanish12.wordpress.com/2011/06/28/appeal-for-the-three-s... 

 

[blackpanther]

some news again, and you can write to the prisoners to support them

 

LATEST NEWS + ADDRESS OF THE ARRESTED:

The team working on the new International Campaign against the
Repression of the Animal Rights Movement in Spain wish to express their
gratitude for all the gestures of solidarity and initiatives that have
taken place over the last few days since Wednesday 22 June when members
of the Spanish police – many wearing balaclavas and carrying sub-machine
guns – entered the homes of twelve animal activists, mainly members of
the organisations Equanimal and Animal Equality, as well as the homes of
the mothers of two of the activists, to carry out arrests and seize
property.

After a hearing in the Magistrate’s Court following three days spent
incommunicado, on Saturday 25 June, three of our companions were placed
on remand in custody, while the other activists were charged and
released on bail. Since then we have been working continuously and with
total dedication with the aim that our companions are released from
prison as soon as possible, and commencing a campaign of support for the
prisoners and against the repression that we are now facing. A
repression that threatens the animal rights movement, including each and
every activist that forms part of it.

Over the last few days we have been assured that our companions can
count on receiving vegan food while they continue to be deprived of
their freedom. We have also formed a network of constant support to make
sure that their necessities are met, for example that their families are
informed of their status. We would like to inform you that you may write
to the three activists at the following addresses:

*Remember that for the letters to arrive you must include the sender’s
details, also that it is likely that each and every letter will be read
by the police.

Olaya Freiría Mato
2011019943
Centro Penitenciario de Teixeiro, módulo 10.
Carretera Paradela, s/n.
Teixeiro. 15310. Curtis. A Coruña.

Eladio Manuel Ferreira Díaz
2011019980
Centro Penitenciario de Teixeiro, módulo 14.
Carretera Paradela, s/n.
Teixeiro. 15310. Curtis. A Coruña.

Eneko Pérez Rodríguez
2011019978
Centro Penitenciario de Teixeiro, módulo 14.
Carretera Paradela, s/n.
Teixeiro. 15310. Curtis. A Coruña.

In spite of understandable anger and indignation that we may feel due to
this injustice, it is crucial that we avoid making hasty decisions, and
that we act with perspective and intelligence, and in a coordinated
manner so that our actions do not impact negatively on our companions
who are currently in prison. We therefore request that you remain
understanding, and bear in mind that over the last few days we have had
to overcome a lack of the ability to communicate, since the police have
seized all computers, telephones and contact details etc.

We currently need people to loan or donate laptops so that we can
continue working for animals as well as for our companions in prison,
and if you can help us in this way please contact us as soon as possible.
Our priorities since leaving the police station are to gain advice from
specialist lawyers who can help us lodge an appeal to demand the release
of our fellow companions, contact journalists who are interested in
spreading news of our case, search for information on similar episodes
of repression that have occurred in other countries, and evaluate the
advantages and disadvantages of communicating to society (and the media)
certain information. Also the most adequate method of doing so.

Over this last week, a national and international support network has
sprung up and is growing day by day, with over 20 countries already
having held demonstrations in solidarity with the Spanish activists. We
are also attempting to ask high-profile vegan musician, Moby, to declare
a statement in support of the animal activists during his upcoming
concert in Vigo, Spain on Thursday.

You can encourage him by sending an email to: [e-mail], or
messaging his twitter account:
@thelittleidiot, his facebook page: Facebook.com/mobymusic, or
commenting on the event page created in Facebook for the Vigo Festival:
https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=177971342258064&ref=nf#!/event.php?eid=177971342258064

Suggested text:

Hi Moby,
Please would you be so kind as to read the following information
attached below. It is vital for the freedom and lives of animal rights
campaigners in Spain and the non-human animals they defend. I would also
like to respectfully ask you to consider reading out the attached
statement in solidarity at your next concert in Vigo (Galicia, Spain).
Some friends will be sending you the following material: a DVD with some
videos of the kind of activism carried out by the organisations
involved, and a campaign t-shirt ; it would be very helpful for us if
you wear it even just for a few minutes during your show if you are in
agreement. Thank you so much for your consideration.
Kind regards,
[Name]

PS: If this message reaches you, please confirm via the following phone
number: +00 34 674216012 or email us at:
[e-mail]
Text to attach:
https://thespanish12.wordpress.com/2011/06/28/texto-de-apoyo-para-m...

On the website HelpARPrisonersSpain.org you will soon find up-to-date
information on the case and the detained activists, material for
demonstrations such as signs, leaflets, statements, banners and the
different ways in which you can help us, as well as all the information
about the campaign. In the meantime, we would like to request that you
participate in the different protests and events that are taking place
daily throughout Spain, as well as demonstrations occurring internationally.
We urgently need your help to acquire funds to offset the growing costs
that we are facing. You can make a direct donation or organise a benefit
event such as a concert, bake-sale, second-hand sale, film showing,
street collection or any other fundraising activity.

Donations should be deposited in the following account:

Banco Santander
0049 1759 58 2990022193

International Account Number (IBAN):
IBAN ES5300491759582990022193
Or through our PayPal account: [e-mail]

Last Wednesday 22 June, an attack against the animal rights movement was
unveiled that had been in progress for the last few years with the aim
of protecting the interests of the animal exploitation industries and
repressing those who work for non-human animals.
We cannot permit that activists voices are silenced because their
freedom, and the lives of animals, depend on them.

Join the International Campaign against the Repression of the Animal
Rights Movement in Spain!

Equanimal website: www.Equanimal.org
Equanimal on Facebook: www.Facebook.com/equanimal.org
Animal Equality website: www.animalequality.net
Animal Equality on Facebook: www.Facebook.com/animalequality

MEDIA CONTACTSTelephone: [phone]/[phone]
Email: [e-mail]

[JavierCF]

Please, in the name of the family of Olaia, we think that to send a lot of letters to the prisioners is not good at the moment. We ask you to stop the massive mailing, because it can be harmful to them.

Thanks for your comprehension and your support

[blackpanther]

Javier, OK, but if I were in Olaia's place, I would like to know people think of me and support me....anyway, I informed my french friends of that fact.

Thanks

[blackpanther]

In fact, Olaia wishes to continue receiving letters, unless she asks us to stop, see the mail below, so go on, write letters and cards to support her and the 2 others still in prison

De : Animal Equality [mailto:[e-mail]] 
Envoyé : samedi 2 juillet 2011 21:25 
À : ...................
Objet : Re: Important question re Olaia 

 

Dear Diana, 

We have got in contact with the people who are closer to Olaia, and they 
have said, that unless she expresses personally to stop writing, 
we should continue sending her letters of support. We always want to remind: 

-All letters will be read by prison personnel. Do not include inappropriate 
subjects. 
-Include the sender's details or your letter will not be passed on. 
-Don't include paperclips or staples, only paper or postcards. 
-Don't be offended if you don't receive a reply, it is possible that they 
will receive a large quantity of mail. 
-Maintain a positive tone. 
-Remember that for the prisoners your letters are a show of support from the 
outside to remind them that they are not alone and that there are many 
people on the outside that are concerned about them. 

Thanks for getting back to us with this matter, 

All the best, 

Laura Gough 

[Carolyn Bailey]

Thanks for all the updates, blackpanther!

 

Carolyn :)

 

[Susannah]

What you can do to support the 12 animal activists persecuted in Spain

by Animal Equality on Monday, 04 July 2011 at 21:52

We will shortly announce details of the international campaign currently being set up by the organisations Equanimal and Animal Equality to support the 12 activists in Spain who have been unjustly accused of offences they have not committed, as a result of their extensive investigations into the Spanish fur industry.

 

Background information on the case: here

 

 

There are many things that you can do as an individual to support these activists.

 

It is of vital importance that the support for these dedicated people- who either work for or have worked with Equanimal and Animal Equality - is global, with the aim that Olaia Feiría, Eneko Pérez and Eladio Ferreria, are released from prison as a matter of urgency, and the additional aim that the rest of the activists, who have been charged and released on bail, are not sent to prison. It is also essential that the international community learns of the repression that the animal rights movement is currently facing worldwide.

 

In spite of the fact that both organisations have had nearly all their office equipment seized, we are working intensely so that next week the new campaign website is up and running: HelpARPrisonersSpain.org. This website will contain all the information on the international campaign, a list of events that you can organise, official campaign material to download (posters, leaflets etc.) to use in demos and other events, and guidelines on how to organise events effectively and simply, so that the maximum number of people join the campaign and support the activists.

 

In the meantime, please read the following suggestions of events that you can organise in support:

 

SUPPORT AT AN INDIVIDUAL LEVEL

 

1- If you live in Spain, you can join the different activities and initiatives that are taking place daily in Vigo, Santiago, Madrid, Barcelona, Granada, Seville and Bilbao.

 

2 – If you live outside Spain, look for events organised in your city on facebook or on our support blog thespanish12.wordpress.com. The event listings will soon be moved to our new site HelpARprisonersSpain.org. Over 22 countries have already held demonstrations in support of the activists with more to follow.

 

3 - If there are no demonstrations or other events where you live, you could organise your own. Next week our new campaign website will be up and running: HelpARPrisonersSpain.org. This website will contain official campaign material to download (posters, leaflets etc.) to use in demos and other events. Once you have found others to organise an event with, please let us know your plans at  [e-mail]

 

4 – Organise benefit events to help raise funds for our legal defence and the enormous costs we are facing, including replacing our computers, cameras, phones and other office equipment seized by police. Suggestions include concerts, bake-sales, second-hand sales, sponsored events and any other legal activity you can think up to help raise money.

 

5 – Encourage other organisations and associations to join our campaign, and to release our press statement [http://on.fb.me/lpp6Kx] in solidarity. Write to them and include the following link: here

 

6 – Encourage important personalities to join our campaign, and ask them to get in contact with us via [e-mail]. We need personalities such as artists, philosophers, lawyers, scientists, journalists, politicians etcetera to show their support for the campaign and their solidarity in the face of this repression - whose aim is to disrupt the work of activists who campaign peacefully for animal rights.

 

7 – Make an donation to help us meet the costs of lawyers' fees and the campaign. Every amount counts.

 

Bank account details:

Banco Santander 0049 1759 58 2990022193 / IBAN ES530049175958299002219

 

Or via PayPal: here

 

Share the news of the repression of the activists in Spain with your social network contacts, friends, family, co-workers and encourage them to join the campaign.

 

For more information:

• [e-mail]

• HelpARPrisonersSpain.org

• Animal Equality's Facebook page

• Animal Equality's website

• Equanimal's website

• Equanimal's Facebook page

 

SUPPORT US! We need your help NOW more than ever.

[Kate✯GO VEGAN+NOBODY GETS HURT Ⓥ]

WE WON THE APPEAL! OLAIA, ENEKO AND ELADIO WILL BE FREE TO LEAVE PRISON SOON!! :D